Fire up the grill and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece with these Grilled Marinated Steak Kebabs. Imagine tender, juicy cubes of steak, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet red onions, all infused with a simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade marinade, then perfectly skewered and grilled until caramelized and irresistibly charred. These kebabs aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience, promising a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or entertaining guests, this recipe for perfectly marinated steak skewers is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Serving approximately six people with two skewers each, prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why Everyone Loves Grilled Steak Kebabs
There’s an undeniable charm to food served on a skewer, especially when it’s been kissed by the flames of a grill. These convenient, bite-sized portions of meat and vegetables are universally adored for their ease of eating, beautiful presentation, and the delightful medley of flavors that come with each combination. Grilled steak kebabs, in particular, evoke images of warm summer evenings, good company, and the satisfying sizzle of food cooking outdoors. They offer a unique blend of tender beef and crisp, caramelized vegetables, making them a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal. Beyond their appealing aesthetic and convenience, kebabs allow for endless customization, ensuring there’s a perfect skewer for every palate. Our recipe for Marinated Steak Kebabs takes this beloved classic to the next level, ensuring a juicy and flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Secret to Perfect Steak Kebabs: Quality Meat & a Flavorful Marinade
Achieving truly delicious and tender steak kebabs hinges on two critical elements: selecting the right cut of beef and crafting an exceptional homemade marinade. Skimping on either will inevitably lead to a less-than-stellar outcome. Our goal is to ensure every piece of steak is succulent, tender, and bursting with flavor, complementing the sweet, smoky notes of the grilled vegetables.
Choosing the Best Steak for Skewers
When it comes to grilling steak kebabs, not all cuts are created equal. You need a cut that’s tender enough to cook quickly on the grill without becoming tough, yet holds its shape and flavor well. Resist the temptation to buy pre-cut beef labeled “stew meat.” While convenient, these cuts are designed for slow cooking over several hours to achieve tenderness, making them unsuitable for the high heat and short cooking times of grilling. Instead, opt for:
- Ribeye Steak: Often considered the gold standard for grilling, ribeye boasts excellent marbling, which contributes to its rich flavor and incredible tenderness. When cubed, it remains juicy and cooks beautifully, making it a top choice for kebabs.
- Sirloin Steak: A fantastic alternative to ribeye, sirloin is typically leaner and more budget-friendly but still offers great flavor and tenderness when properly prepared. It cubes up easily and holds its own on the grill, absorbing the marinade wonderfully.
Look for steaks with good, even marbling (small flecks of fat throughout the muscle) and a bright red color. When cutting, aim for uniform 1 to 1.5-inch cubes to ensure even cooking across all skewers. This attention to detail in your meat selection will make a significant difference in the final product.
Crafting the Ultimate Homemade Marinade
While quality steak provides the foundation, the magic truly unfolds in the marinade. A well-balanced marinade not only infuses the beef with incredible flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Our homemade marinade is designed to achieve just that, blending savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that penetrate every fiber of the steak.
Essential Ingredients for Your Grilled Steak Kebabs
For the Marinade:
- Fresh Garlic: Minced or grated, fresh garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic foundation, essential for deep flavor.
- Steak Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried spices, steak seasoning provides a complex flavor profile, often including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can use your favorite store-bought blend or create your own.
- Dijon Mustard: Beyond its tangy flavor, Dijon mustard contains vinegar, which acts as a natural tenderizer. It also helps emulsify the marinade, ensuring even coating and adding a subtle sharpness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A powerhouse of umami, Worcestershire sauce offers a savory depth, a touch of sweetness, and additional acidity to aid in tenderizing the beef.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The citric acid in lemon juice is crucial for breaking down the tough connective tissues in the beef, resulting in a more tender and less chewy texture, while also adding a bright, zesty note.
- Tamari (or Low-Sodium Soy Sauce): This gluten-free alternative to soy sauce enhances the savory notes of the steak, contributing to its rich flavor. Low-sodium options are preferred to control saltiness.
