These grilled steak kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy juicy meat and fresh veggies on a stick! Perfect for a barbecue, they are easy to make and will impress your friends.
Plus, who can resist the charred goodness of these kabobs? I love to serve them with a tasty dip. Just remember to keep extra napkins handy for those drippy bites! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are great for kabobs. If you prefer a leaner option, choose top round or flank steak. For a budget-friendly alternative, consider chicken or pork. Both are delicious and grill up nicely!
Vegetables: Bell peppers and red onion add sweetness. Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms, asparagus, or even pineapple for a fun twist! Just aim for similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade stick. If you’re looking for a lighter flavor, avocado oil works well too. Canola or grapeseed oil are also neutral options, though I prefer something with a taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove). Roasted garlic adds a sweeter touch if you have some on hand!
Balsamic Vinegar: For a different kick, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will give your marinade a unique flavor while keeping it tangy.
How Do I Grill Kabobs Perfectly Without Burning Them?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky, especially if you’re worried about burning them. Here’s how to achieve that perfect char and avoid any mishaps:
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes beforehand to reduce burning on the grill.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This ensures the meat sears nicely without drying out.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers! Leave some space between pieces so they grill evenly and get that lovely char.
- Turn the kabobs every few minutes—this helps them cook evenly and reduces chances of burning.
- For the beef, cook to your preferred doneness. A meat thermometer is handy; aim for about 130°F for medium-rare.
Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute. Enjoy the flavor-packed outcome!
How to Make Grilled Steak Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 large zucchini, cut into thick slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes for marinating. You can marinate for up to 4 hours if you want the meat to soak up more flavor. Grill time is around 10-15 minutes. In total, plan for at least 1 hour to enjoy these delicious kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade for the steak!
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the cubed beef steak to the marinade, making sure all the pieces get coated well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, let it sit for up to 4 hours to really enhance the flavors!
3. Prepare and Preheat the Grill:
While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers for the kabobs, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. This little step will make sure your kabobs are perfectly cooked!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Take the marinated steak out of the fridge. Now it’s time to thread the ingredients onto the skewers. Alternate the beef cubes with pieces of bell pepper, red onion, zucchini slices, and cherry tomatoes. Fill the skewers generously for a colorful and delicious presentation!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally so that everything cooks evenly. You want the beef to be grilled to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables to be tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and place lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty steak kabobs!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just keep in mind that chicken and shrimp will require less marinating time and will cook faster on the grill than beef. Adjust your grilling time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! You can use metal skewers instead, which don’t require soaking. If you prefer to grill without skewers, simply lay the marinated ingredients directly on the grill, turning them with tongs as needed. This method also works well and keeps everything deliciously charred!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, just until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before adding the beef. This way, you can save time on the day you plan to grill!
