1. Double skewers for shrimp
Shrimp have a tendency to turn over on the skewer while cooking. To rectify this, pierce them on two wooden skewers side by side.This trick also works for asparagus.
seafood
Lemon and Garlic Shrimp Skewers
2. Easy threading
To make threading food onto skewers, particularly metal ones, simpler, apply some oil. That way, the food will slide on more easily.
3. Soak wooden skewers
To keep them from charring and breaking, soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes in a long dish, so that they are totally submerged. Forgot this step? Simply wrap the ends with aluminum foil. You can even put white pieces of green onion on each end. Genius!
4. Choose a fish that holds together best
Certain types of fish have a tendency to fall apart when cooked on skewers. You can make cubes with less flaky fish fillets, such as salmon, monkfish and tuna. You can even go with scallops. To ensure you can easily turn the skewers, oil the grates well.
30-MINUTE RECIPES
Scallop and Pancetta Skewers
5. Use plant-based skewers
Rosemary branches used as skewers can deliciously flavour meat, poultry, vegetables, halloumi cheese and tofu. Remove the leaves, either partially or completely (you can use them in the marinade or as a garnish), and be sure to soak the branches in water, otherwise they’ll burn. Long stalks of lemongrass are also an original option.
6. Marinate for a long enough time
Marinades that include fat, acid and spices help tenderize and flavour the meat. However, it’s important to note that marinating times vary depending on the food.
- For fish, marinate from 30 to 60 minutes.
- For chicken souvlaki skewers, about two hours.
- For a whole chicken, four to six hours.
- For tougher meats, you can extend marination for up to 48 hours.
healthy
Monkfish Kebabs
the best
Souvlaki Skewers (The Best)
7. Make sure everything cooks at the same time
Avoid the inconvenience of skewers that are unevenly cooked or overcooked. One solution is to thread foods with similar cooking times on the same skewer. Pre-blanch vegetables that take longer to cook for about a minute or two in the microwave, or place more delicate foods on a separate skewer.
8. Japanese inspiration
These small skewers, popular in Japan, are usually prepared with chicken.
9. Sugar cane skewers
Sugar cane stalks, sold in cans at Asian grocery stores, make wonderful skewers when wrapped with fish or shrimp paste, and then steamed. Once the meal is done, you can chew on the sugar cane and enjoy its sweet juice.
10. Serve on a clean plate
Once cooked, meat, poultry and fish skewers should be placed on a clean tray or large plate (not the one used to carry the raw skewers to the grill).
11. Fruit skewers
Wow your kids by preparing these colourful fruit skewers, along with some marshmallows. Then stick one of the sharp ends into an unpeeled honeydew melon half, placed flat on a plate.
fruit
Exotic Fruit Skewers
12. Grill maintenance
Once your skewers have cooled, be sure to clean your grill grates. To save time, turn your burners to max for a few minutes after you’ve finished cooking. The high heat will loosen any residue stuck on the grates. Then turn off the heat, quickly brush the grates and you’ll be done!
