These tender grilled beef kabobs are a treat! Marinated in a mix of yummy spices and tangy flavors, they bring a burst of taste in every bite. Perfect for your next cookout!
Who doesn’t love some colorful veggies on the grill with their meat? Plus, they look so fancy on a plate, don’t they? I could eat these kabobs every week—they’re just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or tenderloin for tenderness. If you want to switch it up, flank steak or even chicken works nicely too. Just remember chicken will need a slightly different marinating time.
Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil is great for flavor, but feel free to use avocado oil if you prefer. Instead of soy sauce, you can choose tamari (for gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a different taste.
Sweetener: Brown sugar brings a nice depth, but honey or maple syrup is a great substitute. If you’re cutting sugar, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
Veggies: The bell peppers and onions add color and crunch. You can swap in zucchini, mushrooms, or any other veggies you like. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.
How Can I Make the Best Marinade for My Kabobs?
The marinade is key to making the beef flavorful and tender. Mixing it well helps blend all the ingredients, letting the flavors out. To enhance the taste:
- Use fresh garlic; it gives a stronger flavor.
- Let the beef marinate for a longer time if you can—6 hours or overnight is perfect for deep flavor.
- Remember to keep the meat and marinade in the fridge to keep it safe.
Once you grill, aim for medium-rare. This keeps the beef juicy and flavorful! Enjoy the grilling and the delicious outcome!
Tender Grilled Beef Kabobs with Flavorful Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of preparation and marinating time, plus about 12 minutes for grilling. Be sure to start marinating your beef a few hours in advance—ideally 4-6 hours—so it’s packed with flavor and super tender when you grill it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, making sure each cube is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let the beef soak in the marinade for 4-6 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on the beef kabobs!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the marinated beef out of the fridge and begin threading the beef cubes onto the skewers. Alternate with pieces of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion wedges, and cherry tomatoes if you choose. This adds color and flavor!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 8-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them—you want the beef to be nicely browned and cooked to your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium is recommended for the most tenderness).
6. Let Rest:
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious grilled beef kabobs warm, alongside rice, pita bread, or a crisp salad. Enjoy every savory bite of these juicy kabobs!
Happy grilling!
FAQ for Tender Grilled Beef Kabobs
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or tenderloin is recommended for tenderness, you can use chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the marinating and cooking times accordingly—chicken may take a bit longer, while shrimp will cook much faster.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or place them in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy them cold in salads or wraps as well!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the beef right before grilling to keep it fresh and tasty!
How Do I Know When the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece to check for any pinkness; the beef should be juicy and slightly pink in the center.