Get ready to fire up your grill for the most mouthwatering Beef Shish Kebab you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is a game-changer for your summer cookouts or any time you’re craving a flavor-packed meal. With tender, juicy beef and colorful veggies, these kebabs are sure to steal the show at your next barbecue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The marinade is a perfect blend of spices and aromatics that infuse every bite with deliciousness.
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes on the grill, you’ll have an impressive meal in no time.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Entertaining: These kebabs are a crowd-pleaser and great for feeding a group.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef: Choose tenderloin or top sirloin for the most tender results. The cubes should be uniform for even cooking.
- Bell Peppers: A rainbow of peppers adds color and sweetness to the kebabs.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp flavor that mellows beautifully when grilled.
- Marinade Spices: A blend of salt, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and allspice creates a complex flavor profile.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor to the marinade.
- Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a hint of umami to the marinade.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: These form the base of the marinade, tenderizing the meat and adding brightness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Try chicken, lamb, or shrimp instead of beef.
- Veggie Mix: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms to the skewers.
- Spice it Up: Include a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
How to Make Beef Shish Kebab
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup in two separate bowls.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Toss beef cubes in the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Marinate the Vegetables
Combine bell peppers and onions with 1/4 cup of reserved marinade.
Step 4: Preheat and Oil the Grill
Heat your grill on high for 10 minutes and lightly oil the grates.
Step 5: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread meat and vegetables onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Grill kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved marinade.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let kebabs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use flat metal skewers to prevent ingredients from rotating while grilling.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between ingredients for even cooking.
- For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Cut vegetables slightly larger than the meat to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How to Serve
Serve these sizzling kebabs straight off the grill with:
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- A side of tzatziki sauce or hummus
- Greek salad or tabbouleh
- Lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, marinated beef and vegetables separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F or on the grill, being careful not to overcook.
FAQs
Can I make these kebabs in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
How long should I marinate the beef?
For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing.
Can I use pre-cut stew meat for this recipe?
While it’s possible, cutting your own cubes from tenderloin or sirloin will yield more tender results.
Is it necessary to oil the grill grates?
Yes, oiling prevents sticking and helps achieve those perfect grill marks.
These Beef Shish Kebabs are the perfect way to elevate your grilling game. With their irresistible flavor and simple preparation, they’re bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready for a taste sensation that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Print
Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Beef Shish Kebab is a flavorful and juicy grilled dish featuring marinated beef cubes and colorful vegetables threaded onto skewers. This classic Middle Eastern recipe combines tender meat with a zesty blend of spices, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes that’s sure to impress at your next barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
Kebabs:
- 3 pounds beef tenderloin or top sirloin (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 large red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade and Add Beef: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients together. Transfer ¼ cup of the marinade to a large bowl and another ¼ cup to a smaller bowl. Add the cubed beef to the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss well, ensuring it’s fully covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Marinade Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onions to the large bowl with ¼ cup of reserved marinade and toss well. Set aside until ready to thread on skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill for 10 minutes on high heat. Lightly oil the grates of the gas grill.
- Make Skewers: Thread the meat, onions, and peppers on skewers, alternating until you run out of ingredients. You should get about 8 skewers.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the shish kebabs on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure grilling on all sides. While the kebabs are grilling, brush the skewers a couple of times with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade in the small bowl.
- Serve: Transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and allow 5 minutes to rest before serving.
Notes
- Soak bamboo or wooden skewers in water for at least one hour before using to prevent burning.
- Use flat metal skewers to prevent meat and vegetables from rotating.
- Don’t skip the marinating step for best flavor.
- For variety, substitute beef with chicken or pork.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 135°F for rare, 145°F for medium-rare.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
