Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are an exciting, bold fusion of flavors that are perfect for the grilling season. Featuring succulent shrimp and smoky sausage pieces, these kabobs are threaded together and cooked to perfection, making them a great option for a summer BBQ, tailgate, or quick weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish provides a delicious surf-and-turf experience that’s satisfying and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Combination of Shrimp and Sausage: The smoky flavor of sausage pairs beautifully with the juicy shrimp for a balanced bite.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Ideal for those busy nights when you need a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
- Healthy & High in Protein: This dish offers a protein-packed, low-carb option that fits well into many healthy eating plans.
- Customization is Easy: You can add your favorite veggies or experiment with different marinades to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for Large Groups: These kabobs are perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any gathering, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
- No Mess: Everything is cooked on the grill, so there’s no need to worry about dirtying up the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavor in Every Bite: The combination of smoky, savory sausage and succulent shrimp makes this meal a delight for your taste buds.
- Fantastic Presentation: Whether you’re entertaining or just having a casual meal, these skewers offer an attractive and appetizing presentation.
- Adaptable to Different Shrimp Sizes and Sausage Types: Whether you prefer jumbo shrimp or smaller sizes, and any variety of sausage, this recipe works with what you have.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Smoked sausage (like andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced into rounds
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini chunks for extra flavor and color
Directions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds to ensure they cook evenly on the grill.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the shrimp, sausage, and any optional veggies (such as bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini) onto the skewers, alternating between the ingredients to ensure a balanced skewer.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, and the sausage is browned and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers hot with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Sweet-and-Savory Twist: Add pineapple chunks to your skewers for a delicious contrast to the smoky sausage and shrimp.
- Spicy Option: Use a spicy Cajun sausage or Italian sausage to give the dish a little extra heat.
- Unified Flavor: Marinate the sausage along with the shrimp for a more cohesive flavor throughout the kabobs.
- Garlic Butter Drizzle: Top the kabobs with a drizzle of garlic butter or chimichurri sauce for an added boost of flavor.
- Lighter Option: Use chicken sausage as a healthier alternative while still retaining that savory flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, remove the shrimp and sausage from the skewers and warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as this can cause them to become rubbery.
Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked sausage (like andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch chunks
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Assemble skewers by alternating shrimp, sausage, and optional veggies (bell peppers, zucchini).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates lightly.
- Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp is opaque and sausage is browned.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, your favorite dipping sauce, or side dish.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of shrimp should I use?
For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp as they cook evenly and retain their juicy texture.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked smoked sausage. Just heat it through on the grill until browned and slightly charred.
Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp?
Marinating is optional, but it’s highly recommended as it helps tenderize the shrimp and adds extra flavor.
Can I cook these kabobs in the oven or air fryer?
Yes! You can broil the kabobs in the oven for 5-7 minutes or air fry them at 375°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
What vegetables go well with these kabobs?
Bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini all pair wonderfully with shrimp and sausage and cook beautifully on the grill.
Can I make these kabobs ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before grilling.
Are these kabobs spicy?
The dish is not spicy unless you use spicy sausage or add hot seasonings. You can adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Can I freeze sausage and shrimp kabobs?
You can freeze them raw, but it’s best to grill them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Do I need to peel the shrimp before grilling?
Yes, it’s best to peel and devein the shrimp before grilling to ensure they cook properly and make them easier to eat.
What’s a good dipping sauce for these kabobs?
Garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, ranch, or a lemon butter sauce would all be great choices to accompany these kabobs.
Conclusion
Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a fantastic, quick, and flavorful meal option that’s perfect for any grilling occasion. The combination of smoky sausage and juicy shrimp creates a mouthwatering surf-and-turf bite that’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With minimal preparation, these kabobs are perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. Fire up your grill, throw on some skewers, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this delightful dish!
Grilled Shrimp & Sausage Skewers
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These grilled shrimp and sausage kabobs are a flavor-packed mix of tender shrimp, smoky sausage, and colorful vegetables. Grilled to perfection, they’re easy to make and perfect for quick dinners, BBQs, or meal prep. Serve with rice, a salad, or just enjoy them right off the skewer!
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 12 oz smoked 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, and let sit for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread shrimp, sausage, peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Grill the Kabobs: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F) and cook kabobs for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and sausage is charred.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp as they cook quickly.
- Kielbasa or chorizo can be used for a flavor twist.
- These kabobs also work well on a Blackstone or grill pan indoors.