How to Choose the Perfect Asian Skewer for Appetizers or BBQ

Asian street food has taken our appetizer spreads by storm, and the skewer is its undisputed star. Whether for a unique Asian appetizer, a quick on-the-go snack, or the main course of a barbecue, the Asian skewer has become a staple. But with an ever-growing selection, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect skewer to match your tastes and cravings.

The 3 Criteria for Finding the Perfect Asian Skewer

Before diving into our top picks, keep these key points in mind to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Meat or Plant-Based Alternative??

This is the fundamental question. Traditional versions, like the chilli cumin chicken skewer, appeal to meat lovers with their authentic texture and flavour.

On the other hand, plant-based alternatives are becoming increasingly impressive. Made from textured soy protein, they perfectly mimic the look and chew of meat. A chicken-flavoured vegan skewer can thus promise a taste experience nearly identical to the original, making it ideal for vegetarian or vegan diets.

2. Ready-to-Eat Snack or Ready-to-Cook Meal??

It all depends on the occasion and your energy level (or lack thereof?!).

• Ready-to-eat snack?: Perfect for a gourmet break or a spontaneous appetizer. This type of Chinese snack often comes in an individual packet, ready to be enjoyed with no preparation needed.
• Ready-to-grill skewer?: Designed to be cooked, it's the star of barbecues, planchas, or pan-frying. It's the ideal option for a hot dish that releases all its aromas during cooking.

3. What Flavour Profile Suits Your Palate??

The marinade is the soul of the skewer. Three major classics stand out?:

• Chilli and Cumin?: A classic duo from Chinese street food, particularly from Xinjiang, that brings heat and fragrance.
• Satay?: A peanut-based sauce, sweet and mildly spicy, very popular in Southeast Asia.
• Teriyaki?: A sweet and savoury Japanese marinade made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

Once you've identified your preferred flavour profile, it will be much easier to make your choice at an online Asian grocery store.

Our Selection of Asian Skewers

Here are a few gems we've selected for the quality of their ingredients and the authenticity of their flavours.

JOYTOFU Grilled Skewers, Chicken Flavour, 60g

Why it stands out?: This chicken-flavoured vegan skewer is made from puffed soy protein, a process that gives it a fibrous, layered texture that is both firm and tender. It's a very popular Chinese snack, ready to eat right out of the package.

Highlights?:

• High in protein?: Contains 21.7?g of plant-based protein per 100?g.
• Smart formula?: With no added sugar, it's a healthy and balanced snack.
• Unique texture?: The thermal extrusion technology creates a very pleasant chew, quite different from classic tofu.
• Convenient format?: The 60g individual packet is perfect for on the go.

Who is it for?? Ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a flavourful, high-protein snack to eat on the go.

HAO BA SHI Skewered Vegetarian Meat - Chicken Flavour 65g

Why it stands out?: The Hao Ba Shi brand is a benchmark for soy-based snacks. This skewer uses high-quality textured vegetable protein to replicate the fibre of chicken. The marinade, rich in spices like cumin and Sichuan pepper, delivers an authentic and highly aromatic taste.

Highlights?:

• Juicy texture?: The vegetable protein is processed to be both tender and soft.
• Authentic flavour?: Its complex marinade is a delight and pairs wonderfully with many dishes.
• Versatility?: Ready to eat, this snack can also accompany a bowl of rice, noodles, or porridge for a quick and simple meal.

Who is it for?? For lovers of authentic Chinese flavours looking for a practical and versatile plant-based alternative that's as good as a snack as it is a side dish.

FRESHASIA Bone-in Chicken Skewers, Chilli & Cumin Flavour, 240g

Why it stands out?: This chilli cumin chicken skewer is for the purists of grilled meat. It combines tender chicken thigh with crunchy chicken cartilage, all coated in a spicy chilli and cumin marinade. The perfect option for a barbecue or a social meal.

Highlights?:

• Contrasting textures?: The combination of melt-in-your-mouth meat and crunchy cartilage is a real bonus, highly sought after by connoisseurs.
• Intense flavour?: The marinade combines the fragrance of cumin with the heat of chilli for a powerful, authentic taste.
• Ready to cook?: This ready-to-grill skewer is individually frozen, allowing you to use only the amount you need.
• Easy to cook?: Suitable for several cooking methods: grill, pan, or Air Fryer.

Who is it for?? For those seeking the authentic taste of a grilled meat skewer with the spicy flavours typical of Asian street food.

Looking for More BBQ Ideas?

Haven't found what you're looking for, or simply curious to discover other flavours?? To add variety with different meats, marinades, or preparations, a much wider range awaits you.

Explore our complete collection of BBQ Skewers to discover even more flavours and find inspiration for your next meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store these skewers??

It all depends on the product. Ready-to-eat snacks like those from JOYTOFU and Hao Ba Shi are generally stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Ready-to-cook skewers like those from FRESHASIA are frozen and must be kept at -18?°C. The golden rule?: always check the instructions on the packaging.

Where can I buy good Asian skewers online??

An online Asian grocery store like Joybuy is ideal for this. It provides access to a wide selection of authentic products, with detailed product pages (ingredients, nutritional values) so you can make an informed choice without leaving your sofa.

Is a vegan skewer really high in protein??

Absolutely. Most are made from soy protein, an excellent source of complete plant-based protein. The JOYTOFU skewer, for example, boasts 21.7?g of protein per 100?g. It is therefore a very relevant option to supplement your daily intake, whether you are vegetarian or not.