There is something irresistibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled skewer of juicy beef and vibrant vegetables, and that’s exactly what this Beef Shish Kebab Recipe delivers. Bursting with bold flavors from a well-balanced marinade infused with garlic, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice, each bite offers a tender, smoky, and colorful experience that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish that’s both simple to prepare and exciting to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Shish Kebab Recipe lies in its straightforward and fresh ingredients. Every single component plays a key role, from seasoning the beef perfectly, tenderizing it, to adding splashy color and crunchy texture with the peppers and onions. These essentials come together effortlessly to create that perfect grilled flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): This enhances the natural flavor of the beef, balancing all the spices beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon, packed): Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes on the grill for a lovely crust.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Imparts a warm, earthy flavor that complements the meat well.
- Sweet paprika (2 teaspoons): Brings a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the marinade.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that livens up each bite without overpowering.
- Allspice (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle hint of warmth and complexity to the spices.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Gives a punch of robust flavor that’s essential to any marinade.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich base that helps the marinade stick to the beef and vegetables.
- Olive oil (½ cup): Keeps the meat moist and helps to carry the marinade flavors deep into the beef.
- Lemon juice (½ cup): Adds a bright, acidic note that tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- Beef tenderloin or top sirloin (3 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a tender cut for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Green bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Adds crunch and fresh, slightly bitter notes that contrast the beef.
- Red bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Brings sweetness and vibrant color to your skewers.
- Yellow bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch cubes): Offers a milder sweetness and bright sunshine-yellow hue.
- Red onion (1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces): Provides a mild sharpness and lovely caramelization when grilled.
How to Make Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Mix Marinade and Add Beef
Start by blending all the marinade ingredients into one bowl; this mixture is the flavor powerhouse. Reserve a quarter cup for the vegetables and another quarter for basting later on. Toss your cubed beef in the remaining marinade, making sure every piece gets fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let all those bold flavors infuse the meat deeply.
Step 2: Marinade Vegetables
While the beef chills, place the cut bell peppers and onions in the reserved quarter cup of marinade. Toss them well to coat. This step helps the vegetables soak up the marinade flavors so that each skewer bursts with juicy sweetness and spice alongside the beef.
Step 3: Preheat Grill
Heat your grill on high for about 10 minutes, ensuring it’s hot enough to give the kebabs a fantastic sear. Don’t forget to lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, making cleanup easier and keeping your kebabs intact.
Step 4: Make Skewers
Alternate threading the beef, onions, and bell peppers onto your skewers. Mixing up the colorful veggies with the meat ensures every bite enjoys a mix of textures and flavors. Aim to get about 8 skewers out of your ingredients – perfect for a crowd or several meals.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes while turning them regularly. This keeps the beef juicy and evenly browned on all sides. Brush the kebabs intermittently with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and intensify the spices as they cook.
Step 6: Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your skewers to a platter and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the beef, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.
How to Serve Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon juice, or a dash of sumac can elevate your Beef Shish Kebab Recipe even further. These fresh garnishes add a pop of color, brightness, and a slight tang that complements the smoky grilled meat perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these kebabs with some fluffy rice pilaf, warm pita bread, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a full meal. You could also serve with creamy tzatziki or a garlicky yogurt sauce to add cooling richness alongside the spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit yourself to serving kebabs on skewers only. You can remove the beef and vegetables and make flavorful beef shish wraps using flatbreads or stuff them into pita pockets along with your favorite veggies and sauces. It’s a fun and casual way to enjoy this classic recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kebabs left over, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them a quick grab-and-go protein option for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain the best quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your kebabs gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying out the meat. Brush with a little olive oil or reserved marinade as they warm through to keep them juicy and flavorful, just like freshly grilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tenderloin or top sirloin works best for tenderness, you can also use ribeye or flank steak. Just slice the meat into uniform 1-inch cubes and consider marinating a bit longer for tougher cuts.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The recipe suggests 30 minutes, which is great for tender cuts. If you want deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator without affecting texture negatively.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! You can use a broiler or a grill pan on your stovetop to achieve a similar grilled effect. Just make sure to turn the skewers frequently to get an even char.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not particularly. The spices add warmth and depth, but it’s not hot or fiery. If you prefer spicy kebabs, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Can I substitute vegetables in the skewers?
Definitely! Feel free to swap bell peppers and onions with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or even pineapple chunks for a different flavor twist. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into similar sizes to the beef for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Shish Kebab Recipe has become a beloved go-to whenever I want something delicious, colorful, and straightforward to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a vibrant centerpiece for any table, and a reminder that grilled food done right is always worth the effort. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do – so fire up your grill and dig in!
Print
Beef Shish Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This Beef Shish Kebab recipe features tender cubes of beef marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, and lemon juice, then grilled alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and colorful meal, these kebabs offer a satisfying balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors with a juicy, tender texture.
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
- Mix Marinade and Add Beef: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients thoroughly. Transfer ¼ cup of the marinade into a large separate bowl and another ¼ cup into a smaller bowl for later use. Add the cubed beef to the bowl with the remaining marinade, tossing well to coat each piece evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the meat.
- Marinate Vegetables: Add the chopped green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion into the large bowl containing ¼ cup of the reserved marinade. Toss the vegetables well so they are evenly coated. Set aside until ready to assemble the skewers.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill on high for 10 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for searing. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote nice grill marks.
- Make Skewers: Thread the marinated beef cubes, onions, and assorted bell peppers alternately onto skewers, distributing the ingredients evenly. You should have about 8 skewers in total.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the assembled kebabs on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to infuse grill marks and cook the meat evenly on all sides. During grilling, brush the kebabs a couple of times with the reserved ¼ cup marinade in the small bowl to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked kebabs to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute beef tenderloin with top sirloin for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Adjust the salt in the marinade to your taste preference.
- Serve with pita bread, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a few drops of smoked paprika or charcoal grilling.
