Call them skewers, kebabs, yakitori, satay, kefta, kofta, suya, shashlik—meat on a stick has permeated cultures for centuries, with different countries offering their own takes.
Chefs can harness the wide world of skewers to create their own fun, delicious variations fit for everything from food stalls to fine dining. We have five skewers from around the globe to serve as inspiration.
Yakitori
This bite-sized skewered chicken is quintessential Japanese festival food. The chicken is traditionally prepared over charcoal and served with tare sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, rice sake, sugar, and chicken fat.
As simple as it is, yakitori comes in several varieties, giving chefs room to play. Spice up the skewers with peppers, sauces, and even dollops of wasabi on the meat. Play with unexpected cuts of chicken and wrap them with bacon or perilla leaves for extra flavor and texture.
Kefta (Kofta)
Beef and lamb meatballs and meatloafs are staples in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. The ground meat is full of aromatic spices—cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, and more. But even with all these spices, chefs have room to impart even more flavor to these craveworthy kebabs.
Take inspiration from Mediterranean and Levantine food. Hummus, tzatziki, and baba ghanoush are perfect accompaniments for kefta. Add on roasted peppers and cucumbers for a balanced skewer.
Satay
The national dish of Indonesia, satay has made its way across Southeast Asia, picking up different sauces, spices, and herbs along the way. And when it comes to satay, the sauce is just as important as the meat.
Its claim to fame is its sweet, salty, nutty peanut sauce. But that’s not the only worthy accompaniment. Serve with sweet chili sauce, curry, sambal, and toyomansi for a tour of Southeast Asian flavors.
Suya
If you’ve just learned about this Nigerian staple in the past 12 months, you’re not alone. Within that span, suya has grown 200% on U.S. menus according to Datassential, thanks in part to the West African cuisine featured on “Ted Lasso.”
The meat is traditionally seasoned with yaji, an irresistible blend of peppercorns, ginger, cloves, crushed peanuts, and more. The spices can also be mixed with coconut milk and honey for a sweet and spicy sauce for the meat.
Corn Dog
The corn dog is an American pastime. Conjuring memories of carnivals and ball games, the fried and battered favorite is a prime target for capitalizing on “newstalgia” with plenty of opportunities for invention.
Ketchup and yellow mustard are the classic dips, but why not try cheese sauce, spicy mayonnaise, or marinara?
South Korea has taken corn dogs—or “gamja dogs”—to another level. Instead of cornmeal, the batter consists of yeast and sometimes diced potatoes and then rolled in savory or sweet seasonings, adding new layers of texture and flavor.
Don’t limit corn dogs to just dogs. Disneyland raised eyebrows with its pickle corn dog, and South Korea often dips their sausages in cheese before frying.
Your Sourcing Solution
This list just scratches the surface of food on a stick. There are endless possibilities for grilling, seasoning, and skewering meat—and vegetables—for delicious entrees, snacks, and appetizers.
Start exploring the possibilities today. Dot Foods has pre-cut meats, vegetables, skewers, and more.
Discover ingredients for skewers that will stick with your customers.