Asian Beef Kabobs Recipe

Name: Asian Beef Kabobs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 teaspoons garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons ginger powder; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 4 whole green onions (sliced thin); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 pounds steak (cut into 1¼" pieces); 2 large red peppers (sliced into 1¼" pieces); 2 cups pineapple (cut into 1¼" pieces); 1 large red onion (sliced into 1¼" pieces); 2 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic salt

This Asian Beef Kabobs Recipe is chock full of grilled veggies and juicy steak flavored with delicious sesame, ginger, and garlic marinade. We use a simple Asian beef marinade to give you tender, juicy and flavorful bites of steak.

If you’re a fan of classic Asian flavors like soy, sesame, ginger and garlic you will absolutely love these Asian Beef Kabobs. I’ll share with you the best cut of beef and marinating tips to give your beef kabobs a gourmet status.

These Asian-inspired beef kabobs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for your next backyard BBQ. You can pair the steak with just about any variety of vegetables that you want. I love to use peppers, onions, pineapples or even potatoes – basically anything that takes around 10 minutes to grill. If you’re looking for a sauce, try drizzling this peanut sauce over the top.

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There really aren’t any rules when it comes to making a great kabob so have some fun and use everything that you love. If chicken is your thing, feel free to substitute chicken breast, or try these Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs, Southwest Chicken Kabobs, Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs Veggie Kabobs, or these Lemon Rosemary Chicken Kabobs.

These are sometimes called beef skewers or beef shish-kabobs. They have a rich history that transcends borders and cultures. Originating in the Middle East, kabobs have become a culinary staple worldwide. In various cuisines such as Persian, Turkish, and Indian, kabobs hold a significant place on dining tables and festive occasions. They symbolize community, celebration, and the art of grilling that brings people together.

beef kabobs marinade recipe in a glass baking dish ready to cook.

Key Ingredients

Steak – you can use tri-tip, flank steak, ribeye, sirloin, chuck steak, or tenderloin or truly any cut of steak. Just make sure you cut it into even pieces so that the meat cooks evenly.
Veggies – go for similar size and texture of veggies like red onions and bell peppers.
Butter – this is for brushing onto the veggies before seasoning and grilling.
Avocado Oil – you can also substitute any other kind of low-flavor cooking oil.
Soy Sauce – regular, low-sodium or Tamari will work.
Sesame Oil – you can use regular or toasted sesame oil.
Garlic – fresh minced garlic tastes great. The garlic in a jar will also work.
Ginger Powder – you could also substitute fresh minced ginger.
Brown Sugar – either light or dark brown sugar works well.
Green Onions – you can use both the white and green parts of the onion, chopped thin.
Red Pepper Flakes – these infuse a nice amount of heat into the marinade without being overpowering.

Beef kabobs cooking on a grill with veggies and chunks of beef.

How to Make Asian Beef Kabobs

Make the beef kabob marinade. Combine the avocado oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sliced green onions and red pepper flakes in a freezer bag.
Prep the veggies. Cut the veggies into 1 ¼” pieces. Brush the veggies with melted butter and season with salt, pepper and garlic salt. Set aside until you are ready to cook.
Marinate steak and soak skewers. Cut the steak into 1 ¼” pieces and add to the freezer bag with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge, or up to 24 hours. If you are using wooden skewers, soak your skewers in water for at least 2 hours.
Build the kabobs. Remove the meat from the marinade, and add the meat to the soaked kabob skewers, alternating with the veggies and pineapples.
Grill the kabobs. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, searing the meat and cooking to the desired doneness. A digital thermometer is a great way to ensure your beef is cooked to your liking. Once the meat has cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Methods

Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the beef kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
Broiling: Place the skewers on a broiler pan and broil in the oven, turning halfway through cooking for even browning.
Baking: Preheat the oven, place the kabobs on a baking sheet, and bake until the beef is tender and vegetables are caramelized, ensuring to turn them halfway through.

Beef Doneness Guide

Rare (125°-130°F) A steak cooked to “rare” is very different than a “raw” steak. It is soft inside and the center will still be cool to the toungue.
Medium Rare (130°-140°F) A “medium rare” steak will be warm in the center.
Medium (140°-150°F) A steak cooked “medium” will be mostly pink. This is the tempreture where the fat begins to liquify and add flavor.
Medium Well (150°-160°F) The steak is primarily gray and has a sliver of pink in the center. Cuts with more marbeling will begin to shiring because teh fat has begun to liquify.
Well (Over 160°F) Most of the fat and water have been cooked out of the steak. It will be a little smaller and dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best cut of beef to use for beef kabobs?

You can make these Asian Beef Kabobs with just about any cut of steak. Cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or flank steak are preferred for their tenderness and flavor. I like to use tri-tip because it’s tender and relatively inexpensive.

Can I use stew meat for beef kabobs?

You can, but it’s not recommended because the result will be quite chewy. Stew meat is a cut of meat meant for a low, slow cook time whereas grilling is generally high heat and quick.

How long do you grill beef kabobs?

How long depends on how hot your grill is, how large the pieces of beef are and the desired doneness. If you are cooking over high heat, it will usually take between 6-10 minutes for you to reach medium rare.

Do I need to use a marinade for beef kabobs?

We highly recommend using our Asian beef marinade. Not only does it keep the beef nice and tender, but it adds so much flavor! Even as little as 1 hour in the marinade will make a huge difference in the overall taste and texture of your kabobs.

Asian Beef Steak kabobs on a blue platter, topped with fresh cilantro, beef kabob recipes, marinated shish kabobs.

What to Serve with Asian Beef Kabobs:

Coconut Rice: Fluffy, fragrant and full of flavor, coconut rice is the perfect accompaniment to your savory kabobs. The creamy texture of the rice is a perfect match for the smoky, spicy flavors of the kabobs.
Grilled Vegetables: Kabobs and veggies are a match made in heaven. You can grill up some zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to add a touch of freshness to your meal. It workds great to make seperate kabobs for the beef and the vegetables.
Garlic Noodles: These garlicky noodles are the perfect foil for the spicy kabobs. The velvety texture of the noodles is enhanced by the garlic flavor. Add a dash of soy sauce, lime juice, and honey to give it a sweet and salty kick.
Cucumber Salad: A cooling salad that is quick and easy to prepare. Thinly slice some cucumbers, onions, and cilantro and dress it with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This salad is a great way to freshen up your palate.
Spring Rolls: These light and crispy rolls are a popular appetizer in Asian cuisine. Stuffed with fresh veggies and shrimp, they are a great way to add some variety to your meal. Dip them in some sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Edamame: These tasty soybeans are a great snack to munch on while you grill your kabobs. Sprinkle some salt and chili powder to give them a spicy kick.
Grilled Pineapple: This is a sweet and delicious side dish or dessert recipe, perfect to accompany Asian beef kabobs.
Peanut Sauce: This is a sweet, tangy peanut dip, perfect for accompanying these kabobs.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator: remove all meat and veggies from the wooden skewers and store in the airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: you can microwave leftovers, or reheat in a skillet over the stovetop slowly with a little water or avocado oil. They taste great served over rice!

More You’ll Love

Bang Bang Chicken Kabobs

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Bang Bang Shrimp Kabobs

Vegetable Kabobs

More of Our Favorite Recipes for the Grill

These Asian Beef Kabobs use a simple Asian beef kabob marinade to give you tender, juicy and flavorful bites of steak alongside tasty grilled veggies. They are the perfect quick and easy summertime meal.

Categories:

4th of July, Appetizers, Beef, Healthy, Main Dish, Nut-Free, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes,