Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Sizzling Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe for Summer Fun

Juicy sausage and grilled shrimp kabobs dance with smoky flavors that promise an unforgettable meal.

Skewers loaded with vibrant ingredients spark excitement for outdoor cooking adventures.

Mediterranean-inspired marinades infuse each morsel with incredible depth and complexity.

Summer gatherings become magical moments when these colorful kabobs sizzle on the grill.

Bold spices and charred edges create a sensational blend of textures you’ll absolutely love.

Fresh herbs scattered across the plate add a bright, aromatic finish.

Grab your wooden skewers and fire up the grill – this recipe is about to become your new weekend favorite.

Why Sausage and Shrimp Kabobs Are a Grill Must

  • Transform ordinary ingredients into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
  • Maximize outdoor cooking enjoyment by creating a versatile recipe that works perfectly for backyard gatherings, summer parties, or casual weeknight dinners.
  • Combine juicy shrimp and savory sausage for a protein-rich dish that delivers bold, Mediterranean-inspired tastes in every single bite.
  • Master simple grilling skills with an easy recipe that requires minimal cooking expertise, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.

What to Prep for Surf and Turf Kabobs

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein with delicate texture, best when fresh and deveined.
  • Sausage: Hearty meat adding smoky flavor, choose pre-cooked or smoked variety for easier grilling.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables adding crunch and sweetness, select firm and bright colored peppers.
Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright citrus tang and helps tenderize seafood.
  • Garlic: Provides deep aromatic flavor, fresh cloves recommended over pre-minced.
  • Paprika: Adds warm color and mild pepper taste.
  • Oregano: Brings Mediterranean herb notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
Garnish and Optional:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herb accent.
  • Lemon Wedges: Provides optional fresh citrus squeeze.
Skewers:
  • Wooden Skewers: Need pre-soaking to prevent burning, alternative metal skewers work well.

Grilling Sausage & Shrimp Kabobs with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers completely in cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper

Step 3: Marinate Shrimp

Pour marinade over shrimp and gently toss until completely coated. Allow seafood to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 4: Assemble Colorful Skewers

Thread ingredients onto prepared skewers in alternating pattern:
  • Succulent shrimp
  • Sliced sausage
  • Vibrant bell peppers
  • Chunky onion pieces

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place assembled skewers on hot grill grates. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, rotating occasionally. Watch for shrimp turning pink and opaque, sausage developing slight char.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer sizzling skewers to serving platter. Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or accompany with lemon wedges for extra zest.

Tips for Timing the Sausage and Shrimp Just Right

  • Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ensuring safe, even cooking.
  • Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow herbs and spices to deeply penetrate and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Ensure Even Cooking: Cut sausage and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so each ingredient grills uniformly and reaches the perfect doneness simultaneously.
  • Quick Protein Check: Confirm shrimp are fully cooked when they turn completely pink and opaque, and sausage develops a slight char for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Keep Kabobs Moist: Avoid overcooking by watching grill closely and turning skewers occasionally, which helps maintain juiciness and prevents ingredients from drying out.

How to Keep Kabobs for a Future Meal

  • Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, keeping ingredients separated to maintain texture.
  • Warm kabobs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Skip microwave reheating, as it can make shrimp rubbery and tough, compromising the delicate protein's quality.
  • Consider removing shrimp from skewers before storing to help ingredients cool faster and prevent soggy texture.

What Sides Go with Shrimp and Sausage Skewers

  • Crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the seafood and cut through the richness of sausage, creating a refreshing balance.
  • Serve warm, crusty artisan bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up marinades and juices, adding texture and enhancing the kabob's flavor profile.
  • Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the grilled kabobs and add nutritional variety.
  • Create a homemade lemon-herb spritzer with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of mint to cleanse the palate and match the kabob's bright, grilled notes.

Kabob Variations for a Fun Twist

  • Low-Carb Kabobs: Replace bell peppers and onions with low-carb zucchini and mushroom chunks, perfect for keto dieters seeking fewer carbohydrates.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu cubes, maintaining protein content while creating a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade and include kalamata olives between shrimp and protein pieces for an intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sausage and ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Kabob FAQs

  • How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without making the seafood tough.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo for varied flavor profiles.

  • What type of peppers work best for these kabobs?

Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) are ideal because they’re sturdy, colorful, and grill well without falling apart.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these kabobs?

You’ll need skewers (wooden or metal) and a grill, but a grill pan can work if outdoor grilling isn’t possible.

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Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy sausage & grilled shrimp kabobs combine Mediterranean flavors with smoky charred edges, creating a perfect summer grill sensation. Colorful peppers and zesty marinades elevate these skewers, promising a delightful feast you’ll savor bite after mouthwatering bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds

Vegetables:

  • 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

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for a minimum of 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty olive oil, bright lemon juice, minced garlic, warm paprika, aromatic oregano, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Immerse shrimp in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes while gathering remaining ingredients.
  4. Create colorful kabobs by carefully threading marinated shrimp, sliced sausage, chunky bell peppers, and quartered onion pieces onto prepared skewers, alternating ingredients for visual appeal.
  5. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting around 375-400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal cooking conditions.
  6. Arrange assembled kabobs directly on grill grates, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side, rotating periodically to ensure even charring and consistent cooking.
  7. Monitor shrimp closely, looking for distinct pink coloration and translucent texture, while allowing sausage to develop slight caramelized edges.
  8. Transfer grilled kabobs to serving platter, enhancing presentation with fresh chopped parsley or complementary lemon wedges for additional brightness and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and ensure even cooking.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let shrimp marinate longer than 15-20 minutes if possible, up to 30 minutes, to allow deeper absorption of herbs and spices.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage for vegetarian guests.
  • Grill Temperature Tricks: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding skewers to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of grilling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 675 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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