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Juicy Beef Shish Kebabs (Grilled)

Juicy Beef Shish Kebabs (Grilled)

Tender beef sirloin marinated in a yogurt and spice blend, threaded with colorful vegetables, and grilled to perfection. A delicious and easy main course for any barbecue.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 800 g beef sirloin or rump steak cut into 3cm cubes
  • 1 large red onion cut into 2cm chunks
  • 2 bell peppers mixed colours, cut into 2cm chunks
  • 1 large courgette sliced into thick rounds
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons plain yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes

Method
 

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, yoghurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. The mixture should look thick and smell wonderfully aromatic, with a rich, earthy scent from the spices.
  2. Marinate the beef: Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss well, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. You’ll see the meat glistening with the amber-coloured marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavour. The yoghurt helps tenderise the meat gently without making it mushy.
  3. Preheat the grill: About 20 minutes before cooking, heat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat (around 200°C/400°F). You should feel a strong, steady heat when you hold your hand a few inches above the grates.
  4. Assemble the kebabs: Thread the marinated beef onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion, bell peppers, and courgette. Leave a small gap between each piece so the heat can circulate evenly. The colours should look vibrant – deep red, bright orange, and green against the dark meat.
  5. Grill the kebabs: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Listen for a loud, satisfying sizzle as they hit the hot grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the beef is nicely charred on the outside and the vegetables have softened slightly. The meat should feel firm but give a little when pressed.
  6. Check for doneness: For medium-rare, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 52-54°C (125-130°F). For medium, aim for 58-60°C (135-140°F). The outside should be a deep, caramelised brown with distinct grill marks.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest on a warm plate for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. You’ll see a little juice pooling on the plate – that’s a good sign. Serve immediately while still hot and fragrant.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning. For best flavor, marinate the beef overnight.