Kabob Secrets

Kabobs, or kebabs, are simply pieces of meat, vegetables, or fruit threaded on skewers, then broiled or grilled. But there are tips and tricks to making the best kabobs.

• Keep all ingredients about the same size so they cook evenly.
• If you're cooking foods with very different cooking times (like pork and cherry tomatoes), keep the same foods on one skewer. Cherry tomatoes, which cook in about 2 minutes, will overcook in the time it takes to cook pork, about 10 minutes.
• Metal skewers are best for foods that take longer than 5 minutes to cook.
• Bamboo skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before adding the food so they don't burn in the intense heat.
• Watch kabobs carefully on the grill, and turn them frequently.
• Be sure the grill is clean, hot, and well oiled so the food will release.
• If you brush the kabobs with a marinade while they cook, discard any unused marinade at the end of cooking time. And give the kabobs a chance to cook for 2-3 minutes after the last marinade application to kill any bacteria.
• For foods that can twirl on the grill, like shrimp, use two skewers, parallel to each other, to pierce the food.