turkey skewers get a delicious Middle Eastern makeover with a vibrant marinade of pomegranate molasses, garlic, and warm spices.
This recipe is perfect for grilling or broiling, delivering juicy, flavorful turkey with a beautiful caramelized glaze.
Serve these skewers as a main dish with rice or a fresh salad for a simple yet impressive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pomegranate molasses adds sweet-tart depth and helps create a sticky, caramelized exterior on the turkey.
- A blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika complements the bright, fruity notes of the marinade.
- Marinating the turkey for at least 2 hours tenderizes the meat and infuses bold flavor throughout.
Spiced Pomegranate Molasses Turkey Skewers
These turkey skewers are marinated in a fragrant mix of pomegranate molasses and Middle Eastern spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. A flavorful twist perfect for summer cookouts or quick dinners.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 12 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 12 skewers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers, soaked if wooden
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together pomegranate molasses, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Turkey Add the turkey cubes to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill or Broiler If grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat. If broiling, position oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat broiler.
- Assemble the Skewers Thread the marinated turkey cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Turkey Skewers Grill or broil the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until cooked through and nicely charred on the edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve Let the cooked skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- Make sure to check the turkey's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers for added color and flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and quality pomegranate molasses for the best taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store cooked turkey skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Do not leave cooked turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of turkey breast cubes?
For this recipe, turkey breast cubes work best to hold on skewers and cook evenly. Ground turkey is better suited for meatballs or patties.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the turkey up to 8 hours ahead. Cooked skewers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
What if I don't have pomegranate molasses?
You can substitute with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey (approximate ratio 1:1), but the flavor will be less tart and fruity.
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