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If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings a wonderful blend of smoky, savory, and zesty notes to your table, this Beef Shish Kebab Recipe is a must-try. Bursting with tender cubes of marinated beef paired with colorful bell peppers and onions, every skewer promises a delightful mouthful that’s both satisfying and visually stunning. The marinade’s unique combination of spices, garlic, and lemon juice takes these kebabs beyond ordinary grilling, making this recipe a perfect choice for everything from casual backyard gatherings to special dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients to create a truly delicious Beef Shish Kebab Recipe. Each component is carefully chosen to enhance the flavors, adding depth, texture, and color that come together beautifully on the grill.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon, packed): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity and spices perfectly.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, warm aroma that complements the smoky grilled meat.
- Sweet paprika (2 teaspoons): Brings a mild peppery flavor plus a rich red hue to the marinade.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Allspice (½ teaspoon): Infuses the beef with complex, slightly sweet spice notes reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Provides a pungent, aromatic punch that’s essential for an irresistible marinade.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Thickens the marinade and adds a rich umami depth.
- Olive oil (½ cup): Keeps the beef juicy and helps the marinade coat the meat evenly.
- Lemon juice (½ cup): Adds brightness and tenderizes the beef with its natural acidity.
- Beef tenderloin or top sirloin (3 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a tender cut for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites on the skewer.
- Green bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Adds crisp texture and fresh, slightly bitter flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Brings sweetness and vibrant red color to the presentation.
- Yellow bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Provides cheerful color and mild flavor contrast.
- Red onion (1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds bite and a subtle hint of sweetness when grilled.
How to Make Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Beef
This step is where all the magic begins. Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl—this blend of spices, garlic, and liquid flavors will infuse the beef with incredible taste. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade in a separate small bowl for later. Toss the cubed beef in the remaining marinade, making sure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes to soak up those vibrant, savory notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Vegetables
While the beef is chilling, add your carefully chopped bell peppers and red onion to the reserved ¼ cup of marinade in the large bowl. Toss everything together so the vegetables get a subtle flavor boost and a bit of moisture, setting them up perfectly for the grill.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill
Get your grill roaring hot by preheating it on high for about 10 minutes. Then lightly oil the grates to prevent the kebabs from sticking and to create those gorgeous grill marks that make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Time to bring it all together. Alternate threading the marinated beef, onions, and colorful peppers onto skewers until you run out of ingredients—you should end up with about 8 full skewers. This layering balances flavors and textures, with juicy meat nestled between sweet, tender veggies.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place your assembled shish kebabs on the hot grill. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even grilling on all sides. While they cook, brush the skewers a few times with the marinade you reserved in the small bowl. This keeps everything moist and intensifies the flavor right up until the last minute.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once grilled to juicy perfection, transfer the kebabs to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a pop of green and freshness that balances the smokiness of the grilled beef and vegetables beautifully. For extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can awaken the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Beef shish kebabs pair wonderfully with simple, hearty sides like fluffy basmati rice or warm pita bread. A cool, creamy tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce served alongside provides a refreshing contrast. You might also want to consider a crisp salad with cucumbers and tomatoes to add some crunch and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your kebabs on a rustic wooden platter adorned with lemon wedges and extra grilled vegetables. You can even thread some cherry tomatoes or mushrooms on alternate skewers for added color and flavor. Another idea is to cut the cooked kebabs off the skewers and pile them on toasted flatbreads, creating delicious kebab wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last!), store the kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked kebabs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shish kebabs gently in a warm oven or on a grill pan to avoid drying out the meat. Brushing a little olive oil and reserved marinade over them before reheating helps retain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tenderloin and top sirloin are ideal for their tenderness, you can also use other cuts like ribeye or flank steak—just be sure to cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes and adjust marinating time if needed.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning on the grill, ensuring safer and more enjoyable cooking.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely. The marinade can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld, making your Beef Shish Kebab Recipe even more delicious.
What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
You can easily cook the kebabs under a broiler or on a grill pan indoors. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and turn frequently to simulate the even cooking of an outdoor grill.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Beef Shish Kebab Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any sides or sauces you serve alongside are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Shish Kebab Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, these kebabs deliver juicy, tender beef and fresh vegetables that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate—grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and bring a burst of bold taste to your next meal!
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Print
Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time)
- Yield: 8 to 9 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This flavorful Beef Shish Kebab recipe combines tender beef tenderloin cubes marinated in a savory blend of spices, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and lemon juice. Grilled alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onions, these skewers deliver a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Ideal for a quick yet impressive meal, these kebabs cook in just 10 minutes and serve 8 to 9 people.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the Marinade and Beef: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients including salt, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, black pepper, allspice, minced garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and lemon juice. Transfer ¼ cup of this marinade to a larger separate bowl for the vegetables and ¼ cup to a smaller bowl to use later for basting. Place the cubed beef into the remaining marinade in the large bowl, toss well to coat completely, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Marinate the Vegetables: Add the cubed green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion pieces into the large bowl containing the reserved ¼ cup of marinade. Toss gently but thoroughly, then set aside until you’re ready to assemble the skewers.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat for about 10 minutes to ensure a hot cooking surface. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote even grilling.
- Assemble the Skewers: Begin threading the marinated beef cubes, peppers, and onions alternately onto skewers until all the ingredients are used. You should yield approximately 8 skewers total.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the assembled shish kebabs onto the preheated grill. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to achieve even cooking and a nice char on all sides. During grilling, occasionally brush the kebabs with the reserved marinade from the small bowl to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve: Once grilled to your preferred doneness, transfer the kebabs to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use beef tenderloin or top sirloin for tender and juicy kebabs.
- Marinating for longer than 30 minutes can enhance flavor but avoid over-marinating to prevent meat texture breakdown.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to avoid burning.
- For a smoky flavor, use charcoal or wood chips on your grill.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added according to preference, such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
- Ensure even cutting of all ingredients for uniform cooking.
