These Easy Beef Kabobs are perfect for grilling season! Juicy pieces of beef are paired with colorful veggies like peppers and onions, making them a fun and tasty meal.
Who can resist a kebab? Plus, they cook up quickly on the grill, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your friends. I love serving them with a side of rice or salad for a complete feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Chuck or sirloin work great in kabobs. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can opt for tenderloin or flank steak. Both will still give that juicy result!
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for color. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini or cherry tomatoes also make excellent substitutes. You can even use mushrooms for a different flavor!
Onion: Red onion adds sweetness and color, but you can use yellow or white onions if that’s what you have. Just remember that baking soda, when added to the marinade, can help mellow the sharpness of any onion!
Marinade Ingredients: If soy sauce isn’t your style, try coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. You can swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different hint of sweetness.
How Do You Ensure Tender Beef in Kabobs?
Getting tender beef in kabobs is all about marinating and cooking time. Here’s how to nail it:
- Marinate your beef for at least 2 hours. Longer is better! This helps break down fibers and enhances flavor.
- Cut meat into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking, so no piece overcooks while you wait for another to catch up.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave space between pieces to allow heat to circulate, giving you a nice char on all sides.
Remember, letting the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling is also key! This helps the meat juices settle, which leads to more tender bites.
Easy Beef Kabobs Recipe for Grilling
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck or sirloin, cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- 8-10 wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of active preparation time but allow for at least 2 hours for marinating the beef (up to 8 hours for best flavor). The grilling process itself will take around 10-12 minutes. Total, set aside about 2 hours and 30 minutes for a delicious, flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by cutting the beef into uniform pieces, around 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that perfect juicy texture.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, brown sugar, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Marinate the Beef:
Toss the beef cubes in the marinade until they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the beef soak up the flavors for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it marinate for up to 8 hours for an even richer taste.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
While waiting for the beef to marinate, chop your bell peppers and red onion into chunks that are roughly the same size as the beef. This will ensure they cook at a similar rate!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill. Once soaked, start threading the beef, bell peppers, and onion onto each skewer, alternating as you go to create a beautiful mix.
6. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill fired up to a medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). This will give you that delicious char while cooking the meat quickly.
7. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the grill. Grill for about 8-12 minutes total, turning the skewers every 3-4 minutes. This will help get that mouthwatering grill marks and ensure your beef is cooked to your desired level (medium rare to medium works best for tenderness).
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This process allows the juices to settle, making your kabobs even juicier when you bite in!
9. Optional Serving Suggestion:
Serve your kabobs with a side of rice, warm grilled pita bread, or a fresh salad for a delicious and complete meal. Enjoy!
Now, dig into your juicy, flavorful grilled beef kabobs. They’re sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Kabobs?
Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are great choices, you can also use zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet touch. Just keep the sizes similar to your beef pieces for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
To store leftovers, place the cooked kabobs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to warm through before serving again.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the marinade up to 2 days in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to prepare the kabobs, simply mix it with the beef and proceed with the recipe.
What Should I Serve With Kabobs?
Kabobs are versatile and pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with rice, a refreshing salad, grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread. You could also add a yogurt sauce or tzatziki on the side for extra flavor!
