Jul 3, 2023
updated
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Make your kabobs taste even better with these quick and easy marinade recipes!
You can tenderize your favorite protein and add delicious flavor to beef, chicken, and veggies with simple ingredients in just a few minutes. Check how below!
Should I Marinate Kabobs Before Grilling?
You don’t need to marinate kabobs before grilling them, but you’ll want to! Marinades infuse meat and veggies with delicious flavors while they help to tenderize beef, chicken, and other proteins. So, it’s not necessary, but highly recommended!
Whether you make the most of the grilling season outdoors or enjoy cooking kabobs in the oven, simple marinades are your ally for mouthwatering skewers. The best part: 15 to 30 minutes is enough to marinate veggies and protein!
Best Marinades for Kabobs
These quick and easy marinades will turn good kabobs into epic ones!
How Long to Marinate Kabobs Before Grilling
When you make marinades with a citric ingredient 15 to 20 minutes is all you need for any protein to absorb the flavors. Veggies need a little longer, at least 30 minutes but can marinate as long as 4 hours.
Citrus and acidic marinades begin to break down the proteins after 4 hours so that is the maximum recommended. For non-citrus-based marinades, you can let chicken or beef marinade overnight, but not more than a day. For perfect results, follow the recipe or marinade instructions.
Tips for Marinating Kabobs
While marinating is a simple process that requires little supervision: follow these tips for the best results:
Cut the meat before marinating
Although you can marinate whole chicken breasts or a piece of beef, you’ll get more flavorful and tender meat by cutting it into even pieces before marinating. This will ensure that every piece absorbs the marinade.
Use a bowl, tray, or zip bag
You can marinate veggies or meat pieces inside a bowl, a marinating tray, or a zip bag. If the skewers are already assembled, soak them using a marinating tray.
Prep the skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes while the meat or veggies marinate. This way, you prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
Discard the marinade
No matter what of these delicious kabobs marinades from above you decide to use, always discard them after using them.
Don’t overcook
While marinades help to tenderize meat, overcooking beef and chicken could turn out dry, rubbery meat. To check doneness, I recommend using a meat thermometer to get juicy and perfect kabobs every time.
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