BBQ Kabobs + Corn on Cob

August 30, 2016 6 Comments

Category: Healthy Eating
Tags: BBQ, corn on cob, kabobs, tasty tuesday

Labor Day is around the corner which means end of Summer BBQs will be in full swing. Are you ready? Here are some tasty, carb-free, healthy recipes you and your guests will love. 

I’ve got your healthy BBQ menu planned out just in time for the long, holiday weekend!

I recently hosted my mom’s side of the family for a fun afternoon turned evening BBQ. I knew I’d be feeding many hungry Italians and needed to serve something that was not only filling and flavorful but also fit my dietary needs (carb/gluten and sugar free). I think the hardest part about eating well is planning in advance so hopefully you can save some time and follow this menu!

I decided on Korean spiced chicken and steak kabobs with veggies – each made in marinades (that include ingredients you likely have in your pantry!) which I kept over night in the fridge. I paired them with an avocado “Caesar” salad and spiced corn on the cob that was super delicious.

Before getting to the recipes, you’ll need to get some skewers. I ordered these 12-inch Stainless Steel Barbecue Skewers off of Amazon and they were at my door within 2 days with Prime. They’re sturdy, sharp and perfect for kabobs.

Steak Kabobs (serves 5)

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1 red, yellow and orange bell pepper
• 1 red onion

Marinade:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Korean Spiced Chicken Kabobs (serves 5)

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds beef sirloin tips, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 1 red, yellow and orange bell pepper
• 1 red onion

Marinade:

• 1/4 cup low sodium or gluten-free soy sauce
• 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for topping
• 2 thinly sliced scallions

Note: I will admit, I rarely use recipes with this many ingredients – but I had 90% of them in my pantry/fridge which makes it super easy. 

Directions for Kabobs:

• Cut up steak and chicken into cube sized bites. Set aside in large Ziploc bags.
• Cut peppers and onions into bite sized pieces. Put half of them with the chicken and the other half with the steak.
• Mix all marinades ingredients in separate bowls and add to respective Ziploc bag.
• Refrigerate for 4 hours or more. (I chose to leave them overnight)
• Before grilling, add to skewers. I switched between protein then veggie and tried to alternate color so they were was variety.
• Heat grill. Add chicken first (cooks for 10 min) and then steak (cooks for 6-8 min). Turn them every 2 min or so.
• Once cooked, remove meat from skewer and serve.

Corn on Cob – with a kick!

What’s a BBQ without some fresh corn on the cob? Here’s an easy, tasty recipe that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• 2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter (or butter substitute)
• Paprika, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

• Remove husks from corn on cob
• Clean corn and set aside. Cut into two pieces (optional).
• Melt butter substitute in microwave for 15 seconds, and add all other ingredients to same bowl. Wisk together.
• Cut pieces of tin toil for as many husks of corn that you have. You want the tintoil to securely wrap around each piece of corn.
• Place each piece of corn on tinfoil pieces. Using a marinade brush, add mixture to corn and securely wrap each one.
• Place pieces of corn on the grill for 20 minutes. Turn occasionally.
• After 20 minutes, remove and let them cool. Remove tin foil and serve.

(Note: Lime is missing from ingredients in this pic – sorry!)

Now, it’s time to eat and enjoy some relaxing, quality time with family!

A healthy eating series focusing on simple, low carb/sugar dishes in 30 minutes or less. For more info on how MS affects my eating habits, click here.