- Extra Light Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nuanced flavor to the marinade and, more importantly, helps to keep the meat moist during grilling, preventing it from drying out at high temperatures. It also helps to distribute fat-soluble flavors.
For the Kebabs:
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steaks: As discussed, these tender cuts of beef are ideal for grilling. Cut them into consistent bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Use any color you prefer – red, orange, or green. Bell peppers add a sweet, crisp freshness and beautiful color to your kebabs. They soften and caramelize slightly on the grill, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Red Onion: When grilled, red onions transform, becoming wonderfully sweet and savory with a slight char. Their robust flavor holds up well to the intense heat of the grill.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Marinated Steak Kebabs
Preparing the Marinade
Begin by preparing your aromatic marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, finely mince or grate four cloves of fresh garlic. Add one tablespoon of your favorite steak seasoning, two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, one-quarter cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one-quarter cup of low-sodium tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce), two and a half tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and two tablespoons of extra light olive oil. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive marinade.
Marinating the Steak and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped bell peppers (typically three bell peppers of various colors for visual appeal) and one large chopped red onion. These vegetables will absorb the delicious marinade alongside the beef, enhancing their flavor as they grill.
Next, add the uniformly cubed steak directly into the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak and vegetables. Using tongs or your hands (wearing gloves is recommended), toss everything together until every piece of steak, pepper, and onion is thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.
It’s that simple! Now, let the mixture sit and marinate at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. This short marinating period allows the flavors to meld and the beef to come up to room temperature, which is crucial for even cooking on the grill.
Skewering Your Kebabs
While the steak and vegetables are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 550-600°F (288-315°C). During this time, you can begin assembling your kebabs. Thread the marinated steak cubes, bell peppers, and red onions onto your skewers, alternating the ingredients for an attractive and balanced skewer. Aim for about four to five pieces of steak per skewer, resulting in approximately 12 skewers in total for this recipe. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30-45 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Grilling to Perfection
Once your grill is screaming hot and has reached the desired temperature, carefully place the skewers onto the hot grates. Close the grill lid immediately and reduce the temperature to medium-medium/high (around 400°F or 200°C). This initial blast of high heat will create beautiful sear marks, while the reduced temperature allows the kebabs to cook through without burning.
Continue grilling, turning the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides. Cook until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium steak, this usually takes about 8-10 minutes total, or until the steak has a crispy char on the outside and is perfectly cooked in the center. While timing can vary based on grill type and steak thickness, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium, is a good guide.
Resting and Serving
Once cooked to perfection, remove the steak kebabs from the grill and place them on a clean platter or metal pan. Allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices within the steak to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. While the kebabs are resting, you can cook any leftover marinated vegetables that didn’t make it onto the skewers. Simply drain them from the marinade and cook them in a preheated grill pan on the hot grates for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These grilled marinated steak kebabs are so incredibly flavorful, you could easily enjoy them all on their own. However, they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic BBQ spread, serve them alongside:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A match made in heaven, the sweetness of grilled corn complements the savory steak.
- Fluffy Rice or Couscous: Perfect for soaking up any delicious juices. Try a lemon-herb rice or a vibrant couscous salad.
- Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Bread or Garlic Naan: Ideal for scooping up any fallen bits and enjoying the residual flavors.
- Roasted Potatoes or Potato Salad: Hearty and comforting sides that always please.
- Quinoa Salad: For a healthier, protein-packed option.
Alternatively, get creative! Slide the grilled steak and veggies off the skewers and into soft tortillas for delicious steak kebab tacos, or serve them over a bed of fresh greens for a vibrant and fulfilling salad. No matter how you choose to present them, these Marinated Steak Kebabs are guaranteed to make your dinner table a delicious destination.
