Mixed Seafood Kabobs

With shrimp, scallops and halibut (or other firm fish), these mixed seafood kabobs are like decadence on a skewer. No pre-marinade needed.

It was one of those times when you wonder…  was it really meant to be. This recipe got delayed for one very silly reason–we’d eaten too much. Yup, never mind that I’m supposed to be on a diet.

I planned to make it when I tested my fried cheese curds. The curds were our appetizer and the kabobs were dinner. Alas, we ate curds, and more curds, like shameless pigs. Couldn’t manage another bite. 

The (Other) Problem(s)

The next problem was that my husband was leaving in the morning to help move our (Covid-lonely) daughter home. This left a 1-day window to cook the kabobs while the raw seafood was fresh, and then refrigerate them until he returned.

Then there was the fact I’d be cooking on the charcoal grill (which is all we have “up north”) without his help. Never mind that I haven’t used a charcoal grill in (bleep) years.

Hey, I grilled a lot of Cornish hen for date nights back in the day. And since this recipe was planned for my Sunday blogging group’s Labor Day Grilling post, “broiled kabobs” wasn’t an option.

Impending storm

I had everything ready when grill day rolled around. Then the gray clouds moved in and the thunder rumbled in the distance. I consulted the forecast for the lowest risk hour and decided to grill then.

Now my husband had warned me that the matches were old and might not light. You can light the matches with a lighter he said. What he didn’t warn me is that the lighters might not light.

Yes, five lighters later (did I mention my husband’s a pack rat?), I had one that produced a strong enough flame to withstand the increasing gusts of wind. Two dozen lighter-lit matches later, I had a faint fire going. I went to build my kabobs while it “matured.”

And, you guessed it, the hour window was over, and it started to rain.

Making Shish-Kabob

Kabob making is way easier than starting a charcoal grill. So if you have gas you are pretty much home free.

The only tricks are 1) pre-soak your skewers for an hour (plus a few extra in case you measured wrong) to keep them from burning.  And 2) use two skewers per kabob. You see, with a single skewer, you risk a shrimp or other component rotating when you flip the kabob.  Then it doesn’t get cooked on both sides.  Not a big deal with sashimi grade fish, but you really don’t want to go there with chicken, so it’s good technique to build.  

Next I like to build a “test” kabob that I use as a model, alternating colors and veggie/meat/veggie/meat. If there are any unmatched “leftovers” they go onto the “extras” skewer(s).  For my lunch the next day.

And I almost forgot to mention that I briefly pre-cook my onions a minute in the microwave, so they are tender enough to skewer and easier to eat.

So I lied about no tricks…

Season before grilling (no pre-marinade needed)

Finally, contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to pre-marinade your kabobs, simply drizzle and season. Just in case you’re busy lighting a reluctant grill.

The Results

In the end the mixed seafood kabobs were delicious. The shrimp and scallops retained their sweetness with a smoky overtone, the fish was meaty and the vegetables succulent. I ate some that night and wrapped the rest up to reheat when my husband came home. 

At least I got two (really good) dinners out of it.

Happy grilling.

Mixed Seafood Kabobs

Yield: 12 kabobs, 2/person

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

With shrimp, scallops and halibut (or other firm fish),these mixed seafood kabobs are decadence on a skewer.  No pre-marinade needed.

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Ingredients

• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 12 mushrooms
• 12 pearl onions
• 1 lb halibut or other firm fish
• 24 sea scallops, about 1 pound
• 24 large raw shrimp, about 1 pound
• 2-3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large lemon
• 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
• 1 Tablespoon dried Tarragon or Oregano
• salt, pepper

Instructions

An hour before you plan to assemble the shish kabobs, soak 26 bamboo skewers in water.

Prep your ingredients. Microwave the pearl onions (unless frozen first) on high for 1 minute to soften slightly. Cut the halibut into 24 approximately 1 inch pieces. Wash the cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. Remove the muscle from the scallops and peel/devein the shrimp as needed.

When skewers have soaked, assemble your kabobs as follows using two skewers per kabob, slip on 1 shrimp, 1 onion, 1 scallop, 1 tomato, 1 halibut piece, 1 mushroom, 1 halibut piece, 1 tomato, 1 scallop, 1 shrimp. Or any order that moves you. Repeat for the remaining 11 kabobs.

Drizzle the seafood and vegetables on the kabobs with olive oil and lemon, then sprinkle with the herbs. Generously salt and pepper.

Grill for about 5 minutes per side, depending on grill temperature and your taste.

Remove and serve immediately. Optionally garnish by sprinkling with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 298Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 686mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 41g

Nutrition data accuracy may vary with product selection, calculator accuracy, etc. Consult a professional for the best information.

Grilling for Labor Day

• Chicken Gyros by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Greek Steak and Veggie Kabobs by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Grilled Bacon Gouda Burger by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Grilled Beef and Bacon Roulades by That Recipe
• Grilled Meatball Skewers by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Grilled Shrimp and Sausage with Pineapple Skewers by Blogghetti
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos by Making Miracles
• Mixed Seafood Kabobs by Art of Natural Living
• Samurai Steak by Palatable Pastime

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