Great summer meal: Steak Kabobs! The sirloin is marinated overnight until it’s very tender, and then it’s grilled with onions and vegetables. This is a simple and healthy summer dinner recipe that’s great for cookouts or even a low-carb family dinner during the week.
Try my Korean Grilled Chicken and my Grilled Chicken Marinade if you fire up the grill this weekend!
This is a simple, fast, and easy recipe I love to throw together for cookouts every summer. It doesn’t take long to make the marinade the night before, and it doesn’t take long at all to cook the steak kabobs on the grill the next day!
You can eat them as a main dish with some vegetable side dishes or as an appetizer while you wait for your main dish to cook. These Steak Kabobs are naturally gluten-free and low-carb. Perfect for many different diets which can be a challenge when cooking for a crowd!.
Kabobs (or Kebabs) are small pieces of meat and vegetables cooked on a skewer over a fire. They are from the Middle East, but you can find them in many places, like Africa, India, Greece, and Turkey. They can be made with different meats – usually beef, chicken, fish or lamb/goat, and sometimes pork too. Tip: Soak the skewers in water to stop them from burning. You can also do this overnight or 30 minutes before cooking. Disregard if you are using metal skewers.
Beef kabobs are a classic summertime grill favorite. The hands-on fun of threading chunks of tender steak and colorful veggies onto skewers get backyard cookouts off to a festive start. But to end up with perfectly cooked kabobs that are juicy, flavorful and have nice char-grilled marks you need to know exactly how long to grill them.
In this complete guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned over the years about timing and techniques for grilling flawless beef kabobs on a gas or charcoal grill You’ll get
- Tips for choosing the best cuts of beef for kabobs
- Marinating advice to maximize flavor and tenderness
- Step-by-step grilling instructions
- Precise cook times based on thickness and doneness
- Expert tips for nailing the perfect level of doneness
- Delicious serving suggestions
With this info, you’ll be ready to fire up the grill and deliver the best beef kabobs your neighborhood has ever tasted. So let’s get grilling!
Picking the Right Beef Cuts
The first step is choosing the right beef for kabobs Here are some top cuts
- Tenderloin – Super tender with delicate beefy flavor
- Sirloin – Budget-friendly with decent tenderness
- Ribeye or Strip Steak – Flavorful marbled cuts that stay juicy
- Flank or Skirt Steak – Affordable cuts that absorb marinades well
- Filet Mignon – Very tender and indulgently lush
I don’t recommend tougher cuts like chuck or brisket that need prolonged cooking to get tender.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
A good marinade makes beef kabobs pop with zesty flavor and helps keep them moist during grilling. Here are some marinating tips:
- Use an acidic marinade ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt or buttermilk to tenderize
- Include oil to baste and prevent sticking
- Load up on aromatics like garlic, spices, herbs and condiments like mustard or soy sauce
- Marinate at least 2 hours for flavor infusion; don’t go longer than 12 hours or meat gets mushy
- Pat off excess marinade before grilling so kabobs sear vs steam
- Discard used marinade
Now those flavorful cubes are ready for the grill.
Step-by-Step Grilling Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect grilled beef kabobs:
- Assemble kabobs 12-24 hours in advance for maximum marinade penetration
- Preheat grill 10-15 minutes to get hot; heat is key for good sear
- Use a grill brush to clean the grates first
- Oil the hot grates with an oil-dipped paper towel held with tongs
- Sear kabobs 2-3 minutes per side to get nice char; rotate a quarter turn halfway through
- Move kabobs to indirect heat once seared to gently finish cooking
- Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides
So how long should you grill beef kabobs for ideal doneness?
Precise Grill Times for Beef Kabobs
Cook times vary a bit based on thickness and doneness preferences, but in general:
- 1-2 inch kabobs take 8-12 minutes total over direct then indirect heat
- Only sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat
- Finish cooking 5-6 minutes over indirect heat
- Medium rare at 135°F; cook 2-3 minutes more for well done at 145°F
- Let rest 3 minutes before serving
For best results, I take kabobs to a reddish pink medium rare. But use a meat thermometer and cook to your desired doneness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Doneness
Here are some pro tips for nailing beef kabob doneness:
- Check doneness by cutting into thickest piece
- Properly grilled kabobs will have sear marks on all sides
- Test tenderness by squeezing with tongs; should have light resistance
- Fully cooked kabobs will release clear not red juices
- Use a meat thermometer for surefire accuracy, especially for well done
Once you’ve mastered temps and times, it’s time to serve up these beauties.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Take kabobs to the next level by:
- Serving on a bed of greens for a protein-packed salad
- Piling high on flatbread with hummus and veggies
- Layering over rice or quinoa in a bowl
- Adding to a pita with tangy yogurt sauce and herbs
- Topping nachos or tacos for a fun twist
- Pairing with grilled corn, potatoes or plantains
- Garnishing with diced tomatoes, feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
However you serve them, your perfectly grilled beef kabobs are sure to be a hit. I hope these tips help you nail kabob success each time you fire up the grill. Now get outside and start grilling!
what to serve with steak kabobs
I love serving Grilled Steak Kabobs with a side of my Cilantro Lime Brown Rice and fresh parsley. Here are some other great ideas:
How to Grill Steak Kabobs
- Cut the meat and veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- Soy sauce, barbecue sauce, oil, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar should be mixed with the skewers before cooking. It’s the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
- It’s time to eat. Heat the grill to 425 degrees and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Thread the steak, peppers, and onions onto the skewers.
- Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes or until your desired doneness. They don’t take long at all!.
- Serve immediately with parsley for serving, if desired.
Juicy Grilled Kebabs | Cowboy Cooking
FAQ
How long should kabobs cook on the grill?
How do you grill kabobs without burning them?
How long to cook steak kabobs on Weber gas grill?
How long do you cook beef kabobs on a grill?
Add the beef kabobs to a lightly oiled grill, cover, and cook to your liking. If desired, season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs. If you like your steak pieces medium rare, grill the kabobs for 7 minutes. And for a medium center, grill for 9 minutes. How to cook kabobs on the grill?
How do you cook kabobs on a gas grill?
Preheat grill well – Crank heat for 10-15 minutes to ensure hot grates for searing. Brush grates – Use a grill brush to clean grates and prevent sticking. Oil the grates – Wipe hot grates with an oil-dipped paper towel held with tongs. Sear kabobs 2-3 minutes per side – Get nice char marks rotating kabobs a quarter turn halfway through searing.
How long do kabobs take to cook?
In general, kabobs usually take 10 to 15 minutes to cook. We’re making a few assumptions here: the cubes are 1-1/2 to 2-inches thick and the kabobs will be cooked over direct heat on a grill set to medium-high temperatures (about 400°F).
Can you cook steak kabobs on a grill?
Cook the kabobs inside: The grill adds tons of flavor to steak kabobs, but it’s not strictly necessary. Cook your skewers inside on a cast-iron grill pan, or use the oven to make broiled beef kabobs. Use a different marinade: Swap in your favorite steak marinade to make grilled steak kabobs.