Sausage & Shrimp Kabobs are one of those easy dinners that feel like you tried harder than you did. They cook fast. They clean up fast. And yes, on a tired weeknight they actually taste like a treat.
If you like meals that get on the table without a lot of fuss, this one sits right there with quick pastas and one-pan dinners. I often pair it with whatever is in the fridge. If you need ideas, this cajun sausage pasta is a good sibling meal to keep in rotation.
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Why This Is a Recipe You’ll Keep
You can make this with very little planning. A quick run to the grocery store gets you everything. It works for a grill, a grill pan, or even under a hot broiler if you must. You get protein and veggies together on one stick, and that always saves time.
It also scales. Feeding two or a crowd, you just thread more skewers. Most days that flexibility is what wins dinner for me. And yes, simple seasonings let the sausage and shrimp speak for themselves.
How this dish comes together
This is a calm, step-by-step sort of recipe. You slice the sausages, toss everything in a little oil and salt, thread, and grill. No marinade, no waiting, no special gear.
If you want a heartier side, something like this chicken sausage and broccoli orzo goes well and keeps the work low. But you do not need extra fuss. The skewers do most of the work.
The full List Of Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sausages (sliced)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Bell peppers (cut into chunks)
- Onions (cut into chunks)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
That is it. Simple, familiar, and you can find these in any grocery store. If your sausages come in links, slice them into coins about half an inch thick. If your shrimp are large, you can cut them into two if you want smaller bites.
Making the Dish Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine the sausages, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, mixing until well coated.
- Thread the sausage, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers.
- Grill the kabobs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and the sausages are heated.
- Serve immediately.
A few small notes while you do this. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes so they do not burn. If you like a bit of char, let one side get a good sear before turning. Turn gently so shrimp do not fold and cook unevenly.
How We Like to Serve It?
Keep it easy. A bowl of rice or a loaf of crusty bread soaks up juices. A quick salad with lemon and a bit of olive oil brightens things. Sometimes I split the skewers right on the plate so folks can pick at them.
For kids, pull the shrimp off and serve with a little ketchup or ranch. For adults, squeeze a lemon wedge over the top and call it dinner.
Saving What’s Left And Freezing Tips
If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or back on the grill for a few minutes. Do not microwave for too long or the shrimp will get rubbery.
You can freeze cooked skewers, but I do not love the texture after thawing. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and use within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on a skillet with a splash of oil.
Small Kitchen Tricks From Experience
Thread shrimp and sausage so the pieces touch a little. That keeps everything warm and helps the shrimp cook through without drying out. Salt the veggies lightly, not heavily. They release water when they cook.
If you want a tiny flavor boost, toss everything with a little smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire before grilling. It changes the mood without extra work. And if you use wooden skewers, yes, soak them. I learned that the hard way.
Also, for a quick side, try this garlic parmesan roasted shrimp for inspiration on flavor combos; you can borrow a seasoning idea from it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the skewers. If pieces are jammed, heat does not circulate and items steam instead of grill. So give things a bit of space.
Cooking shrimp too long. They go from perfect to rubbery fast. Take them off when they turn opaque and curl slightly.
Skipping the oil. It keeps things from sticking and helps color form. A light coating is enough.
Not preheating the grill. If the grill is not hot enough, nothing gets a good sear and the texture suffers.
Rushing the threading. It takes a few extra minutes, but even pieces on the same skewer that are similar sizes cook more evenly.
Simple Changes and Adaptations You Can Make
Make it spicy by using spicy sausage or sprinkling a bit of chili powder. Use chicken sausage if you want a lighter option. Swap bell peppers for cherry tomatoes or zucchini if you prefer. If you do a broiler instead of a grill, place the skewers on a tray and watch closely as they can brown quickly.
For herb lovers, toss in a few sprigs of rosemary before grilling or finish with chopped parsley. These are small swaps that do not add time, just flavor.
Questions That Usually Come Up
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Thaw them fully in the fridge before using. Pat dry so they sear well.
Q: Do I need to peel the shrimp?
A: I prefer peeled and deveined for ease of eating, but leaving tails on can look nice and help with handling.
Q: What sausage works best?
A: Any cooked sausage you like. Andouille, kielbasa, or an Italian sausage all work. Slice evenly.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Do not salt until just before grilling.
Q: How do I know shrimp is cooked?
A: They turn opaque and firm up. They should not be translucent.
A Quiet Closing Note
These kabobs are one of those meals that make weeknights feel a little lighter. They do not promise perfection. They promise dinner that is honest, quick, and comforting. That is enough.
If you want another take on sausage and shrimp done on the grill, this Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs at Gimme Some Grilling has a similar, trustworthy approach. For a spicier version and more assembly ideas, see the Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skewers at Iowa Girl Eats.
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Sausage & Shrimp Kabobs
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and flavorful meal combining sausage and shrimp skewers, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 links Sausages, sliced (Any cooked sausage you like.)
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined (Thaw fully if using frozen shrimp.)
- 2 medium Bell peppers, cut into chunks (Any color of your choice.)
- 1 medium Onion, cut into chunks (Yellow or red onions work well.)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (To coat the ingredients.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (Freshly ground is recommended.)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine the sausages, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, mixing until well coated.
- Thread the sausage, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions onto skewers.
Grilling
- Grill the kabobs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through and the sausages are heated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. If you like a bit of char, let one side get a good sear before turning. For variations, try adding smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for flavor enhancements.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Grill