Take your barbecue beyond the burger, with the ultimate mid-summer skewer spread
By mid-July, the barbecue season is in full swing, but now that we have seen in the Solstice, evenings are slowly losing their light and school holiday get-togethers are just about to kick off. So, there is still plenty to look forward to. But if your grill routine has fallen into a predictable cycle, it’s time for an upgrade.
Enter the skewer. Versatile, vibrant, and incredibly quick to cook, a range of premium kebabs – with a selection of flavourful sides – strikes the perfect balance between relaxed, hands-on dining and artisan quality. By choosing spectacular, ethically reared cuts and pairing them with fresh, seasonal marinades, you can turn a casual meal into a gourmet summer feast.
So, let’s build a mid-summer crowd-pleaser…
The Foundations of a gourmet kebab
When you’re hosting, the goal is always to spend less time trapped behind a smoking grill and more time with a cold drink in hand, catching up with friends. That is exactly what makes the skewer the ultimate hosting secret weapon – it ticks all the boxes.
Firstly, they cook incredibly quickly; because the meat and vegetables are diced into bite-sized pieces, they take mere minutes over a high heat to achieve that perfect, flame-kissed finish.
Secondly, they are pre-portioned. No messy carving or dividing up food at the table, just a platter full of mouth-watering skewers that guests can easily help themselves to.
Finally, they look spectacular. Threaded with colourful seasonal vegetables, a stacked platter of skewers creates a centrepiece that screams moreish midsummer fayre.
But because skewers cook quickly over intense heat, there is nowhere for subpar ingredients to hide. The real secret to a show-stopping kebab spread lies entirely in the quality of the meat you choose.
That is where the Lakings’ ethos comes in. We don’t believe in masking mass-produced meat with heavy, sugary sauces. Instead, our cuts are sustainably sourced – locally, properly matured, and expertly cut by traditional butchers who understand texture and grain. We firmly believe that meat reared with care and prepared with precision delivers a deep, natural flavour and incredible succulence.
When you commit a Lakings skewer to the grill, that rich heritage flavour doesn’t get lost in the smoke; it is enhanced by it, delivering artisan quality in every single bite.
The magic trio
To create a spread that caters to everyone, aim for three distinct flavour profiles using premium chicken, pork, and lamb.
The Med-Style Herb & Lemon Chicken Skewer
The cut: Lakings Free Range Chicken Breasts (diced into generous, uniform cubes) or Chicken Thighs for extra succulence.
The vibe: Light, vibrant, and classic. Free-range chicken has a depth of flavour and a beautiful texture that handles high-heat grilling perfectly without drying out.
The marinade: Extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped fresh oregano, and a pinch of sea salt.
The additions: Wedges of red onion, zucchini rounds, and sweet yellow bell peppers.
The Sweet & Savoury Soy-Ginger Pork Tenderloin Skewer
The cut: Lakings Pork Fillet. This is an incredibly lean, tender, and premium cut that cooks rapidly. Slicing it into thick medallions or chunks makes it the star of the grill.
The vibe: Sticky, savoury-sweet, and modern. Pork fillet absorbs marinade beautifully and caramelises wonderfully over open flames.
The marinade: Honey, dark soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, a splash of sesame oil, and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
The additions: Fresh pineapple chunks (which caramelise beautifully alongside the pork) and spring onion lengths.
The Herb-Crusted Heritage Lamb & Mint Skewer
The cut: Lakings Diced Lamb (ideally taken from premium leg or shoulder cuts for the perfect balance of lean meat and flavour-carrying fat).
The vibe: Rich, traditional, and deeply satisfying. Grass-fed lamb loves the high heat of the barbecue, locking in its deep, natural sweetness.
The marinade: A robust mix of olive oil, crushed garlic, lots of fresh chopped rosemary, a hint of cumin, and a splash of red wine vinegar.
The additions: Thick chunks of red pepper and halloumi cheese (which holds up brilliantly to grilling right next to the lamb).
From the Laking’s kitchen, the perfect accompaniment
If you need a little inspiration when it comes to side dishes or sauces, turn to our very own chef ambassador, Rosie Dicker. Alongside lamb skewers, highlight a classic pairing and add a minted pea, feta salad with salsa verde – tradition with a twist! Or, if you prefer pork, why not serve Rosie’s chimichurri or pineapple salsa?
Top tips from our butchers, to you
- Size matters: Keep your meat cubes uniform (around 1 to 1.5 inches). This ensures an even cook, preventing small pieces from drying out while larger ones catch up.
- Give it space: Don’t pack the meat and veg too tightly on the skewers. Leaving a tiny bit of breathing room allows the heat to circulate, ensuring a beautiful, smoky char all the way around rather than steaming the meat.
- The soak trick: If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning or splintering on the grill.
- Rest your meat: Just like a premium steak or roast, let your cooked skewers rest on a warm platter under loose foil for 3–5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, making every bite incredibly tender.
A great summer gathering isn’t just about feeding a crowd; it’s about sharing food that has been crafted with care. By swapping standard barbecue fare for vibrant, artisan-quality skewers, you’re guaranteed to be the toast of the season.
Ready to fire up the grill? Skip the prep and head over to our counter. Order your premium cuts online today at Lakings, head to our barbecue shop to take even more stress out of your prep, or pop into the shop to see what’s fresh on the block this week.
