Seafood Kebabs

Prep: 120 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Seafood kebabs feature tender salmon, shrimp, and scallops grilled with a sweet and tangy lemon-brown sugar glaze, perfect for summer barbecues and seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (6 oz.) pieces center-cut salmon fillet
  • 12 medium shrimp
  • 12 sea scallops
  • 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice
  • dill sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, soak six 12-inch wooden skewers in water to cover for 2 hours and then drain on paper towels.
  2. Cut each salmon fillet crosswise into six 1-inch thick slices.
  3. Discard any small bones and roll the thicker end of each salmon slice into a coil.
  4. Thread one shrimp and one scallop onto a skewer, add two salmon coils, then another scallop and shrimp to make a kebab.
  5. Repeat to make 5 more kebabs with the remaining ingredients.
  6. Can be prepared and chilled for several hours before grilling.
  7. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
  8. Season the kebabs with salt and pepper, then brush with the brown sugar mixture.
  9. Grill over glowing coals, basting often, for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the salmon just flakes and shrimp are pink and firm.
  10. Brush the kebabs with remaining brown sugar mixture after grilling.
  11. Garnish with lemon wedges and dill sprigs.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the seafood in the brown sugar and lemon mixture for 30 minutes before grilling. If you're short on time, you can substitute other firm fish like swordfish or use pre-cooked shrimp to save on grilling time. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Always soak the skewers to prevent burning on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the kebabs with a side of quinoa or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with lemon wedges and a yogurt sauce for dipping. For a Mediterranean flair, consider serving alongside dishes like Baked Cod With Tomatoes, Zucchini And Lemons or other seafood recipes to create a diverse seafood platter.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the seafood rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Seafood Kebabs contains roughly 832 calories, with 5g protein, 209g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (16% of the Daily Value).

832 kcal 42% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 208.5g 76% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 196.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 239.9mg 10% DV
Potassium 663.2mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 25.7mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 88mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 17mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 234.4mg 18% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Fish Shellfish

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 frozen seafood for the kebabs?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before assembling the kebabs. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents excess moisture from affecting the grilling process.

What can I substitute for the brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses. This will mimic the flavor and moisture that brown sugar provides in the glaze.

How do I know when the seafood is done cooking?

The seafood is done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

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).

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