Skewer vs. Kebab — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Skewers are rods used to cook pieces of food, while kebabs refer to the actual dish consisting of meat, vegetables, or both, threaded onto skewers and cooked.
Difference Between Skewer and Kebab
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Skewers are cooking utensils, often made of metal or wood, used to hold pieces of food together while they are grilled or roasted. On the other hand, kebabs are a popular dish originating from Middle Eastern cuisine, consisting of skewered and grilled meats, often combined with vegetables.
Skewers can be reusable, especially those made of metal, and are used in various cooking methods beyond just grilling. Whereas kebabs are specific recipes that involve marinating the meat before skewering and cooking, which imparts unique flavors depending on the spices used.
Skewers facilitate even cooking by allowing heat to circulate around the food, which is essential for meats and vegetables. Kebabs, however, are not just about cooking but also about the combination of flavors, with the choice of meat (like lamb, chicken, or beef) and vegetables (like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes) playing a critical role.
The simplicity of skewers means they are versatile and can be used for a range of dishes, from simple roasted marshmallows to sophisticated seafood brochettes. Kebabs, on the other hand, are often associated with specific cultural cuisines and often feature in festive meals and gatherings, reflecting traditional cooking styles and spices.
Skewers can be used in ovens, grills, or even over open fires, making them adaptable to various cooking environments. Kebabs, though traditionally grilled, can also be adapted for baking or pan-frying, demonstrating the versatility of the kebab preparation technique.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Rods for cooking food
Dish of skewered, cooked food
Material
Metal or wood
-
Usage
Holds food for cooking
Specific recipe and presentation
Cooking Method
Grill, roast, oven
Traditionally grilled
Associated Cuisine
Universal
Middle Eastern, South Asian
Compare with Definitions
Skewer
A cooking accessory often used for making kebabs.
The chef showed how to use skewers to make perfect kebabs.
Kebab
A dish often enjoyed at social gatherings and festive occasions.
At the festival, vendors sold kebabs as a savory treat.
Skewer
A long stick or rod made of metal or wood used for holding pieces of food together during cooking.
She threaded the vegetables onto the skewer before placing it on the grill.
Kebab
A popular dish of skewered and grilled meat, often accompanied by vegetables.
They served chicken kebabs with a garlic yogurt sauce.
Skewer
A tool used in barbecuing to hold food while it cooks.
He prepared metal skewers for the barbecue night.
Kebab
A culinary staple in Middle Eastern cuisine that involves marinating meat.
The lamb kebabs were marinated overnight with herbs and spices.
Skewer
A device that aids in cooking evenly by exposing all sides of the food to heat.
The skewers helped cook the meat evenly on all sides.
Kebab
A food item that can be cooked using different methods, including grilling and baking.
She decided to bake the kebabs due to bad weather.
Skewer
A utensil that can be reused if made from durable materials like stainless steel.
They bought stainless steel skewers for their new rotisserie.
Kebab
A versatile dish that can be adapted with various meats and vegetables.
For the party, they prepared both beef and tofu kebabs.
Skewer
A skewer is a thin metal or wood stick used to hold pieces of food together. The word may sometimes be used as a metonym, to refer to the entire food item served on a skewer, as in "chicken skewers".
Kebab
Kebabs are various cooked meat dishes with their origins in Middle Eastern cuisine. Numerous variants are popular around the world.
Skewer
A long piece of wood or metal used for holding pieces of food, typically meat, together during cooking
Thread the meat on to large skewers and grill over a gentle heat
Kebab
A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit.
Skewer
Fasten together or pierce with a pin or skewer
Skewer the cubes of beef, using six to eight per skewer
Kebab
Shish kebab.
Skewer
A long metal or wooden pin used to secure or suspend food during cooking; a spit.
Kebab
(British) A dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted on a skewer or spit, especially a doner kebab.
Skewer
Any of various picks or rods having a function or shape similar to a skewer.
Kebab
(AU) A hand-held dish consisting of pieces of meat roasted on an upright skewer mixed with fresh vegetables and sauces and rolled up in a round piece of unleavened bread.
Skewer
To hold together or pierce with a skewer or other pointed object.
Kebab
(US) A shish kebab or any other food on a skewer.
Skewer
To ridicule or criticize harshly
A reviewer who skewered the tedious movie.
Kebab
A restaurant that sells kebabs
Let's go to the kebab after the club.
Skewer
A long pin, normally made of metal or wood, used to secure food during cooking.
Kebab
(chemistry) The outward growing portions of a shish kebab structure.
Skewer
Food served on a skewer. en
Kebab
A Muslim, usually of southern European, Middle Eastern, or North African descent.
Skewer
(chess) A scenario in which a piece attacks a more valuable piece which, if it moves aside, reveals a less valuable piece.
Kebab
The vulva.
Skewer
(rare) That which skews something.
Kebab
(GUI) menu icon of three vertical dots
Skewer
To impale on a skewer.
Kebab
(transitive) To roast in the style of a kebab
Skewer
(chess) To attack a piece which has a less valuable piece behind it.
Kebab
To stab or skewer
Skewer
(figurative) To severely mock or discredit.
Kebab
See kabab and kabob.
Skewer
A pin of wood or metal for fastening meat to a spit, or for keeping it in form while roasting.
Meat well stuck with skewers to make it look round.
Kebab
Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
Skewer
To fasten with skewers.
Skewer
A long pin for holding meat in position while it is being roasted
Skewer
Drive a skewer through;
Skewer the meat for the BBQ
Common Curiosities
Can kebabs be prepared without meat?
Yes, there are vegetarian versions of kebabs that use tofu, paneer, or just vegetables.
How do kebabs differ from other grilled dishes?
Kebabs specifically involve skewering marinated meats and sometimes vegetables, which are then grilled, offering unique flavors.
Can kebabs be considered a healthy food option?
Kebabs can be healthy if made with lean meats and a variety of vegetables.
What types of food can you prepare using skewers?
Skewers can be used for cooking meats, vegetables, fruits, and even desserts like marshmallows.
What is the origin of kebabs?
Kebabs originated from Middle Eastern cuisine and have variations across different cultures.
What alternative cooking methods can be used for kebabs besides grilling?
Baking and pan-frying are effective alternatives for cooking kebabs.
What are skewers used for?
Skewers are primarily used for holding food together during cooking processes such as grilling and roasting.
How do you prevent skewers from burning on a grill?
For wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling can prevent burning.
What's the best type of skewer for frequent use?
Stainless steel skewers are durable and ideal for frequent use.
Are wooden skewers safe for grilling?
Yes, but it’s advisable to soak them in water first to prevent burning.
What's the best way to clean metal skewers after grilling?
Soaking them in warm soapy water before scrubbing can help remove leftover food particles.
How long should meat be marinated for kebabs?
Depending on the recipe, meat can be marinated from 30 minutes to overnight for kebabs.
What is a common vegetable used in kebabs?
Onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes are commonly used in kebabs.
Are there any specific spices associated with kebabs?
Common spices include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika.
Can skewers be used in an oven?
Yes, both metal and pre-soaked wooden skewers can be used in an oven.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ruse vs. Trick
Next Comparison
Act vs. ConductAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
