Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
If you’re craving a dish bursting with bold flavors, tender textures, and colorful presentation, look no further than this Beef Shish Kebab Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of juicy, marinated beef cubes grilled alongside sweet bell peppers and onions, creating the perfect harmony of smoky char and savory goodness. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want to impress at dinner, these skewers promise a mouthwatering experience that’s as simple to prepare as it is delightful to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Shish Kebab Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its signature flavor profile and gorgeous appearance. From fragrant spices to fresh vegetables, every element contributes deliciously to the final dish.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the marinade perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to complement the spices and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth and depth to the beef.
- Sweet paprika: Brings vibrant color and a smoky, sweet undertone.
- Ground black pepper: Offers a mild, spicy kick that rounds out the mix.
- Allspice: A hint of exotic aroma that brightens the marinade.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the meat with intense, savory flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a slightly tangy depth.
- Olive oil: Helps tenderize the beef and keeps the kebabs juicy.
- Lemon juice: Tenderizes the meat and adds a refreshing zesty note.
- Beef tenderloin or top sirloin: The star of the show—choose tender cuts for the best texture.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a crisp, fresh bite and bright green color.
- Red bell pepper: Sweetness and vibrant red hues make the skewers pop.
- Yellow bell pepper: Brings sunny color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- Red onion: Offers sharpness and a bit of sweetness when grilled.
How to Make Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Marinade and Add the Beef
Start by combining all your marinade ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until well blended. Reserve about ¼ cup of this marinade separately—that’s going to be your secret weapon for brushing later. Add the cubed beef to the remaining marinade, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge to soak up all those wonderful flavors for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables
While the beef is soaking in that delicious marinade, toss your cubed green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with red onion pieces into the bowl holding the reserved marinade. Give everything a good stir so the vegetables get their own tasty boost. Set them aside until it’s time to thread your skewers.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill going by preheating it on high heat for about 10 minutes. To prevent sticking and encourage those mouthwatering grill marks, lightly oil the grates right after heating.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Now comes the fun part! Thread the marinated beef cubes, bell peppers, and onions alternately onto your skewers. This creates a colorful and flavorful combination on each stick. You should be able to make around 8 skewers, perfect for sharing or saving some for later.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Place your shish kebabs on the sizzling grill and cook them for 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them frequently to get even grilling and delicious charred edges all around. Don’t forget to brush the skewers a couple of times with the reserved marinade you set aside earlier—that’s the secret to keeping the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This pause allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and mouthwatering bites when you dig in.
How to Serve Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the smoky beef beautifully. For a zesty twist, scatter some crumbled feta cheese over the top or drizzle a bit of tangy yogurt-based sauce to elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair perfectly with a vibrant tabbouleh salad, fluffy couscous, or a simple rice pilaf. Grilled pita bread alongside makes the meal complete, allowing you to create delicious wraps or simply scoop up every flavorful morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these kebabs over a bed of fresh greens or alongside a colorful Mediterranean salad to amp up the visual appeal. For a crowd-pleasing platter, arrange the skewers on a wooden board lined with lemon wedges and small bowls of dipping sauces—perfect for festive gatherings and relaxed dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Beef Shish Kebab Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the meat and vegetables together for maximum flavor, and be sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers for a longer period, freeze the cooked kebabs in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. For best texture preservation, separate the skewers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat them on a grill pan or outdoor grill to revive that smoky flavor without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tenderloin and top sirloin are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use eye of round or ribeye. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer marinating or careful grilling to avoid chewiness.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning or catching fire, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan or broiler in the oven to cook your Beef Shish Kebab Recipe. Just watch closely to prevent overcooking and use the marinade to baste frequently for juicy results.
How long should I marinate the beef for best flavor?
Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes is enough to infuse great flavor, but if time allows, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for even more tender and flavorful meat.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! The recipe scales well, and you can easily multiply ingredient quantities to make as many skewers as needed. Just marinate the beef and vegetables in batches to ensure thorough coating.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Shish Kebab Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together easy preparation, vibrant colors, and mouthwatering flavors in one delightful package. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these kebabs promise to impress and satisfy. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy beef on a skewer!
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Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Shish Kebab recipe offers a flavorful and colorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender beef cubes marinated in a blend of spices, garlic, lemon juice, and tomato paste, cooked alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions on the grill. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these kebabs are juicy, aromatic, and ideal for outdoor grilling season.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup lemon juice
Beef and Vegetables
- 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 thoroughly. Transfer ¼ cup of the marinade to a large bowl for vegetables, another ¼ cup to a smaller bowl for basting later, and add the remaining marinade to the bowl with the cubed beef. Toss the beef well to coat evenly, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Marinade Vegetables: Add the cubed green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion pieces to the large bowl containing ¼ cup of reserved marinade. Toss the vegetables well to coat them evenly and set aside until ready to thread onto skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat for about 10 minutes. Once hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking of the kebabs during cooking.
- Make Skewers: Thread the beef cubes, onions, and bell peppers onto skewers alternately, distributing the ingredients evenly to make about 8 skewers in total.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the prepared skewers on the hot grill. Cook the kebabs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are grilled evenly. While grilling, brush the skewers a couple of times with the reserved ¼ cup of marinade from the small bowl to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality beef tenderloin or top sirloin for tender and juicy kebabs.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Adjust the salt and spices according to taste preference.
- These kebabs can also be cooked under a broiler or on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Allowing the meat to rest after grilling improves tenderness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
