Beef Kebabs Bell Peppers Onion

There's something about the smell of beef hitting a hot grill that makes everyone gather round the patio door. I first made these kebabs during a heatwave when turning on the oven felt like punishment, and my neighbor actually leaned over the fence to ask what smelled so incredible.

Last summer I made these for my sister's birthday and ended up doubling the recipe because everyone kept coming back for seconds. Something about food on sticks makes people happy, and the colorful peppers and onions make the platter look like you tried way harder than you actually did.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or ribeye: Sirloin stays tender on the grill while ribeye brings extra richness
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the beef and keeps it from drying out
• 2 tbsp soy sauce: Use tamari if you need this gluten-free, it adds that essential savory depth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Fresh acidity cuts through the rich beef and brightens everything up
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced fine so it distributes evenly through the marinade
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meat
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: This is what gives you that outdoor grill taste even if you're cooking inside
• 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the other flavors shine
• 2 bell peppers: Mixed colors look gorgeous and slightly different sweetness levels add interest
• 1 large red onion: Sweetens beautifully as it chars on the grill
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges: Bright finishing touches that make the whole dish feel complete

Instructions

Whisk together your marinade:

Combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl until the oil emulsifies slightly

Marinate the beef:

Add beef cubes and toss thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, though overnight gives you the deepest flavor

Get your grill hot:

Preheat to medium-high, or heat a grill pan until it's smoking slightly

Assemble the skewers:

Thread beef, peppers and onions alternately, leaving just a tiny bit of space between pieces so heat can circulate

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes until beef reaches your preferred doneness and veggies have nice char marks

Rest and serve:

Let skewers rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, then sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side

Save to Pinterest

These became our go-to summer Friday dinner after a long week. My daughter started calling them party sticks and now requests them for her birthday dinner every year.

Making Ahead

The marinade really is the gift that keeps on giving. I sometimes double the beef and marinade on Sunday, portion it into bags, and freeze it marinated. Then weeknight grilling becomes as simple as thawing, threading, and cooking.

Vegetable Swaps

When zucchini is taking over my garden, I add chunks between the meat. Mushrooms work beautifully too, though they shrink more than peppers so cut them slightly larger.

Serving Ideas

A simple Greek salad with feta and olives rounds out the meal perfectly. Or go with warmed pita bread and tzatziki sauce for dipping.

• Rice pilaf with toasted pine nuts makes it feel more like a dinner party
• Grilled halloumi cheese on the side feels indulgent but takes minutes
• Cold rosé or light beer pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors

Save to Pinterest

There's nothing quite like eating dinner outside with kebabs in one hand and cold drinks in the other. Summer's shorter than we think, so make the most of it.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the beef marinate?

Marinating for at least 1 hour allows flavors to infuse, but marinating up to 6 hours or overnight enhances taste and tenderness.

→ What cut of beef works best for these kebabs?

Sirloin or ribeye cuts are ideal due to their balance of tenderness and flavor when grilled.

→ How do you prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent burning during cooking.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables for other options?

Yes, you can use various bell peppers or add vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes for variation.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this dish?

Rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad complement the grilled beef and vegetables nicely.

→ How do I know when the beef is cooked properly?

Grill until the beef reaches desired doneness, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and a slight char on the vegetables.