If you’re craving a dish that’s bold, juicy, and packed with mouthwatering flavor, look no further than Beef Shish Kebab. This recipe transforms simple sirloin or ribeye and a few vibrant veggies into something magical on the grill. The deeply savory marinade does all the heavy lifting, soaking every bite of beef with Mediterranean allure. Whether you’re hosting a summer backyard gathering or just dreaming of a sun-drenched meal at home, Beef Shish Kebab always delivers a fresh and irresistible experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef Shish Kebab lies in its minimal ingredients that work together to create bold, unforgettable flavor. Each one brings something special to the table, from the rich, tender beef to the fragrant blend of seasonings and bright, colorful vegetables.
- Beef sirloin or ribeye (1½ lbs, cut into 1½-inch cubes): Choose a well-marbled cut for succulent, juicy kebabs every time.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds luxurious moisture and helps the marinade cling to the beef.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami depth that tenderizes the beef as it infuses flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish and balances richness with a zesty lift.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds tang and complexity, enhancing the marinade’s punch.
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): For that unmistakable aromatic warmth in every bite.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Supplies color and a delicate smoky sweetness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Grants that signature Mediterranean essence.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Lends earthy, toasty undertones that pair beautifully with beef.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to sharpen & intensify all the bold flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a hint of gentle heat.
- Red bell pepper (1, cut into chunks): A sweet, juicy burst of color.
- Green bell pepper (1, cut into chunks): Brings a crisp bite and lovely hue contrast.
- Red onion (1, cut into chunks): Its subtle sweetness intensifies over the grill.
- Zucchini (1, sliced thick): Adds mild flavor and soft, appealing texture.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Essential for threading everything together—if using wood, soak to prevent burning!
How to Make Beef Shish Kebab
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. This enticing marinade will infuse your beef cubes with a whirlwind of flavor and guarantee every last piece is juicy and bold.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Add your beef cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it work its magic in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 for maximum flavor). The longer the beef sits, the deeper the taste—patience pays delicious dividends here.
Step 3: Skewer the Beef and Vegetables
Once the beef is marinated, get your skewers ready. Alternate threading marinated beef, red and green bell pepper chunks, red onion, and thick zucchini slices. This not only looks enticing but ensures every bite has a perfect balance of charred beef and tender veggies.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 204°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer and grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Aim for a delicious char on the veggies and beef that’s cooked just to your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
Step 5: Let the Kebab Rest
Remove your kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute, so every bite of Beef Shish Kebab is juicy and flavorful. Then, it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Beef Shish Kebab
Garnishes
Top your Beef Shish Kebab with a flourish of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of color and aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving elevates each bite, awakening the flavors and adding irresistible zing.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings make all the difference. Serve your kebabs with fluffy basmati rice, warm flatbread, or a dollop of cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce for that ultimate Mediterranean touch. Roasted potatoes, a crisp Greek salad, or garlicky hummus are wonderful accompaniments as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to just skewers on a plate! Try removing the beef and veggies and serving them family-style on a platter, tucking them into pita wraps with sauce, or arranging over a bed of herbed couscous. These vibrant skewers add festive flair to any occasion, so have fun with the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Beef Shish Kebab, simply slide the beef and veggies off the skewers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making lunch or a quick dinner easy and colorful.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Beef Shish Kebab for up to 2 months. Let everything cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or containers. To prevent texture loss, freezing the beef and vegetables separately is a great tip, though both freeze well if packaged tightly.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs in a 350°F oven until hot, about 10–12 minutes. You can also microwave them in short bursts or quickly reheat on the grill for a smoky touch. Just be careful not to overcook, or the beef may dry out a bit—tent with foil to lock in moisture.
FAQs
What is the best cut of beef for Beef Shish Kebab?
For tender, juicy results, go with a well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye. They stay moist during grilling and absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade wonderfully.
Can I marinate the beef overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight (up to 8 hours) allows the marinade to penetrate deeply, making the Beef Shish Kebab even more flavorful and extra tender. Just don’t exceed 12 hours, as the acids can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I bake the kebabs instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Place your assembled skewers on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 425°F oven for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through. While you’ll miss some of that smoky grill flavor, they’ll still be delicious.
What vegetables can I use besides peppers and zucchini?
Feel free to get creative! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or even chunks of pineapple add a different dimension and pair beautifully with the marinated beef.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
If using wooden skewers for your Beef Shish Kebab, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This keeps them from charring or catching fire on the grill.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about gathering friends and family around a platter of Beef Shish Kebab hot off the grill—the combination of juicy beef, smoky veggies, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors is truly irresistible. I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this recipe a try and make it a shining highlight of your next meal!
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Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef Shish Kebabs are a flavorful and easy grilling recipe that’s perfect for summer cookouts. Tender beef cubes are marinated in a blend of olive oil, soy sauce, and spices, then threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1½ lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables for Skewers:
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced thick
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add beef cubes and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef and vegetables onto skewers.
- Grill the Kebabs: Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef is cooked and vegetables are charred. Rest before serving.
Notes
- For medium-rare beef, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F.
- Serve with rice, flatbread, or cucumber-yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
