Best Bbq Beef Kebabs: Cooking Time Perfection

Beef kebabs are a fun and tasty meal to cook on the barbecue. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including beef, chicken, pork, lamb, shrimp, scallops, halibut, and various vegetables. The key to delicious beef kebabs is in the preparation and cooking method.

Firstly, it is important to cut the meat and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. The pieces should be around 1-1/2 to 2 inches in size. If using wooden skewers, it is essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Secondly, the choice of marinade is crucial. A good marinade will infuse the beef with flavour and help to tenderise the meat. A simple marinade can be made with everyday ingredients such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, and oil. The beef should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or even overnight for maximum flavour.

Finally, when grilling the kebabs, it is important to cook them over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent burning. The kebabs should be grilled for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired doneness of the meat.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your beef kebabs turn out juicy and flavourful every time!

Marinating the beef

There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade, but a good marinade should include oil, salt, an acid, and aromatics. Oil helps the marinade stick to the meat, thickening and tackifying it; salt penetrates and seasons the meat; acids, like lemon juice or vinegar, tenderise the meat; and aromatics like garlic, onion, herbs, and spices add flavour.

• French or Russian dressing, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper
• Olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper
• Olive oil, lemon juice, and a blend of spices including paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper

Cooking methods

There are several methods for cooking beef kebabs on a BBQ. The most common method is to grill the kebabs over direct heat, but they can also be cooked over indirect heat or in the oven.

Grilling Over Direct Heat

To grill beef kebabs on a BBQ, preheat your grill to a constant temperature of around 375°F. Brush the beef and vegetable pieces with olive oil before placing them on the grill. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you want cross-hatch grill marks, wait until the grate leaves a set of lines before rotating the skewers 90 degrees.

The length of cooking time will depend on the temperature of your grill, the size of the cubed meat, and your desired doneness. A rough estimate is 10-15 minutes, but it's best to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Beef kebabs are typically cooked to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.

Grilling Over Indirect Heat

If you're concerned about the vegetables overcooking or burning, you can set up your grill with a two-zone fire. Grill the beef kebabs over high, direct heat, and move them to the indirect heat zone to finish cooking if they are cooking too quickly.

Cooking in the Oven

If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook beef kebabs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the kebabs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 165°F. Finish under the broiler for a minute or two to brown the meat.

Tips for Perfect Beef Kebabs

• Cut the meat and vegetables into similar shapes and sizes so they cook evenly.
• Leave a bit of space between each piece on the skewer to ensure even heat circulation and prevent steaming.
• Use double skewers to make the kebabs easier to turn and prevent the meat from spinning.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent them from burning.
• Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, but preferably several hours or overnight for maximum flavour and tenderness.

Choosing the right beef

When it comes to selecting the perfect beef for your kebabs, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to choose a cut that is suitable for cubing uniformly. This ensures even cooking and allows you to achieve the desired doneness for all pieces on the skewer. Look for meat that is at least 1 inch thick, as this will give you a good base for creating those ideal cubes.

It's important to opt for darker and fattier cuts, as lean meat tends to dry out quickly and can result in less juicy kebabs. While fattier options are preferable, be mindful that too much fat can lead to a chewy texture when exposed to high heat. Therefore, it's a good idea to trim any excess fat and sinew before cubing the meat.

For beef kebabs, sirloin is an excellent choice and a popular favourite. It has a delicate beefy flavour and is usually cut about an inch thick, making it ideal for cubing. Additionally, it has minimal fat content, so you won't need to spend extra time trimming the meat. Sirloin is also relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts, making it a budget-friendly option.

If you're looking for a more premium option and don't mind splurging, filet mignon is the way to go. It is tender and flavourful, but keep in mind that it is best served rare or medium-rare. For those who prefer their beef well done, sirloin might be a more suitable choice.

Another factor to consider is the role of marinades. Marinating your beef cubes can significantly enhance the flavour and juiciness of your kebabs. Opt for a marinade that combines spices, oil, and an acidic liquid like vinegar or citrus juice to help tenderise the meat. You can also experiment with different ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil to create a unique flavour profile.

In summary, when choosing the right beef for your kebabs, look for cuts that are suitable for uniform cubing, such as sirloin or filet mignon. Don't shy away from fattier options, as they tend to result in juicier kebabs, but be sure to trim any excess fat. Marinades are your secret weapon for adding flavour and moisture, so don't skip this step! With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering beef kebabs that will impress your family and friends.

Preparing the beef

The type of beef you use for kebabs is important. You want a tender cut with very little fat and connective tissue. Avoid tough meats like brisket or pork shoulder. Trim away any chunks of fat, gristle, or connective tissue.

Some good cuts of beef to use for kebabs include:

• Top sirloin steak
• Beef tenderloin (filet mignon)
• New York strip
• Ribeye

Cut the beef into evenly-sized cubes. Aim for around 1-1/2 to 2-inch cubes. This will help the beef cook evenly.

Once you've cut your beef into cubes, it's time to marinate. Marinating the beef will help to infuse it with flavour and make it more tender. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, but some common ingredients include:

• Oil (olive oil, vegetable oil)
• Acid (vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt)
• Aromatics (garlic, onion, shallots, herbs, spices)

Place the beef cubes in a bowl or container with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for maximum flavour.

After marinating, it's time to assemble the skewers. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the beef and vegetables. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.

Thread the beef cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each cube to allow for even cooking. You can add vegetables to the skewers as well, such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini. Again, cut the vegetables into similar sizes as the beef cubes to ensure even cooking.

Once your skewers are assembled, it's time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Brush the skewers with oil and place them on the grill. Cook for around 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef reaches your desired doneness.

And that's it! You now have perfectly grilled beef kebabs.

Cooking time

The cooking time for beef kebabs depends on a few factors: the temperature of your grill, the size of the cubed meat, and your desired doneness. A rough estimate of the cooking time is 10 to 15 minutes, but it's best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 135°F.

If you are using a grill pan or skillet on the stove, preheat it to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Cook the kebabs for 2 minutes on each side (4 sides total) until slightly charred. This should take 8 to 10 minutes in total.

If you are using a barbecue grill, preheat it to high, direct heat. Grill the kebabs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally.

For ground beef kebabs, grill for about 20 minutes, carefully turning the kebabs halfway through. Or bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. In both cases, the internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F.

When grilling beef kebabs, it's important to leave some space between each piece of meat on the skewer to ensure even cooking. If the meat is packed tightly together, the heat will circulate as if it's one piece, and the centre pieces will take longer to cook.

Marinating Time

Marinating the beef cubes adds flavour and helps to tenderise the meat. The beef can be marinated for as little as 20 minutes or for as long as 24 hours. However, the longer the better—it's recommended to marinate for several hours or even overnight if possible.

Frequently asked questions