Save to Pinterest This dish features tender cubes of beef marinated in olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The beef is threaded onto skewers alternating with vibrant red and yellow bell peppers and red onion chunks. Grilled over medium-high heat, the skewers develop a smoky char while maintaining juicy, flavorful meat and tender vegetables. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, it shines as a hearty summer option with simple preparation and a balanced mix of savory and bright flavors.
The smell of beef kebabs hitting a hot grill instantly takes me back to my friend Sarahs backyard, where shed host these chaotic summer dinners. Someone would inevitably forget to soak the wooden skewers, and wed all laugh as they frantically searched for metal replacements while the grill heated up.
Last summer, my neighbor came over while I was threading the ingredients onto skewers. He confessed hed never made kebabs because they seemed too complicated, but after watching me assemble everything in about ten minutes, he went straight home and tried it himself that same weekend.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: The foundation that carries all those other flavors deep into the beef
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos if you need it gluten-free
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and helps tenderize the meat
- Garlic cloves: Dont be shy with these, they mellow beautifully on the grill
- Dried oregano: Brings that classic Mediterranean aroma
- Beef sirloin or ribeye: Cut against the grain into generous cubes for the best texture
- Bell peppers: The mix of red and yellow looks gorgeous and adds sweetness
- Red onion: Holds its shape well and gets these incredible caramelized edges
Instructions
- Whisk together your marinade:
- Combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl until everything is fully incorporated
- Let the beef soak up all that flavor:
- Add beef cubes to the marinade, toss thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour
- Get your grill ready:
- Preheat to medium-high, around 400 degrees, leaving enough space for all your skewers
- Assemble the skewers:
- Thread beef, bell peppers, and onion pieces alternately, leaving just a tiny bit of space between pieces for even cooking
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until beef reaches your preferred doneness
- Let them rest briefly:
- Remove from heat and let sit for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute
Save to Pinterest My dad swears the secret is cutting everything the same size so nothing cooks faster than anything else. He taught me to take my time with the prep work, and it really does make serving so much more satisfying when every bite is perfectly cooked.
The Vegetable Balance
Ive learned to not overload the skewers with too many vegetables, or they release moisture and make the beef steam instead of grill. Two pieces of pepper and two of onion per beef cube hits that perfect ratio.
Temperature Control
Keep a spray bottle of water nearby for flare-ups. The fat from the beef can cause sudden flames, and a quick spritz keeps everything under control without dousing your dinner.
Leftovers and Make-Ahead
The beef actually tastes better after marinating overnight, so feel free to prep everything the day before. Leftover kebab meat makes incredible taco filling or gets stirred into scrambled eggs the next morning.
- Thread everything in the same order on each skewer for consistent cooking times
- Invest in flat metal skewers if you make these often, they keep ingredients from spinning
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra hit of brightness at the table
Save to Pinterest Theres something about eating food off a skewer that makes everything taste better, maybe because it feels like a celebration. These kebabs have become my go-to for feeding a crowd without spending the whole evening trapped in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the beef?
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Marinate the beef for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate, though marinating up to 8 hours enhances the tenderness and taste.
- → What cut of beef works best for the skewers?
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Sirloin or ribeye cubes are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor, ensuring juicy results when grilled properly.
- → Can I use other vegetables on the skewers?
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Yes, cherry tomatoes or mushrooms make excellent additions, adding extra color and flavor to the skewers.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
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Grill the skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every few minutes. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness to keep the beef juicy.
- → What sides pair well with these grilled skewers?
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Serve alongside rice, flatbread, or a fresh salad to complement the smoky, savory flavors of the skewers.
- → What are suitable tools for preparing these skewers?
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Use a grill or grill pan, skewers (metal or soaked wooden), and basic kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board, and tongs.
