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
Scale
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.
