Steak kabobs are a fun way to enjoy tender beef mixed with colorful veggies on a stick! Grilled to perfection and brushed with rich garlic butter, they are bursting with flavor.
Who wouldn’t love a dinner that looks fancy but is super easy to make? I like to serve these with a side of rice, and trust me, the garlic butter is a game changer! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin or ribeye are great choices for kabobs due to their tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use flank or skirt steak, but marinate them longer for tenderness.
Bell Pepper: I like using a mix of red and green peppers for color, but any variety works. You can substitute them with zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a different twist.
Onion: Regular yellow onion adds wonderful sweetness. If you’re not a fan, try using red onion for a milder taste or even shallots for a gourmet touch.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are perfect as they hold up nicely on the grill. If you prefer something bolder, try portobello mushrooms, sliced thickly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove) can work in a pinch.
Garlic Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. You can replace it with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks and Cooked Steak?
Grilling steak kabobs can seem tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll get perfectly cooked and beautifully marked kebabs. Here’s how:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the kabobs on it—this helps sear the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Keep some space between the pieces for even cooking.
- Turn the skewers every couple of minutes for consistent grilling. Aim for 8-10 minutes total for medium-rare.
- Use a meat thermometer to check, aiming for 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- Don’t forget to let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps lock in those juices for a more flavorful bite.
How to Make Steak Kabobs With Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper (green or red), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), whole or halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you like to plan ahead). Grilling will take around 8-10 minutes. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy these delicious steak kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed steak to the bowl and toss everything together until the steak pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can also put it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours for extra flavor!
2. Prepare the Grill:
While your steak is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the kabobs cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the steak is done marinating, it’s time to put everything on skewers! Take your skewer sticks and alternate threading the marinated steak, bell pepper pieces, onion chunks, and mushrooms. Keep them close together but not too tightly packed to allow even cooking.
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt together. Make sure everything is well combined. This will be used to brush over the kabobs for that delicious garlic flavor.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them until the steak reaches your preferred doneness (medium-rare to medium is usually best).
6. Brush with Garlic Butter:
In the last few minutes of grilling, use a brush to generously coat the kabobs with your homemade garlic butter. This adds delicious flavor and helps keep the steak moist.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. If you like, sprinkle some extra chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Steak Kabobs warm with any remaining garlic butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can customize the kabobs with your favorite vegetables. Consider using zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
What Type of Steak Is Best for Kabobs?
It’s best to use a tender cut of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, flank steak or skirt steak can work too, but be sure to slice them against the grain for tenderness.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the steak and assemble the kabobs a few hours ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This will enhance the flavors and make the cooking process quicker and easier!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven or on a grill over medium heat. Brush with a little extra garlic butter if you like to keep them moist and flavorful!
