When it comes to culinary delights that bring together smoky flavors and tender morsels of meat or vegetables, few dishes can match the mouthwatering appeal of shish kebab. Originating from the Middle East, this time-honored method of grilling skewered ingredients has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover what to serve with shish kabobs and the basics of kebab, from the choice of proteins to the art of marinades and grilling techniques. 

Read on as we explore what to serve with shish kabobs, adding depth and flavor to the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a curious beginner, get ready to discover the secrets behind crafting excellent shish kebabs and creating a feast to remember.

Let’s go to The Chalkboard.

For this article, the term kebab and kabob are used interchangeably. According to Britannica, “kebab, also spelled kebob or kabob, is a dish of Middle Eastern or Central Asian origin that typically combines small pieces of meat such as lamb or beef with vegetables on a skewer and is then grilled.” 

What Vegetable Is Best For Kabobs

Part of what makes kebabs great is their flexibility. This style of cooking works with many meats and vegetables. 

When picking vegetables, think about the ones you want naturally grill. You need them strong enough to hold up to high-heat cooking. Leafy greens won’t work here, but here’s a list of vegetables best for kabobs.

1. Potatoes
2. Mushrooms
3. Zucchini
4. Squash
5. Onions
6. Bell Peppers
7. Brussel Sprouts
8. Tomatoes (Grape or Cherry)

BONUS – What Fruits Are Good On Kabobs

1. Pineapple
2. Peaches
3. Plums
4. Nectarines 
5. Watermelon

Do You Use Red or White Onions For Kabobs?

The beauty of onions is that you can often substitute one for the other. Although we prefer yellow or red, almost any onion type will do for kabobs. White onions have a strong flavor that may be too much for some.

When using onions in kabobs, if other vegetables are present, plan for ¼ of an onion per person. 

We like to cut a small red onion into eight wedges. We use about one or two per skewer. There will be multiple layers of onion. If you use only one piece, it often won’t provide enough flavor.

How Do You Cut Bell Peppers For Kabobs

The trick to great kabobs is to ensure all components are approximately the same size. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking. The best way to cut bell peppers for kabobs is to cut them into 1″ -2″ squares. Here’s how.

1. Place the pepper on a cutting board and slice down the sides four times.
2. Cut those larger pieces in thirds. 
3. You should end up with 12-16 1″ -2″ pieces.

Marinating the vegetables for kebabs is unnecessary, but you want to season them before cooking. Place chopped vegetables in a bowl, add one tablespoon of olive oil and ½ tablespoon of seasoning per pound, and mix. 

Should I Marinate Vegetables For Kabobs

We’ve found a vegetable marinade unnecessary for kabobs. It’s time-consuming and doesn’t impart much more flavor than seasoning. Here’s how to impart flavor without a marinade.

Place your prepared vegetables in a large bowl and add one tablespoon of olive oil and ½ tablespoon of seasoning per pound of veggies. Toss to mix and then add to your skewers.

We love equal parts salt, smoked paprika, and a half-part cayenne on veggies for a flavorful kick. But the sky is the limit for kebab seasoning.

What Is The Most Tender Meat For Kabobs

Unfortunately, the most tender meats are the most expensive ones. This means filet mignon, sirloin, and skirt steak are great for kebabs. If these cuts are out of your budget, there are other options.

Flank steak and chuck work well in kebabs but need a good marinade to tenderize. Chicken and fish kabobs are also a great choice, but since they are leaner, watch the internal temperature will cooking to ensure they don’t dry out.

What Is the Trick To Cooking Kabobs

Cooking kabobs is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tricks to help ensure success. After making countless recipes, here’s what I’ve learned. 

1. If you use wooden skewers, soak them so they don’t char. You need to submerge them in water for 30 minutes or so completely. 
2. Make sure all of the ingredients are approximately the same size; this ensures even cooking.
3. If you are using potatoes, parboil them. Place them in a bowl, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and cut one hole to release steam—microwave for five minutes or until soft inside. 
4. You can either marinate the meat or season it. Tough cuts of meat like flank or chuck steak need some time marinating to break down the fibers and soften. We also like to marinate filet mignon since they have little flavor.
5. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Pour a tablespoon or two of a high heat oil like avocado into a ramekin and place a folded paper towel in it to absorb. Rub the COLD grill grates to coat. 

What Is Traditionally Served With Kebabs

Persian Kebabs are traditionally served with grilled tomatoes, onions, and any other vegetables you like, with a big bed of basmati rice and Shirazi Salad.

What To Serve With Shish Kabobs — What Veggies Go With Steak Kabobs

Vegetables are the perfect accompaniment to steak kabobs. Here are some excellent vegetable side dishes for steak kebabs.

1. Roasted Cauliflower
2. Roasted Broccoli
3. Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Wrapped in bacon – even better!)
4. Mashed Potatoes
5. Roasted Potatoes
6. Cauliflower Mash
7. Cauliflower Rice
8. Roasted Turnips
9. Mashed Turnips
10. Rutabaga Fries
11. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
12. Sweet Potato Fries

What To Serve With Veggie Kabobs

1. Ancient Grains
2. Roasted Chickpeas
3. Cauliflower Rice
4. Persian Yellow Rice
5. Roasted Potatoes
6. Mashed Potatoes
7. Bread Sticks
8. Mashed Turnips

What To Serve With Shish Kabobs On The Grill (Chicken and Steak)

There’s no reason to cook in the kitchen when making these side dishes. Here are some great side dishes for chicken and steak kebabs.

1. Boil In A Bag Rice
2. Roasted Potatoes
3. Roasted Turnips
4. Roasted Broccoli
5. Roasted Cauliflower
6. Garlic Bread
7. Roasted Turnips
8. Baked Potatoes
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
10. Corn on the Cob

What To Serve With Shish Kabobs — Best Salad To Go With Chicken Kebabs

1. Simple Shirazi Salad
2. Arugula Salad
3. Arugula Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
4. Romaine Lettuce with a Red Wine Vinaigrette

What To Serve With Shish Kabobs — What Kind Of Rice Goes With Kabobs

Basmati rice is typically served with kebabs. This grain is generally grown in India and Pakistan and is unique in how it develops during cooking. 

While most rice varieties expand in every direction, basmati only gets longer. It retains its slender profile. Basmati is considered an aromatic rice, which means it has a nutty flavor and a pleasant smell. 

Persian yellow rice is often served with kabobs at restaurants. If you can’t find basmati, jasmine is a great substitute. 

Healthy Side Dish For Kabobs & Low Carb Sides For Kabobs

Kale Chips
Shirazi Salad
Green Salad
Cauliflower Rice
Brussel Sprout Chips
Turnip Fries
Roasted Turnips
Sauteed Mushrooms
Melted Onions
Bacon-Wrapped Brussel Sprouts
Zucchini Chips

What To Eat With Steak Kabobs

Spinach Salad
Shirazi Salad
Rice
Quinoa
Bread
Mashed Potatoes
Kale Chips
Grits
Sweet Potato Fries
French Fries
Tater Tots

What Do You Think?

We’d love to hear your suggestions for what to serve with shish kabobs. Let us know in the comments below!

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