Smoky Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Juicy Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe for Summer Fun

Summers call for deliciously smoky sausage & grilled shrimp kabobs that burst with flavor and bring everyone together.

Bold spices dance across perfectly charred meat and seafood, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for outdoor gatherings.

These kabobs blend smoky sausage chunks with succulent shrimp, promising a feast that ignites taste buds.

Each skewer tells a story of grilling mastery and culinary creativity.

Marinades infuse every bite with robust seasonings that complement the natural sweetness of shrimp and richness of sausage.

The grill transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that sparks conversation and satisfies hunger.

You’ll want to fire up the barbecue and savor every single bite of this irresistible combination.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients In Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

For Marinades and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Carries herbal flavors and helps ingredients brown beautifully on the grill.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy notes and tenderizes seafood naturally.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean warmth.
  • Paprika: Delivers subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Oregano: Introduces earthy, peppery herbal undertones typical in Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances other ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Contributes subtle heat and sharp, warming undertones.
For Protein Components:
  • Shrimp: Select fresh, firm shellfish with clean ocean scent and bright coloration.
  • Sausage: Choose pre-cooked varieties like andouille or kielbasa for quick grilling.
For Vegetable Companions:
  • Bell Peppers: Add crisp texture and sweet, colorful visual appeal.
  • Onion: Provides caramelized sweetness and aromatic depth when grilled.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish offering fresh, bright herbal finish.
  • Lemon Wedges: Optional zesty accompaniment for additional citrus brightness.

Essential Tools For Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • Skewers: Long wooden or metal sticks for threading ingredients.
  • Grill: Essential for cooking kabobs with direct heat.
  • Small bowl: For whisking marinade ingredients together.
  • Whisk: Needed to blend marinade smoothly.
  • Cutting board: For slicing sausage and chopping vegetables.
  • Sharp knife: To cut sausage and peppers into even pieces.
  • Tongs: Perfect for safely turning kabobs on the grill.
  • Measuring spoons: To measure marinade ingredients accurately.

Instructions To Make Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • Prep Skewers

Dunk wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during grilling.

  • Whip Up Magic Marinade

Blend olive oil, zesty lemon juice, crushed garlic, smoky paprika, fragrant oregano, salt, and pepper into a flavor-packed liquid.

  • Infuse Shrimp with Flavor

Cover shrimp in marinade and let them soak up deliciousness for 15-20 minutes.

  • Build Tasty Towers

Slide shrimp, sausage slices, colorful peppers, and onion chunks onto skewers, creating a beautiful pattern of ingredients.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F.

  • Sear and Char

Grill kabobs for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even cooking. Watch for shrimp turning pink and sausage getting perfectly charred.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Plate your kabobs and sprinkle with fresh parsley or squeeze lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips And Ideas For Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • Heat Control Magic: Keep grill temperature steady between 375-400°F for perfectly cooked shrimp and sausage without burning.
  • Marinating Mastery: Let shrimp soak in marinade no longer than 15-20 minutes to prevent tough, rubbery texture and maintain delicate seafood flavor.
  • Wooden Skewer Safety: Always soak wooden skewers in water for minimum 20 minutes to prevent burning and potential fire risks during grilling.
  • Protein Swap Options: Replace shrimp with chicken chunks or use turkey sausage for lower-fat alternative that maintains similar flavor profile and grilling technique.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shrimp and sausage with firm tofu, portobello mushrooms, and plant-based sausage, keeping marinade and grilling method identical for delicious meatless version.

How To Serve Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • Fresh Flavor Burst: Top the kabobs with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
  • Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or tzatziki sauce to complement the grilled sausage and shrimp, adding an extra layer of creamy goodness.
  • Summer Side Kick: Serve alongside a light quinoa salad or grilled corn on the cob to create a complete and satisfying meal that screams summer barbecue.
  • Zesty Presentation: Arrange kabobs on a large wooden board with fresh lemon wedges and herbs, making the dish visually appealing and inviting for guests to dig in.

Planning And Storing Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

  • Quick Chill Method: Spread leftover kabobs on a baking sheet, cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to airtight containers for refrigeration.
  • Fridge Storage Hack: Sealed containers keep kabobs fresh for 2-3 days. Separate proteins and veggies if possible to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm kabobs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent rubbery shrimp and tough sausage. Add a splash of olive oil to retain moisture.
  • Smart Prep Strategy: Build extra kabobs during initial cooking. Package uncooked assembled skewers in freezer bags, storing flat for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before grilling for quick future meals.
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Smoky Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Smoky Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Grilled sausage & shrimp kabobs blend Mediterranean flavors with smoky char. Colorful skewers combine zesty Italian sausage, succulent shrimp, and charred vegetables for a delightful summer meal you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 12 oz (340 g) smoked or andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak Skewers: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
  2. Create Marinade: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to craft a zesty flavor base.
  3. Marinate Proteins: Thoroughly coat shrimp in the aromatic mixture, allowing 15-20 minutes for flavor absorption and tenderizing.
  4. Assemble Kabobs: Thread alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, bell peppers, and onions onto pre-soaked skewers, creating a colorful and balanced composition.
  5. Prepare Grill: Heat grill to medium-high temperature (375-400°F), ensuring optimal cooking conditions for proteins and vegetables.
  6. Grill Kabobs: Carefully place assembled skewers on hot grates, rotating periodically to achieve even cooking. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for shrimp to turn pink and opaque while sausage develops a slight char.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer grilled kabobs to a serving platter, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to stop them from charring during grilling, ensuring safe and even cooking.
  • Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to deeply absorb the zesty lemon, garlic, and herb flavors, creating a more intense taste experience.
  • Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: Maintain medium-high grill temperature (375-400°F) and rotate kabobs regularly to create beautiful char lines and ensure even cooking of both shrimp and sausage.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage alternatives for vegetarian guests while keeping the same delicious marinade and grilling technique.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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