These Easy Grilled Beef Kabobs are the perfect dish for a backyard party or family dinner. Tender beef marinated in a flavorful mix makes each bite juicy and delicious.
I love how these kabobs are ready to grill in no time! Just mix that tasty marinade, let the beef soak up the flavors, and pop them on the grill. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using chicken breast or tofu for a meatless version. They can soak up the marinade just as well!
Bell Peppers: These add color and crunch to your kabobs. You can swap them for zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or any vegetable you like. Fresh pineapple chunks work great too if you want a hint of sweetness!
Onion: Red onion offers a nice sweetness. If it’s too potent for your taste, yellow onion or even green onions can substitute well. Just adjust the size based on your preference.
Mushrooms: These are optional but add great texture. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out. Alternatively, use baby portobellos for a richer flavor, or any firm mushroom you have available.
How Do You Make Sure the Kabobs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy kabobs is all about marinating and cooking them properly. Marinate the beef for at least an hour but longer for deeper flavor – 3-4 hours is ideal. To ensure even cooking, cut your meat and veggies into the same size pieces. This way, they cook at the same rate.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. A hot grill gives a nice sear, locking in the juices.
- Turn the kabobs occasionally while grilling. This allows for even cooking and those nice grill marks that add flavor.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices, making every bite flavorful and tender.
With these tips, you’ll be serving up delicious kabobs that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Grilled Beef Kabobs With Best Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- 8 oz white mushrooms (optional), halved if large
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep (including marinating time) and about 20 minutes to cook on the grill. Overall, allow around 1 hour for marinating (up to 4 hours for best flavor), plus the cooking time. So, in total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including chilling time if you choose to marinate longer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar or honey (if using). Whisk everything together until well blended to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Beef:
Place the beef cubes in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or 3-4 hours for maximum flavor). Just remember, don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours!
3. Prepare the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which should be around 400°F (200°C). This will help give the kabobs a nice sear and flavor.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the marinated beef out of the fridge and thread the beef cubes onto skewers, alternating with the bell pepper chunks, red onion, and mushrooms as you go. This not only looks great but adds flavor in each bite!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the hot grill and cook for about 8-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally to achieve even cooking and nice grill marks. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness (adjust cooking time to your preference).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done and nicely grilled, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle in the meat, making it more delicious. Serve the kabobs hot, alongside your favorite sides, such as rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful grilled beef kabobs with the best marinade for a delightful meal!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Beef Kabobs
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great choices, you can also use chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly—chicken needs about 1-2 hours while shrimp should marinate for just 30 minutes.
What Vegetables Can I Use?
You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences! Besides bell peppers and onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and even pineapples work wonderfully. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the grill or in the oven to maintain tenderness. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, simply add the beef and let it marinate. Just remember to toss it out after marinating to avoid any contamination!
