The Ultimate Guide to Summer Skewers
As the sunshine starts to linger and BBQs come out of hibernation, there’s one dish guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser: skewers. Whether you’re feeding family or grilling for friends, skewers are simple, flavourful, and endlessly customisable — a perfect centrepiece for outdoor meals.
At Hilton & Family Butchers, we’re proud to provide the quality meats that make summer barbecues memorable. Here’s our complete guide to preparing and cooking skewers to perfection.
🔥 Why Skewers Are a Summer Staple
Skewers (or kebabs) are one of the most versatile BBQ dishes out there. Mix and match meats, sausages, and seasonal vegetables to suit your taste and make the most of your grill. They cook quickly, serve easily, and are ideal for feeding a crowd — no cutlery required.
Using quality, well-prepared meat is the key. At Hilton & Family, we recommend a combination of cuts like lamb, beef, chicken, and our handmade sausages, all freshly prepared in our shop to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness.
🥩 Step 1: Choose the Best Meat
To build the perfect skewer, start with the right meat. Here are our top picks:
• Beef – Go for rump, sirloin, or fillet for tender chunks
• Lamb – Shoulder or boneless leg, marinated for richness
• Chicken – Thighs offer more flavour and juiciness than breast
• Sausages – Slice our traditional Hilton handmade sausages into thick rounds for a juicy twist
💡 Tip: Keep pieces roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly.
🧄 Step 2: Marinate for Flavour
A great marinade can elevate your skewers and help them char beautifully. Here are a few easy combos:
• Herb & Garlic – olive oil, rosemary, crushed garlic, lemon
• Spicy BBQ – paprika, honey, mustard, chilli flakes
• Mediterranean – oregano, lemon, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar
Let the skewers sit in the marinade for at least an hour, or overnight in the fridge for extra depth.
🔥 Step 3: Grill Like a Butcher
Set your BBQ to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to avoid sticking. Place the skewers down and turn regularly for even cooking and a good sear.
Cooking guide:
• Beef & lamb – 8–10 minutes for medium
• Chicken & pork – 10–12 minutes or until fully cooked
• Sausages – 8–10 minutes; ensure piping hot throughout
• Veg-only skewers – 6–8 minutes; brush with oil for caramelisation
Soak wooden skewers for 30 mins beforehand, or use metal ones for easier handling.
🍴 Step 4: Serve & Impress
Serve your skewers hot off the grill with:
• Fresh herby salads
• Warm flatbreads or rice
• Garlic yoghurt, salsa verde, or chimichurri
• Grilled seasonal vegetables
Great for family barbecues, garden parties, or casual weekends — skewers are always a hit.
🛒 Get BBQ-Ready with Hilton & Family Butchers
Pop into our shop for the freshest BBQ meats, including:
• Premium cuts ideal for skewers
• Our famous handmade sausages
• Marinated options, ready to grill
• Friendly butcher advice and cooking tips
🎯 Local delivery and in-store collection available
