Table of Contents

Easy Company Shish Kabob Dinner

The memory is etched in my mind: the smell of summer in the air, the sizzle of meat on the grill, and the laughter of friends gathered around our backyard patio. My dad, ever the grill master, would be meticulously arranging colorful chunks of meat and vegetables onto skewers, a symphony of colors that promised a delicious meal. These weren’t just shish kabobs; they were “Dad’s Famous Company Kabobs,” and they were always the centerpiece of our summer gatherings. It’s a dish that speaks of warmth, community, and the simple joy of sharing good food.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: Overnight marinade + 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Yields: Approximately 32 kabobs
Dietary Type: Varies based on dressing and meat choices. Can be adapted to be gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients

500 g boneless chicken breasts
500 g round steaks
500 g pork loin (optional: substitute with sliced smokies for picky eaters)
Assorted vegetables:
- Mushrooms
- Green pepper
- Yellow pepper
- Red pepper
- Cherry tomatoes
- Onion (optional: pineapple tidbits)
1 (16 ounce) bottle Catalina dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing
Approximately 32 bamboo skewers

Equipment Needed

Ziploc bags (gallon size recommended)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Grill

Instructions

Begin by preparing the meat. Cut the chicken breasts, round steaks, and pork loin into small, bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. Place each type of meat into separate Ziploc bags.
Pour the entire bottle of Catalina dressing over the meat in the bags. Seal the bags tightly, removing any excess air, and gently massage the dressing into the meat to ensure it’s well coated. Refrigerate the meat overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow the marinade to fully infuse. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the meat will become.
Next, prepare the vegetables. Wash and cut the mushrooms, green pepper, yellow pepper, red pepper, and onion into small, bite-size pieces, similar in size to the meat cubes. If using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole. Place all the cut vegetables (approximately 5-6 cups in total) into a separate Ziploc bag.
Pour the entire bottle of Italian dressing over the vegetables in the bag. Seal the bag tightly, removing any excess air, and gently massage the dressing into the vegetables. Refrigerate the vegetables overnight (or for at least 8 hours), allowing them to marinate and absorb the flavorful dressing.
To prevent the bamboo skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water overnight. This will saturate the wood and help them withstand the heat.
The next day, it’s time to assemble the shish kabobs. Remove the meat and vegetables from the refrigerator. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating colors and textures for an appealing presentation.
It’s important to start and end each skewer with a piece of meat. This helps to prevent the vegetables from slipping off during grilling.
Aim to use approximately 3-4 pieces of meat per skewer, filling the remaining space with a generous assortment of colorful vegetables. Ensure the pieces are snug but not too tightly packed on the skewer for even cooking.
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat. Place the assembled shish kabobs onto the grill grates.
Barbecue the shish kabobs over medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Once cooked, remove the shish kabobs from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Serve the shish kabobs with your favorite salad or side dishes, and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of brown sugar or honey to the Catalina dressing before marinating the meat.
To prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft during marination, add them to the Italian dressing a few hours before grilling rather than overnight.
If you don’t have time to marinate the meat and vegetables overnight, a minimum of 2-3 hours will still provide a significant flavor boost.
For easier grilling, use two skewers per kabob. This will keep the vegetables from spinning around when you flip them.
If using pineapple, grilling it will caramelize the sugars, intensifying its sweetness and adding a delightful tropical flavor.
To enhance the visual appeal, try arranging the vegetables in a rainbow pattern on the skewers.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers of various colors, or even small chunks of eggplant.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the shish kabobs hot off the grill, accompanied by a fresh salad, rice pilaf, or grilled corn on the cob. Arrange them artfully on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Leftover shish kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, either grill them briefly until warmed through, or microwave them in short bursts, being careful not to overcook the meat. You can also remove the meat and vegetables from the skewers and use them in salads, wraps, or stir-fries.

It’s not recommended to leave cooked shish kabobs at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	783.5 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	569 g	73%
Total Fat	63.2 g	97%
Saturated Fat	13.3 g	66%
Cholesterol	123.1 mg	41%
Sodium	1151.9 mg	47%
Total Carbohydrate	14.8 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	13.8 g	55%
Protein	39.1 g	78%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Ensure both the Catalina and Italian dressings are gluten-free.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the meat with marinated tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan Italian dressing alternative. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or squash.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian dressing for a touch of heat.
Mediterranean: Use a lemon-herb marinade instead of Italian dressing. Add olives, feta cheese (if not vegan), and sun-dried tomatoes to the skewers.
Asian-Inspired: Use a teriyaki marinade instead of Catalina dressing. Add chunks of bell pepper and pineapple.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of meat for these shish kabobs?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lamb, shrimp, or even sausage. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.

Q: Can I prepare the shish kabobs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the shish kabobs several hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill. However, it’s best to grill them as close to serving time as possible for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have bamboo skewers?
A: You can use metal skewers instead. Metal skewers don’t require soaking and can be reused.

Q: Can I bake these shish kabobs in the oven?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.

Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from overcooking on the grill?
A: Cut the vegetables into larger pieces so they take longer to cook, or add them to the skewers closer to the end of the grilling time. Also, keep the grill temperature at medium heat.

Final Thoughts

Now it’s your turn to create your own memories around the grill with these Easy Company Shish Kabobs. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on the recipe, experiment with different ingredients, and most importantly, share the delicious results with your loved ones. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a celebration of flavor and togetherness. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to create some unforgettable moments.

Easy Company Shish Kabob Dinner Recipe