๐ Introduction
Juicy, caramelized, and packed with flavorโthese Honey-Soy Kebabs are a backyard BBQ classic. The combination of sweet honey and savory soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that clings beautifully to tender pieces of meat and vegetables.
Whether youโre making them for a summer cookout, weeknight dinner, or party appetizer, these kebabs are a breeze to prepare. With just a quick marinade and a few minutes on the grill (or in the oven), youโll have skewers that are sticky, smoky, and absolutely irresistible.
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan (or oven broiler)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Tongs for turning kebabs
๐ Ingredients
For 4 Servings:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (can also use beef, pork, or tofu)
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, mushrooms), cut into chunks
- ยผ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds & green onions, for garnish
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
- Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Meat & Veggies
- Add chicken and vegetables to the marinade, tossing to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Assemble the Kebabs
- Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
- Grill or Broil
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook kebabs for 10โ12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked (165ยฐF internal temp).
- Brush with extra marinade during the last 2 minutes for a glossy finish.
- Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 10โ12 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes (including marinade time)
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooked kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze raw, marinated chicken and veggies (on or off skewers) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm on a grill or in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through.
๐ฅ Variations
- Beef Honey-Soy Kebabs: Swap chicken for sirloin steak cubes.
- Tofu or Tempeh: Marinate plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1โ2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Teriyaki Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
- Oven-Baked: Roast at 425ยฐF for 12โ15 minutes, turning halfway.
โ 10 FAQs
- Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?
Yesโassemble and marinate up to 24 hours ahead, then cook when ready. - Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
Yesโsoak for 30 minutes to prevent burning. - Can I use pork or beef?
Absolutelyโadjust cook time for the protein. - What vegetables work best?
Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes hold up well. - Is this marinade good for seafood?
Yesโtry it with shrimp, but reduce marinating time to 15โ20 minutes. - Can I double the marinade?
Yesโextra sauce works great for drizzling after cooking. - Whatโs the best way to get a glossy glaze?
Brush with marinade in the last 2 minutes of grilling. - Can I bake instead of grill?
Yesโuse a high temperature (425ยฐF) for a nice char. - How do I know the chicken is done?
Internal temp should be 165ยฐF and juices run clear. - Can I freeze marinated kebabs?
Yesโfreeze before cooking for an easy future meal.
๐ Conclusion
These Honey-Soy Kebabs are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized. Theyโre ideal for quick weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or party appetizers. The sticky glaze, tender meat, and colorful veggies make every bite a crowd-pleaser.
๐ฏ๐ฅข Honey-Soy Kebabs โ Sweet, Savory & Perfectly Grilled
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Marinate the Meat & Veggies
- Add chicken and vegetables to the marinade, tossing to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Assemble the Kebabs
- Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook kebabs for 10โ12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked (165ยฐF internal temp).
- Brush with extra marinade during the last 2 minutes for a glossy finish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Yesโassemble and marinate up to 24 hours ahead, then cook when ready. Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
Yesโsoak for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Can I use pork or beef?
Absolutelyโadjust cook time for the protein. What vegetables work best?
Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes hold up well. Is this marinade good for seafood?
Yesโtry it with shrimp, but reduce marinating time to 15โ20 minutes. Can I double the marinade?
Yesโextra sauce works great for drizzling after cooking. Whatโs the best way to get a glossy glaze?
Brush with marinade in the last 2 minutes of grilling. Can I bake instead of grill?
Yesโuse a high temperature (425ยฐF) for a nice char. How do I know the chicken is done?
Internal temp should be 165ยฐF and juices run clear. Can I freeze marinated kebabs?
Yesโfreeze before cooking for an easy future meal. ๐ Conclusion These Honey-Soy Kebabs are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized. Theyโre ideal for quick weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or party appetizers. The sticky glaze, tender meat, and colorful veggies make every bite a crowd-pleaser.