This recipe provides instructions for making flavorful and colorful Grilled Shrimp, Sausage, and Corn Skewers, a fantastic dish perfect for barbecues, summer gatherings, or a casual yet satisfying meal. Combining the sweetness of grilled shrimp, the savory spice of sausage, and the juicy kernels of grilled corn, these skewers offer a delightful medley of tastes and textures. The ingredients are threaded onto skewers and then grilled to perfection, resulting in a slightly charred exterior and tender interior. The shrimp cooks quickly and becomes beautifully pink and succulent, while the sausage gains a smoky flavor and crispy edges. The corn, cut into smaller rounds or sections, becomes tender and slightly sweet with appealing grill marks. A simple marinade or seasoning blend is often used to enhance the flavors of the shrimp and sausage before grilling. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, herbs like oregano or thyme, and a touch of olive oil. The skewers can be assembled in advance, making them a convenient option for entertaining. Grilling brings out the best in each ingredient, creating a harmonious and delicious combination. These skewers are easy to eat directly off the stick and can be served on their own or with a side salad, rice, or grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal. The vibrant colors of the grilled shrimp, browned sausage, and golden corn make for an appealing presentation, making these skewers a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with grilled shrimp, sausage, and corn. The shrimp are pink and slightly charred, the sausage is browned with grill marks, and the corn is cut into rounds and shows some charring. The ingredients are tossed together and appear to be coated in a light sauce or seasoning.
The texture of Grilled Shrimp, Sausage, and Corn Skewers is a delightful mix of the firm yet tender shrimp, the slightly chewy and often crisp-edged sausage, and the juicy, slightly sweet, and sometimes slightly charred corn kernels.
The flavor profile is a savory and slightly sweet combination, with the natural sweetness of the shrimp and corn complementing the smoky and often spiced flavor of the grilled sausage. Any marinade or seasoning used will further enhance these inherent tastes.
Grilled Shrimp, Sausage, and Corn Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-eat dish featuring tender grilled shrimp, savory sausage, and sweet grilled corn, often seasoned or marinated for added taste.
The preparation involves threading shrimp, sausage pieces, and corn rounds onto skewers, seasoning or marinating them, and then grilling until the shrimp is cooked through, the sausage is heated, and the corn is tender with grill marks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound pre-cooked sausage (such as andouille, kielbasa, or chorizo), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 ears of corn, shucked and cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Optional Marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl (for tossing or marinating)
- Skewers (wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Grill
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for olive oil mixture, if not marinating)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp. Cut the pre-cooked sausage into 1-inch thick pieces. Shuck the corn and cut each ear into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Marinate (Optional) or Season:
- Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped cilantro or parsley, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and sausage pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The corn can also be tossed in some of the marinade or a separate mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- No Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp and sausage pieces in this mixture to coat. Toss the corn rounds with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the shrimp, sausage pieces, and corn rounds onto the skewers. You can alternate the ingredients as desired. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water to prevent burning.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side for the shrimp, or until they are pink and opaque and slightly charred. The sausage is already cooked, so you are just looking for it to be heated through and get some nice grill marks, about 2-3 minutes per side as well. Grill the corn for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is tender and has some charred spots.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the shrimp is fully cooked (opaque and pink) and the sausage is heated through. The corn should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Sausage Variety: Experiment with different types of pre-cooked sausage to vary the flavor profile, such as spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, red onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini chunks. Adjust grilling times accordingly.
- Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or a brush with a honey-soy glaze during the last few minutes of grilling can add a touch of sweetness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or seasoning for a spicier kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these skewers on their own as an appetizer or as a main course with sides like rice, quinoa, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like a chimichurri, a garlic aioli, or a spicy mayo.
- Skewering Tips: Avoid overcrowding the skewers so that the ingredients cook evenly. Leave a little space between each piece.
Enjoy these delicious and easy Grilled Shrimp, Sausage, and Corn Skewers! They are a perfect way to enjoy a flavorful meal outdoors.