Sausage and grilled shrimp kabobs are a smoky, savory, and slightly spicy delight perfect for your next cookout or weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp and flavorful sausage are skewered together with vegetables and grilled to perfection, delivering a crowd-pleasing combo of surf and turf in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prep and grill—on the table in under 30 minutes
- Perfect mix of smoky sausage and tender, juicy shrimp
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or marinades
- Great for entertaining, camping, or casual dinners
- Naturally gluten-free and protein-packed
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- Smoked sausage (such as andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), sliced into rounds
- Bell peppers (any color), cut into chunks
- Red onion, cut into chunks
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika or Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: lemon wedges, chopped parsley, dipping sauces
directions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika or Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble kabobs by alternating shrimp, sausage slices, bell peppers, and red onion on the skewers.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place kabobs on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp are opaque and sausage is lightly charred.
- Remove from the grill and rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and optional garnishes.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Use spicy andouille sausage and add crushed red pepper to the shrimp seasoning
- Tropical: Add pineapple chunks between the shrimp and sausage for a sweet contrast
- Garlic butter: Baste kabobs with melted garlic butter while grilling for added richness
- Low-carb: Skip starchy sides and serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad
- Mediterranean: Use chicken sausage and season shrimp with lemon, oregano, and a splash of olive oil
storage/reheating
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, remove from skewers and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F until hot.
Avoid microwaving shrimp for too long, as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp (16–25 count) are best for grilling—they stay juicy and are easy to skewer.
Can I use precooked shrimp?
Raw shrimp are preferred so they don’t overcook. If using precooked, grill just briefly to heat through.
What sausage works best?
Smoked sausage like andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo works great for flavor and holds up well on the grill.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even corn rounds.
Do I need to marinate the shrimp?
A short marinade (10–15 minutes) adds great flavor, but it’s not required if you season well.
How do I prevent skewers from sticking?
Brush the grill with oil or spray skewers lightly with cooking spray before placing them on the grill.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble kabobs a few hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge until ready to grill.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! Store cooked kabobs and reheat gently for quick meals. They’re great over rice or in wraps.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes. Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Garlic aioli, lemon herb yogurt sauce, spicy remoulade, or sweet chili sauce all pair deliciously with these kabobs.
Conclusion
Sausage and grilled shrimp kabobs are the ultimate quick and flavorful grilled meal—bringing together smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in one easy skewer. With endless ways to customize and quick cooking time, this dish is sure to be a summer grilling favorite.
PrintSausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner Ideas
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Sausage & Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a smoky, juicy combo of seasoned shrimp and hearty sausage, grilled to perfection on skewers. They’re quick to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or backyard parties. Serve with rice, grilled veggies, or dip into your favorite sauce!
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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12 oz smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp Old Bay or Cajun seasoning (optional for extra kick)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or chopped green onion, for garnish
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Lemon wedges, for serving
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Metal or wooden skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions
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Marinate the shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, seasoning blend, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
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Preheat grill: Heat to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
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Assemble kabobs: Alternate shrimp and sausage slices on skewers. You can do 2–3 shrimp per skewer, with 2–3 sausage slices between.
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Grill the kabobs: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque and sausage is browned and heated through.
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Serve: Remove from grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onion, and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
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Use precooked smoked sausage to save time—just heat and char on the grill.
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Want veggies? Add bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between the shrimp and sausage.
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Serve over rice, grits, or salad for a complete meal.
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