Barbecue Skewers: 7 Recipe Preparation Tips

The BBQ skewer is a true institution of Brazilian gastronomy. Practical, simple, popular, and delicious, it's a quick solution that pleases a wide variety of audiences, considering the many assembly possibilities available.

Keep reading this exclusive material from CIMO, which not only presents you with the best types of meat for BBQ skewers but also shows the 7 most delicious combinations to explore on your grill!

Happy reading!

How to make the best BBQ skewer?

Although simplicity is one of the skewer's great assets, the fact is that if you want to surprise and extract the maximum potential from this possibility, you need to take a few small precautions that will make all the difference!

1. The first step is to ensure that the wooden or bamboo skewers are in good condition to ensure they are aligned and well-structured, so there is no danger of splinters or other pieces hurting the mouth.

2. Next, you need to consider the alternatives for assembling the skewers. Among beef, pork, chicken, and other accompaniments, the goal is to assemble portions that are balanced in flavor, appearance, and texture.

This means that the grill master who wants to make the best possible BBQ skewer pays attention to details such as:

• Ensuring that the meat is clean, with pieces cut into similar sizes and against the grain;

• Adding juiciness to lean cuts;

• Balancing fattier cuts with elements that bring acidity and lightness;

• Seasoning the skewers carefully to highlight the flavors, not hide them;

• Paying attention to the grilling time, as it is usually much shorter than for steaks and other traditional cuts;

• Serving them with accompaniments that properly highlight the prepared skewers.

As you may have noticed, the impeccable cutting of the meat is one of the most important points in preparing skewers. See the "BBQ and Adventure" category and check out the amazing CIMO portable grill!

7 best BBQ skewers

Considering all the highlighted elements, now you will check out CIMO World's special tips for assembling skewers. We consider everything from the choice of meat and possible additions that can make a difference to take the flavors and textures of the chosen cuts to the next level.

Check out the details of the best skewer options and master the BBQ!

1. Traditional beef skewer

Starting with the basics of BBQ skewers, we have all the flavor and versatility of skewers that rely on beef. Cut the meat into cubes of about 3 cm and skewer the pieces until the support is properly filled — but be careful to leave an empty space at the base, allowing those who will taste the delicacy to handle it.

From the seasonings that will give more flavor to the meat before skewering to the subsequent accompaniments for your BBQ, in the case of traditional beef, personal taste matters! This is because both noble meats like sirloin and more popular ones like tri-tip taste great on the skewer when prepared with salt, black pepper, herbs, or even more refined condiments like curry and paprika.

2. Mixed skewer (Xixo)

An excellent alternative to innovate beef skewers is to assemble mixed skewers — which in many regions of Brazil is known as Xixo. Especially if you opt for leaner cuts, with portions that have little or no fat, alternating pieces of meat with onion petals, tomatoes, bell peppers, and the like can be the ideal complement.

This is because, in addition to the varied flavors offered — ranging from acidic touches to sweetness — the vegetables used release liquids that help keep the meat juicier!

3. Kafta Skewer

The Kafta skewer is a delicacy that originated in Arab cuisine. Gaining increasing popularity on Brazilian BBQ grills, it is an option made from ground meat — with special attention to ensuring the meat in question is very clean, without nerves, and with a good balance between fat and fibers — exploring mixtures between lean and fatter cuts, such as top round and chuck.

To form the kaftas, you need to press the seasoned meat with your favorite spices against the skewer. The goal is to form a cylindrical or oval structure as uniform as possible, as this way, you ensure that all sides are cooked evenly.

4. Lamb Skewer

Following the line of Arab culture and cuisine, lamb meat also stands out as a differential among other BBQ skewers — it can be used like traditional beef cuts or even ground to make kaftas.

Its difference from beef lies in the texture of firm fibers and strong flavor. To enhance these characteristics in the best way, it's worth marinating the pieces in advance, with an emphasis on using mint. It pairs perfectly with the meat and, as a bonus, brings a freshness that balances the lamb very well!

5. Chicken and Bacon Medallion

Here is another classic of Brazilian skewer BBQs! The accessibility and versatility of chicken breast are perfectly complemented by the popularity and distinctive flavor of bacon, thus forming a successful duo.

The medallions are formed from pieces of chicken breast wrapped in strips of bacon. The lightness and tenderness of the chicken are perfectly complemented by the smokiness and unctuousness of the bacon, resulting in a delicious snack!

6. Pork Belly Skewer (Toucinho)

Now, presenting pork, pork belly (or toucinho) is another cut that greatly benefits from the skewer structure to grill quickly and reach the ideal point.

Generally made from larger cuts of pork belly, when placed in strips on the skewer, it allows for much better control of the texture and appearance of the crust, the meat, and even the fattier part of the cut.

7. Halloumi Cheese Skewer

Halloumi cheese is very traditional in northeastern Brazil, with its composition specifically able to maintain its structure even at higher temperatures.

This makes it the best cheese option for grilling, as unlike other options that would melt even on lower heat, halloumi cheese remains intact but still soft. As a bonus, it gains a very special smoky flavor!

Now you know the 7 best alternatives for assembling your BBQ skewers! Choose from the most traditional options to influences from different cultures to expand your possibilities and surprise your guests! Always count on this CIMO post for inspiration and to excel in your preparations.

Another solution to enhance your grill is to prepare chicken wingettes for your BBQ, pieces that can be both highlights among the accompaniments or among the main options, they are also indispensable for a respectable BBQ.

See you in the next post!