1 piece (medium) of Shish kebab (120 g) has 216 calories. That works out to 180 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.4 g of carbs, 26.4 g of protein, 12 g of fat and 0.6 g of fiber. Its 2.2 µg of B12 covers 90% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Shish kebab?

Shish kebab is made by threading cubes of meat onto skewers and grilling them, traditionally over an open fire. It is closely associated with Turkish cooking and is also enjoyed across neighbouring regions; lamb is common in Turkey, though beef versions are popular too. The cut and seasoning vary from cook to cook.

The meat is typically browned and smoky at the edges while remaining tender inside. It is often served with grilled tomatoes and peppers, flatbread, rice, or a fresh salad. A protein-rich main, it pairs well with vegetables for a balanced plate; choosing a leaner cut can make the meal lighter.

Shish kebab Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

180

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 1% DV

Protein

22g

· 44% DV

Fat

10g

· 13% DV

Fiber

0.5g

· 2% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 4% · Protein 47% · Fat 49%

Shish kebab Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

1.8µg · 75% DV

4.5mg · 28% DV

0.35mg · 21% DV

0.18mg · 14% DV

Minerals

Zinc

4mg · 36% DV

Phosphorus

180mg · 26% DV

Selenium

12µg · 22% DV

Iron

2mg · 11% DV

How Nutritious Is Shish kebab?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

55/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Shish kebab Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Shish kebab

To burn the 180 calories in 100 g:

🚶

45min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

24min

Cycling

🏊

21min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Shish kebab Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Shish kebab Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Shish kebab Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Shish kebab Fat Profile

SATURATED

4.2g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.6g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.1g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2.4:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Shish kebab

🍢vs🥩

Shish kebab vs Ground Beef70 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍢vs🍢

Shish kebab vs Chicken Skewer40 kcal more per 100 g

→🍢vs🥩

Shish kebab vs Sauteed Lamb50 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍢vs🍗

Shish kebab vs Smoked Turkey70 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Shish kebab

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Shish kebab

What meat is used for shish kebab?

Shish kebab is commonly made with lamb or beef cut into cubes. Lamb leg or shoulder and tender beef cuts work well; meat with a little fat usually stays juicier on the grill than very lean pieces.

How do you make shish kebab tender?

To keep shish kebab tender, cut the meat across the grain into evenly sized chunks and avoid overcooking it. A marinade adds flavor, but it cannot rescue meat cooked until dry; let the kebab rest briefly before serving.

What is the best marinade for shish kebab?

A shish kebab marinade can combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and spices such as paprika or cumin. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator, then remove excess marinade before grilling so it does not drip onto the flame and burn.

How do you stop shish kebab from sticking to the skewers?

Shish kebab is less likely to stick when you lightly oil clean skewers and turn the meat only after its surface has browned. Metal skewers are convenient, while wooden skewers should be soaked before grilling to reduce scorching.

How do you grill shish kebab without drying it out?

Grill shish kebab over steady heat rather than open flames, turning the skewers so the meat browns evenly. Cut the chunks to a similar size and remove them once safely cooked; leaving them on the grill too long makes them tough.

Can you cook shish kebab in the oven?

Yes, shish kebab can be cooked in the oven using a hot grill or broiler setting. Place the skewers on a rack over a tray so heat reaches the meat, turn them during cooking, and check that the centers are fully cooked.

Where does shish kebab come from?

Shish kebab is associated with Turkish and broader Middle Eastern cuisines; “shish” refers to a skewer, and kebab describes grilled meat. Versions vary across regions in their choice of meat, seasoning, and accompanying vegetables.

What is usually served with shish kebab?

Shish kebab is often served with flatbread, grilled tomatoes and peppers, rice, or a fresh salad. Lemon, yogurt-based sauce, and sliced onions are also common accompaniments that complement the savory grilled meat.

How long does cooked shish kebab last in the fridge?

Cooked shish kebab keeps for about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored promptly in a covered container. Reheat it until hot throughout, and discard it if it has been left out for too long or shows signs of spoilage.

Can you freeze shish kebab?

Yes, cooked shish kebab can be frozen in an airtight container once it has cooled. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly; the meat may be slightly less juicy after freezing, so avoid heating it longer than needed.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026