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    Home » Recipes » Beef

    The BEST Shish Kabobs (with Beef)

    Published: Aug 24, 2022 · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

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    The Best Shish Kabobs

    Shish Kabobs are so easy to make and are always so delicious. Fire up your grill, and let's get started on this juicy, flavorful summertime grilling recipe. You can have this healthy, satisfying dinner ready, in no time, with just a few simple ingredients.

    the best beef kabob recipe served on a white tray

    Whether you know these grilled skewers of flavorful marinated meat and fresh veggies, Shish Kabobs, Shish Kebobs, or just Kabobs, you're sure to be wowed by how versatile and delicious this easy recipe is.

    This is a Beef Kabobs recipe, but you can use any meat you like. Chicken Kabobs or Shrimp Kabobs are just as mouthwatering. And if you don't eat meat, you can still come along for the party because Vegetable Kabobs are on the menu too.

    What You'll Need

    Shish kebobs are made of marinated beef cubes and well-seasoned peppers, onions, and mushrooms layered on skewers. I love cooking shish kabobs on the grill, but if you don't have a grill, you can just as easily broil them.

    ingredient to make shish kabobs
    • Bamboo or Metal Skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
    • Meat. 3 lbs of top sirloin steaks, cut into 2-inch cubes. You can also use diced chicken breast, or shrimp on these grilled shish kebobs.
    • Marinade. Marinate the beef for 2 to 6 hours before grilling. This recipe has a marinade for beef kebobs that is savory and delicious.
    • Veggies for kebobs. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms. Season them well with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasoning that you like.

    What kind of meat do you use for kabobs?

    The best cut of beef for steak kabobs is top sirloin, hand down, because it's both tender and flavorful. Top sirloin is relatively inexpensive and delicious when grilled or broiled.

    top sirloin steak on a cutting board

    Steak is only made better with the addition of a savory marinade. A marinade helps to tenderize the meat and adds additional flavor.

    Tougher cuts of meat, such as flap steak or bottom round, can be marinated for longer to ensure they get tender. However, try not to marinate the meat longer than overnight.

    Marinade For Beef Kabobs

    I use my Steak Marinade Recipe when making beef kebobs. It's a simple recipe that never fails to add flavor to grilled meat. The main ingredients are:

    ingredients that go into a steak marinade
    • Soy sauce
    • Lemon juice
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Olive oil
    • Garlic
    • Italian seasoning
    • Black pepper
    • Crushed red pepper

    Marinade Variations

    Try a few of these easy swaps to change up your marinade game.

    • The Simplest Marinade: Italian salad dressing and soy sauce.
    • Greek Marinade: Swap the Italian Seasoning for Oregano or Cavender's Greek Seasoning Blend.
    • Teriyaki Marinade: Use pineapple juice instead of lemon juice; leave out the Italian Seasoning and the Worcestershire. Add in a few tablespoons of brown sugar.
    • Huli Huli Marinade: This savory and sweet Hawaiian marinade is amazing on beef, chicken, and pork.

    The Veggies

    There are countless ways to change this recipe by changing the veggies used. Some vegetables grill better than others. Make sure to season the vegetable well before skewering.

    veggies for beef kebobs

    The best veggies for shish kabobs are:

    • Bell peppers. Use a mixture of green, yellow, and red bell peppers. They add so much color to shish kabobs.
    • Onions. Any onion will do. This recipe works with white onions, red onions, yellow onions, and even shallots.
    • Mushrooms. Mushrooms are great on the grill. Use small mushrooms that are about the size of the chunks of meat. You can slice them in half before skewering if you have larger mushrooms.
    • Zucchini and yellow squash are both vegetables that are plentiful in the summer. They both grill up nicely.
    • Cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, a refreshing burst of acidity, and beautiful color to shish kabobs.
    • Corn. You can break or cut fresh corn on the cob into 2 to 3-inch pieces. They are a juicy addition to any grilled kebob.
    • Pineapple chunks (technically not a vegetable 🤪). Pineapple adds sweetness and a bright pop of color to these savory skewers.

    How To Cook Shish Kebobs

    Shish kebobs are usually grilled but can also be cooked in the oven.

    1. Make the marinade.
    2. Cut the beef into 2-inch cubes.
    3. Marinate the meat for several hours.
    4. Prepare the veggies.
    5. Skewer the meat and veggies.
    6. Grill the shish kabobs or bake them in the oven.
    a stack of beef shish kebobs on a whit platter

    Preparing The Grill

    1. Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent grilling. If the grill is too hot, it will char the veggies before the meat has time to cook.
    2. Cook the skewers for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Only flip them once to avoid damaging the veggies as they cook.
    3. Medium-rare. Grill beef kabobs on medium-high heat until the internal temperature is 125℉ for medium-rare.
    4. Let them rest. After removing the beef kebobs from the grill, cover them with foil and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

    How to Cook Beef Kabobs In The Oven

    If you don't have a grill, NO problem. You can cook these beef kabobs in the oven. Here's how:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
    2. Place the kebobs on a baking sheet and cook in the oven until the meat is fully cooked. The time will vary depending on the size of the meat cubes.
    3. Use a probe thermometer to check for the desired internal temperature.