Tips for Success with Grilled Steak Kebabs
- Uniform Cuts: Ensure all steak and vegetable pieces are roughly the same size (1 to 1.5 inches) for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster and risk drying out; larger pieces might remain raw in the center.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer to allow hot air to circulate and ensure proper cooking and charring.
- Wooden vs. Metal Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat, potentially helping the food cook from the inside. If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30-45 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Internal Temperature: For accurate doneness, use a meat thermometer.
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-Done: 150°F+ (66°C+)
- Preheat Thoroughly: A properly preheated grill creates a great sear and helps prevent sticking.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any glorious leftovers of these marinated steak kebabs, storing and reheating them is simple. Allow the cooked kebabs to cool completely, then remove the steak and vegetables from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you have a few options:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place the steak and vegetables on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on 50% power in 35-45 second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the steak.
- Oven/Toaster Oven: For best results, especially for retaining some char, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm.
- Stovetop: Sauté the leftovers in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat until heated through. This can also help crisp up the vegetables slightly.
Even straight out of the container, these kebabs are incredibly delicious, making for a fantastic grab-and-go lunch. Your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of meat for kebabs?
- Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on steak, the marinade is versatile. You can easily substitute chicken breast or thigh, pork tenderloin, or even lamb for equally delicious results. Adjust grilling times accordingly for different meats.
- How long should I marinate the steak?
- For steak, 30 minutes at room temperature is sufficient to infuse flavor and tenderize. You can marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 hours, but avoid marinating for much longer than 6 hours, especially with lemon juice, as the acid can start to “cook” the meat and change its texture.
- Can I prepare these kebabs in advance?
- You can chop the vegetables and cube the steak a day in advance. Prepare the marinade separately. Combine the steak, vegetables, and marinade about an hour before grilling, allowing it to marinate at room temperature for the last 30 minutes.
- What if I don’t have a grill?
- No problem! You can cook these kebabs on a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat, or even bake them in the oven. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the steak is cooked to your liking.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to customize your kebabs with cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks for a touch of sweetness.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating mouth-watering Grilled Marinated Steak Kebabs. This recipe is designed to be simple, straightforward, and packed with incredible flavor. It’s the perfect addition to your summer grilling rotation and a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and get ready to savor every single bite of these perfectly cooked steak skewers. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the amazing food!
Enjoy! And if you give these Grilled Marinated Steak Kebabs a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review »
Grilled Marinated Steak Kebabs
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINADE:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup tamari
- 2½ tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
FOR THE KEBABS:
- 2 pounds sirloin steaks, or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 orange bell pepper, cut into chunks
- green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into cubes
Equipment
-
MASTER COOK Kabob Skewers Set 12 Flat Stainless Steel Reusable BBQ Skewers
Instructions
-
In a large bowl combine the garlic, steak seasoning, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, tamari and olive oil. Whisk to combine thoroughly.
-
Place the peppers, onions and cubed sirloin into the marinade and toss to coat. Allow the beef to marinate on the countertop for 15 to 20 mintues.
-
While your grill is preheating to medium-high (550-600°). Skewer the steak, alternating with the peppers and onion until all of the steak is skewered. Any remaining peppers and onions can be added to a hot grill pan later on while the steak kebabs rest.
-
Once your grill is hot, place the skewers down and immediately reduce the temperature to medium (400°) and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until there’s a nice grill marks on the outside.
-
Remove and let rest for 5 minutes or so before serving. This is when I would place the grill pan on top of the hot grates. Once hot, use tongs to add the vegetables, leaving the marinade in the bowl.
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Calories: 285kcal,
Carbohydrates: 8g,
Protein: 35g,
Fat: 12g,
Saturated Fat: 3g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g,
Cholesterol: 92mg,
Sodium: 776mg,
Potassium: 735mg,
Fiber: 2g,
Sugar: 4g,
Vitamin A: 1270IU,
Vitamin C: 58mg,
Calcium: 73mg,
Iron: 4mg
This recipe was originally posted on June 27, 2013 and has been updated with clear and concise instructions, new photography and helpful information.