These Easy Beef Kabobs are perfect for summer grilling! Tender beef chunks are skewered with colorful veggies like bell peppers and onions, making each bite juicy and fun.
Grilling these kabobs is a great way to enjoy warm summer nights. I always make extra so there are leftovers for delicious sandwiches the next day—yum! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or ribeye for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak is great too! For a different flavor, you could even use chicken or shrimp if you prefer.
Bell Peppers: These add color and crunch! If you’re out of bell peppers, use zucchini or cherry tomatoes. They’re tasty and add a different twist.
Olive Oil: This is essential for the marinade. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if needed. Both work well for grill cooking.
Herbs & Spices: Oregano and cumin give a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have them, try Italian seasoning or even taco seasoning for a fun spin!
How Do I Grill Kabobs Without Burning Them?
It’s all about technique when grilling kabobs! Here are some steps to make sure they turn out perfectly:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too low, and they won’t cook through.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from catching fire.
- Leave some space between the meat and vegetables on the skewers. This allows heat to circulate for even cooking.
- Turn the kabobs every few minutes for even grilling. Use tongs to turn gently—no need to poke them!
Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep the juices in!
Easy Beef Kabobs Recipe for Summer Grill
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Pita bread or flatbread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating (2-4 hours recommended for best flavor). Grilling will take an additional 8-12 minutes. So, set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This marinade is what will make your kabobs super flavorful!
2. Marinate the Beef:
Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour—ideally 2 to 4 hours. This will let the flavors soak into the meat.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature for cooking the kabobs evenly without burning them.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Leave a little space between the pieces for more even cooking.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and get nice char marks. The beef should reach your desired level of doneness, and the veggies should be beautifully charred.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Then, serve them on warm pita or flatbread, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful summer beef kabobs perfect for grilling! They’ll become a favorite for your summer cookouts!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or ribeye are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use chicken breast, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly—chicken will take a bit longer, while shrimp will cook faster.
How Do I Soak Wooden Skewers?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This simple step helps to keep them from catching fire and allows them to hold up during cooking.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients for the Marinade?
No problem! You can create a simple marinade using olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), and any available herbs and spices. Just make sure to include some type of acid (like lemon juice) to help tenderize the meat.
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain their juiciness. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches!
