On a stick

Grilled Salmon Kebabs

A light dinner with the fresh taste of lemon and herbs made on a bamboo skewer is perfect on a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano

2 tsp. sesame seeds

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 lemons, thinly sliced

Cooking spray

1 tsp. Kosher salt

Skewers

Directions:

1. Heat grill to medium. Lightly coat grates with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, mix oregano, sesame seeds, cumin and red pepper flakes to combine.

3. Beginning and ending with salmon, thread salmon and lemons (folded in half) onto skewers. Lightly spray the kebabs with cooking spray (enough for seasoning to stick). Evenly season with Kosher salt and seasoning mix.

4. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally. The fish will turn opaque throughout when done, about 10 minutes.

Apron Strings Tips: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes before you use them. Use a crumpled brown paper sack to “sand” the skewers smooth before using. Use two skewers parallel to thread less robust pieces of meat and fruit to secure them.

Kielbasa and Chicken Skewers

Wow! This combination is a nice alternative to regular ‘bobs on the grill. I made one version with a spicy version of kielbasa and one with the traditional.

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 link of fully-cooked polka kielbasa, cut into 1-inch rounds

1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Marinade:

1 Tbsp. peanut butter

1 tsp. sriracha hot chili sauce

1 tsp. granulated sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. tap water

Directions:

1. Heat grill to medium. Lightly coat grates with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all marinade ingredients to make a paste. Add chicken to bowl and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.

3. Thread skewers alternating sausage, pineapple and chicken, starting with sausage and ending with sausage.

4. Grill the kebabs, turning occasionally. Chicken will be cooked through in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Apron Strings Tips: When a recipe calls for your bamboo skewers to be on the grill longer, cover the tip with aluminum foil to keeping it from charring.

Marinated Beef Sticks

I like threading slices of red onion and green pepper between the meat cubes to add to the flavor.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. top sirloin (or similar lean beef), cut into 2-inch cubes

Marinade:

2 Tbsp. beef stock

2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 c. olive oil

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. steak seasoning

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

2 bay leaves

Directions:

1. Put meat cubes in a resealable plastic bag.

2. In a bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into resealable bag with meat. Marinade meat for 4 hours or more.

3. Heat grill to medium-high.

4. Thread meat on skewers. Grill to level of doneness desired. Twelve to 15 minutes will produce medium-rare to rare doneness.

Apron Strings Tips: Use a digital thermometer to check temperature to see if it is done to your liking.