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    What is the difference between shish kabobs and kabobs?

    These terms are used interchangeably in the United States. You might see these called kabobs, kebabs, or shish kebobs.

    All of these refer to skewered grilled meat and veggies.

    Where do shish kebabs come from?

    The origin of shish kebabs is from the Middle East. The term itself means spit or skewer. You can see many varieties of this dish throughout the Middle East.

    Can I use chicken?

    Yes, absolutely. Chicken breast or thighs are perfect for kebobs. Try using chicken with the Huli Huli Marinade and skewered pineapple chunks. Is your mouth is watering just thinking about that?

    Can I use pork?

    Pork also is great for grilled kebobs. If you haven't tried it already, you should give my Bacon Rubbed Pork Kebobs a try.
    grilled kebabs with bacon rub

    Can I freeze the meat in the marinade?

    Yes, this recipe is a great recipe to make ahead. You can double the recipe and freeze the other portion in the marinade for another time.

    Or, if you're cooking for just a few people, you can freeze half of the beef in the marinade and use it later when you have another craving for beef kebobs.

    Hungry For More Beef Recipes?

    Nothing hits the spot like beef when you're in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal. Check out our collection of Beef Recipes and find a new favorite.

    • Beef Fajitas (Sheet Pan Recipe)
    • Steak and Sweet Potato Power Bowl
    • Spicy Dirty Rice
    • All American Burger Meal Prep Bowl
    • Carne Asada Tacos
    • The BEST Taco Pasta
    • How To Grill A Steak
    • Meatloaf Recipe
    • Guinness Braised Beef Short Ribs
    • Shredded Beef Tacos

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    beef shish kebob recipe with summer veggies
    Favorite Saved!

    Shish Kabob Recipe

    Laura Reigel
    Shish Kabobs are so easy to make and are always so delicious. Fire up your grill, and let's get started on this juicy, flavorful summertime grilling recipe. You can have this healthy, satisfying dinner ready, in no time, with just a few simple ingredients.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Marinating Time 2 hrs
    Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Servings 4
    Calories 496 kcal

    Equipment

    • metal skewers
    • bamboo skewers
    • probe thermometer

    Ingredients
      

    Kebab Ingredients

    • 3 lbs top sirloin steaks cut into 2-inch cubes
    • 1 medium red onion
    • 3 medium bell peppers use a mixture of green, red, and yellow
    • 16 small mushrooms
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Shish Kebob Marinade

    • ⅓ cup soy sauce
    • ⅓ cup lemon juice acid: red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 to 3 cloves garlic pressed
    • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning or other spices of choice
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Make the marinade.
      ⅓ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 to 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
    • Cut the beef into 2-inch cubes.
      3 lbs top sirloin steaks
    • Marinate the meat for several hours.
    • Prepare the veggies by cutting them and seasoning them. You want them to be approximately the same size as the steak cubes.
      1 medium red onion, 3 medium bell peppers, 16 small mushrooms, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper
    • Skewer the meat and veggies.
    • Grill the shish kabobs or bake them in the oven.

    Preparing the Grill

    • Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent grilling. If the grill is too hot, it will char the veggies before the meat has time to cook.
    • Cook the skewers for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Only flip them once to avoid damaging the veggies as they cook.
    • Medium-rare. Grill beef kabobs on medium-high heat until the internal temperature is 125℉ for medium-rare.
    • Let them rest. After removing the beef kebobs from the grill, cover them with foil and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

    Cook Them In The Oven

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉.
    • Place the kebobs on a baking sheet and cook in the oven until the meat is fully cooked. The time will vary depending on the size of the meat cubes.
    • Use a probe thermometer to check for the desired internal temperature.

    Video

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    Marinade Variations
    • The Simplest Marinade: Italian salad dressing and soy sauce.
    • Greek Marinade: Swap the Italian Seasoning for Oregano or Cavender's Greek Seasoning Blend.
    • Teriyaki Marinade: Use pineapple juice instead of lemon juice; leave out the Italian Seasoning and the Worcestershire. Add in a few tablespoons of brown sugar.
    • Huli Huli Marinade: This savory and sweet Hawaiian marinade is amazing on beef, chicken, and pork.
     

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2kebobsCalories: 496kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 77gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 208mgSodium: 201mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gCalcium: 31mgIron: 9mg
    Keyword beef kebobs, shish kebob marinade, shish kebobs
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

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