Oriental Cocktail Kabobs
Oriental Cocktail Kabobs offer a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, featuring pineapple, water chestnuts, sausage, and vegetables on skewers. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this easy-to-make recipe appeals to those who enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine with a touch of sweetness and umami.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, halved ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut into 3/4-inch squares
- Syrup from pineapple ⓘ
- 3 slices fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 lb. pkg. brown and serve sausages ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. small mushrooms, stemmed
- 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausages according to package directions and cut into thirds.
- Alternate pieces of pineapple, sausage, water chestnuts, green pepper, and mushrooms on long toothpicks.
- Combine remaining ingredients; heat in a skillet.
- Add kabobs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from skillet; serve warm as a dinner or appetizer.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the sausage pieces in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger mixture for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs. You can substitute the water chestnuts with sliced bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Oriental Cocktail Kabobs warm as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair beautifully with a side of rice, such as Sid'S Easy Rice Dressing, or a fresh green salad. Offer dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce on the side for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are evenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Cocktail Kabobs contains roughly 13 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for the kabobs?
Yes, you can substitute the brown and serve sausages with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.
How can I make the kabobs more colorful?
Incorporate a variety of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or yellow squash along with the green peppers. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds complementary flavors.
Can I prepare the kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the kabobs a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent drying out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).