Beef Shish Kebab Recipe

Juicy Beef Shish Kebab Recipe: Sizzling Perfection on a Stick

Beef shish kebabs burst with explosive flavors that redefine ordinary grilling into a culinary adventure.

Marinating techniques elevate simple meat to extraordinary levels of deliciousness.

Succulent chunks of protein blend perfectly with vibrant vegetable companions, creating a balanced and robust meal.

Charred edges and tender interiors promise a sensory experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking methods unlock deep, aromatic profiles within each carefully constructed skewer.

Outdoor cooking becomes an art form when preparing these delectable meat and vegetable combinations.

Summer gatherings reach new heights of deliciousness when you master these flame-kissed delicacies.

Savory Beef Shish Kebab with Bold Flavors

  • Quick Marinate Magic: Infuse rich flavors into beef by letting it soak for just 30 minutes, transforming ordinary meat into a taste sensation that packs incredible depth and zest.
  • Grill-Friendly Feast: Perfect for outdoor cooking, these kebabs create a hassle-free meal that brings friends and family together with minimal prep and maximum deliciousness.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with a solid 30g of protein per serving, these kebabs deliver a balanced meal that supports muscle health while satisfying hunger with minimal carbohydrates.
  • Colorful Culinary Canvas: Vibrant bell peppers and onions add gorgeous visual appeal and fresh crunch, making each skewer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.

Key Ingredients for Beef Shish Kebab

Meat Protein:
  • Beef Cubes: Tender and flavorful meat perfect for grilling, choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin or ribeye for juicy results.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize the meat and adds bright, zesty flavor to the kebabs.
  • Garlic, Dried Herbs: Provides aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean seasoning for the meat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the kebab.
Vegetable Components:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and char when grilled, providing a perfect complement to the meat.
Grilling Extras:
  • Cooking Oil: Used to prevent sticking and create nice grill marks on the skewers.
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal tools to hold and cook the ingredients evenly over the grill.

How to Make Beef Shish Kebab Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Marinade

Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Separate into a small bowl. Add cubed beef to the main bowl and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Ingredients for marinade:
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Herbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 2: Season Vegetables

Toss bell peppers and onions in the reserved marinade. Set aside for skewering.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to high temperature for 10 minutes. Lightly brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble Colorful Skewers

Create 8 skewers by alternating marinated beef chunks with peppers and onions. Distribute ingredients evenly for balanced flavor.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Cook kebabs over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Rotate skewers occasionally and brush with remaining marinade for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove kebabs from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to serving platter and enjoy the delicious, juicy meat with family and friends.

Tips for Grilling the Best Beef Shish Kebab

  • Marinate Deeply: Let beef soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
  • Prep Perfectly: Chop vegetables and meat into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture on every skewer.
  • Grill with Care: Maintain medium heat and turn kebabs frequently to prevent burning and achieve beautiful caramelization on all sides.
  • Oil Those Grates: Lightly brush grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking and create attractive grill marks on meat and vegetables.
  • Rest and Relax: Allow kebabs to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, which helps juices redistribute and ensures a more tender, succulent bite.

Storing and Reheating Beef Shish Kebab

  • Refrigeration: Place leftover beef shish kebabs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed kebabs will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Separate meat and vegetables to prevent soggy texture and maintain optimal quality.
  • Reheating: Warm kebabs gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for best results. Spread skewered meat and vegetables on a baking sheet, covering loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and preserving juicy flavors.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap cooled kebabs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

Pairing Beef Shish Kebab with Dips

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, grilled beef with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, enhancing the meat's deep, smoky flavors and cutting through its robust texture.
  • Serve with Cooling Tzatziki: Balance the kebab's warmth with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled meat.
  • Accompany with Herbed Couscous: Create a light, fluffy side of couscous mixed with fresh parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon, offering a zesty, aromatic complement to the kebabs and soaking up the delicious marinade.
  • Match with Crisp Greek Salad: Add a bright, crunchy salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, dressed with olive oil and oregano to provide a fresh, Mediterranean-style side that cuts through the kebab's richness.

Fun Variations of Beef Shish Kebab

  • Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap beef with tender lamb chunks, adding rosemary and mint to the marinade for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds to sunny Mediterranean coastlines.
  • Spicy Korean BBQ Version: Incorporate gochujang sauce and sesame oil into the marinade, using thin slices of beef and adding green onions for a bold, zesty Korean-style kebab experience.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Skewer Option: Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh, using a soy-based marinade and adding mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to create a hearty plant-based alternative that packs serious flavor.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Style: Use chunks of firm white fish like halibut or sea bass, marinating in lemon, garlic, and oregano for a lighter protein option that brings oceanic freshness to your kebab feast.
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Beef Shish Kebab Recipe

Beef Shish Kebab Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mediterranean grilling magic comes alive with succulent Beef Shish Kebab, marinated to perfection in zesty herbs and spices. Charred tender meat skewers deliver a bold flavor journey that transports diners straight to Turkish street cuisine with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) beef tenderloin or top sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

  • 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

  1. Prepare the marinade by mixing all ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl, then carefully set aside in a separate small container for vegetable seasoning.
  2. Immerse beef cubes in the primary marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Drizzle the reserved marinade over bell peppers and onions, gently tossing to distribute the seasoning evenly. Let the vegetables absorb the flavors while preparing other components.
  4. Preheat the outdoor grill to high temperature (approximately 450°F/232°C), and lightly brush the grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Thread marinated beef cubes onto metal or wooden skewers, alternating with seasoned bell peppers and onions. Create approximately 8 balanced skewers, distributing ingredients uniformly.
  6. Reduce grill heat to medium (around 350°F/175°C) and place assembled skewers on the cooking surface. Rotate kebabs every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent charring.
  7. Continue grilling for 8-10 minutes, periodically basting with remaining marinade to enhance moisture and flavor intensity.
  8. Remove kebabs from grill when beef reaches desired doneness, typically medium-rare to medium (internal temperature 135-145°F/57-63°C).
  9. Transfer kebabs to a clean serving platter and allow them to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

  • Marinate beef chunks overnight for deeper flavor infusion, allowing spices to penetrate meat thoroughly.
  • Reserve some marinade strategically to prevent cross-contamination while keeping vegetables and meat separately seasoned.
  • Preheat grill completely before cooking to ensure perfect sear marks and prevent meat from sticking to grates.
  • Balance skewer ingredients carefully, creating colorful patterns with alternating meat and vegetable pieces for visual appeal.
  • Monitor grilling time closely, rotating kebabs consistently to achieve uniform cooking and prevent burning.
  • Let kebabs rest briefly after grilling, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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