Grilled Turkey Shish Kabob

Grilled Turkey Shish Kabob Recipe from Turkey

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Turkey Shish Kabob is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender turkey, flavorful vegetables, and a tangy marinade make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

History

Shish kabobs have been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The tradition of skewering meat and vegetables and grilling them over an open flame has been passed down through generations. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic shish kabob by using turkey as the main protein.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) turkey breast tenderloins
0.33 cup chili sauce
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp white or brown sugar
2 bay leaves
8 mushrooms
8 cherry tomatoes
1 medium zucchini (sliced into 0.5-inch slices)
0.5 green pepper (cut into 2-inch squares)
2 onions (red, white, or yellow only, cut into quarters)
2 tbsp cooking oil

How to prepare

Cut the turkey tenderloins into 1.5 inch cubes.
Mix the first four ingredients and pour over the turkey cubes.
Toss the turkey cubes to coat them and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
Thread the turkey and vegetables alternately on skewers. Brush them lightly with oil.
Broil or grill the skewers 6" from the heat or coals for 10 minutes.
Turn the skewers and brush them occasionally with the marinade.
Serve the skewers plain or with rice on the side.

Variations

Try using different vegetables such as bell peppers, eggplant, or pineapple on the skewers for a unique twist on this recipe.
Experiment with different marinades such as teriyaki or barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the turkey for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the turkey and vegetables to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Cook the shish kabobs over medium-high heat to ensure that the turkey cooks through without burning the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broil or grill the skewers for 10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with marinade to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of turkey for this recipe if desired.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking or based on what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the turkey and vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing white wine or a cold beer for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 12g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This Grilled Turkey Shish Kabob is a well-balanced meal that is low in calories and high in protein. It is a great option for those looking to eat a healthy and delicious meal.

Summary

Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs are a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. With a flavorful marinade, tender turkey, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn how to cook like my own grandmother. I remember spending hours in the kitchen with her, watching as she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals with ingredients I could barely pronounce.

One summer day, while rummaging through some old cookbooks in my grandmother's kitchen, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered recipe card for Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs. The paper was yellowed with age and covered in splatters of various ingredients, a testament to the many times it had been used and loved. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled knowingly before launching into a tale of how she first learned to make them.

"It was many years ago," she began, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "I was a young bride, eager to impress my new husband with my cooking skills. One day, while visiting a local market, I stumbled upon a vendor selling the most succulent turkey I had ever seen. I knew I had to try it, so I bought some and asked the vendor for a recipe to make a special dish with it."

The vendor, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, handed my grandmother a faded recipe card for Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs. She told my grandmother that it was a family recipe passed down through generations, and that it was sure to be a hit with her new husband. Excited, my grandmother rushed home to try it out.

As she read through the recipe, my grandmother was struck by how simple and straightforward it was. Marinate the turkey in a mixture of herbs and spices, thread it onto skewers with colorful vegetables, and grill to perfection. It sounded easy enough, but my grandmother was determined to make it just right.

She carefully followed each step, taking her time to ensure that the turkey was perfectly seasoned and the vegetables were evenly spaced on the skewers. As she placed the kabobs on the grill, the delicious aroma of sizzling meat and vegetables filled the air, making her mouth water in anticipation.

When the kabobs were finally done, my grandmother couldn't wait to try them. She tentatively took a bite, savoring the flavors that exploded in her mouth. The tender turkey was perfectly complemented by the smoky char of the grill, and the vegetables added a burst of color and freshness to the dish. It was love at first bite.

From that day on, Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs became a staple in my grandmother's kitchen. She made them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for a quiet night at home with my grandfather. Each time she made them, she was transported back to that day in the market, when she first discovered the magic of this simple yet delicious recipe.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing to make Grilled Turkey Shish Kabobs for my own family, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for my grandmother and the culinary legacy she has passed down to me. The recipe may have come from a vendor in a market many years ago, but the memories and love that accompany it are truly priceless. And as I take my first bite of the perfectly grilled kabob, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished tradition in our family for generations to come.