Marinated Beef Skewers: Pick 'N' Save's Tasty Recipe

Marinated beef skewers are a delicious and easy meal to make for a hungry crowd. This recipe uses a marinade made from a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, and pepper. The beef is then threaded onto skewers with vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, and the whole family will love it!

Choosing the right beef cut for your skewers

Tenderness

The distance from horn to hoof is a good rule of thumb to determine tenderness. The muscles in the centre of the animal that do less work are generally more tender, resulting in pricier cuts like T-bones, strips, ribeyes, and fillets. For skewers, you can opt for slightly less tender cuts as they will be marinated and cooked over high heat.

Primal Cuts

The cow is divided into eight primal cuts: plate or short plate (belly), chuck, brisket, rib, plate or cow belly, loin, flank, and round. Each primal cut has unique characteristics and is further divided into sub-primal and retail cuts.

Recommended Cuts for Skewers:

• Sirloin: This is a lean and economical option that is easy to cut into cubes. It can be marinated for up to six hours and is ideal for grilling.
• Tri-tip: This cut is described as the best part of the rump, offering great beef flavour and holding its shape well when cubed.
• New York Strip: If you're short on time, this pricier and more tender cut only needs about an hour of marination.
• Beef Tenderloin: For a quick option, beef tenderloin requires just a 30-minute soak in the marinade before grilling.
• Other Cuts: You can also consider rump, economical fillets, or other quick-grilling cuts, except those that need to be thinly sliced against the grain, like skirt or flank.

Remember, marination plays a crucial role in tenderising the meat and adding flavour, so you can opt for slightly less expensive cuts and still achieve delicious results.

Making the marinade

• Balsamic vinegar and/or Worcestershire sauce for flavour, salt, and acid
• Olive oil to help the meat absorb the flavours and prevent it from sticking to the grill
• Honey and/or mustard to help the marinade come together

You can also add some red pepper flakes and garlic for an extra kick. Feel free to substitute and experiment with ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, you can trade out the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar, or swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce. You can also trade the honey for brown sugar.

Once you have made the marinade, add it to a resealable plastic bag along with the beef. Seal the bag and gently massage it to coat all of the meat. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the meat marinate for at least one hour or up to overnight for the best flavour and texture. If you are short on time, you can marinate the beef for just 20 minutes.

Preparing the beef and vegetables

• Cut the Beef and Vegetables: Start by cutting your chosen beef into cubes. Aim for a uniform size, such as 1-inch or 1.25-inch pieces, to ensure even cooking. For vegetables, cut them into similar-sized pieces as the beef. You can use a variety of veggies, such as bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and more.
• Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine your chosen marinade ingredients. A typical marinade includes olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, and other seasonings like onion powder, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes. You can also add a touch of sweetness with honey or brown sugar.
• Marinate the Beef: Place the beef cubes into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it is well-coated. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more tender and flavourful meat.
• Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated beef and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Leave a little space between the pieces to allow for even cooking. You can also separate the beef and vegetables onto different skewers to manage their cooking times better.
• Grilling or Baking: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook until the beef reaches your desired doneness, usually around medium-rare to medium (internal temperature of 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit). Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure even cooking and grill marks. Alternatively, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally.

Remember to always wash and dry your fresh produce before cutting and preparing them. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different combinations of beef cuts and vegetables to find your favourite flavour profiles!

Threading the beef and vegetables onto the skewers

When it comes to threading the skewers, there is no exact science to the order in which you place the beef and vegetables. However, it is recommended to leave a little space between each piece, so heat can get in between, helping to cook the veggies more evenly. Aim for around two veggie pieces between each piece of beef. This will make your beef go further, and you'll get a nice serving of veggies with each kebab.

If you are a first-time kebab griller, consider threading the beef and vegetables onto separate skewers, so you can better manage their cooking times. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water first to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are also an option, but keep in mind they conduct heat, so the beef may not stay as rare in the middle.

Cooking the skewers

Now that your beef has been marinated, it's time to cook your skewers! If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. You can also double up on skewers to prevent the meat and veggies from spinning when you turn them.

Before you start threading the beef and veggies onto the skewers, cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Leave a little space between each piece so that heat can circulate and cook everything evenly. You can alternate the beef and veggies or put them on separate skewers if you want to manage their cooking times more easily.

Once your skewers are assembled, it's time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook until the beef is done to your desired level of doneness, turning the skewers occasionally. For medium doneness, grill until the center of the steak registers about 140–145 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take around 8–10 minutes, depending on your grill and the size of your beef cubes.

If you don't have a grill or the weather isn't cooperating, you can also cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375–425 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the skewers for 15–30 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.

Once your skewers are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate or platter and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the beef nice and juicy.

Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious, juicy, and flavorful beef skewers! Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Frequently asked questions