These Shish Kabob Recipe delights are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family dinner. Bursting with flavor and juiciness, these kabobs feature tender steak marinated in a delicious blend that’s been praised by readers as “AMAZING!” and “delicious!” The versatility of this shish kabob recipe makes it an ideal choice for meal prep or effortless entertaining. Get ready to impress your guests with these vibrant, colorful skewers that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor – Thanks to the best marinade adapted from my viral flank steak recipe, each bite is packed with taste.
- Easy to Prepare – With simple steps and prep ahead instructions, this shish kabob recipe ensures you can enjoy the cooking process.
- Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or swap out the steak for chicken or shrimp.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these kabobs will fit right in.
- Kid-Friendly Fun – Let the kids help thread their favorite veggies onto the skewers for an interactive cooking experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making this flavorful shish kabob recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Large bowl or zip-top freezer bag
- Microwave-safe bowl with lid
- Grill or oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers – Essential for threading meat and veggies. Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning; metal ones last longer and are reusable.
- Large Bowl – Perfect for mixing marinades and coating your steak evenly.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – Ideal for prepping potatoes quickly before adding them to the grill.
Ingredients
These Baked or Grilled Steak Kabobs are crazy juicy and exploding with flavor thanks to the BEST MARINADE adapted from my viral flank steak recipe. Readers agree, this kabob recipe is “AMAZING!,” “a big hit,” and “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” delicious!. Best of all, these kabobs are PREP AHEAD FRIENDLY (instructions included), ideal for effortless entertaining that will have everyone swooning!
For the Kabobs
- 1 1/2-2 lbs. top sirloin steak
- 1 lb. baby red potatoes (cut into 1 1/2” chunks)
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow or orange) (cut into 1 1/2” chunks)
- 2 small or 1 large zucchini (cut into 1/4-1/2” slices)
- 1 large red onion (cut into 1 1/2” chunks)
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Shish Kabob Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl or zip-top freezer bag. Remove 1/3 cup of this mixture to use later for basting vegetables.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Add the steak to the remaining marinade. Turn it to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2–6 hours.
Step 3: Prep Potatoes
Place baby red potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Add 3–4 tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave for about 4–5 minutes until fork-tender. Drain them well.
Step 4: Mix Vegetables
In another bowl, combine cooked potatoes with bell peppers, onions, reserved marinade (3 tablespoons), olive oil (2 tablespoons), salt (½ teaspoon), and pepper (¼ teaspoon). Toss until evenly coated and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Step 5: Soak Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water now for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning during cooking.
Step 6: Assemble Kabobs
When ready to cook, thread marinated steak pieces along with marinated veggies onto skewers in your desired order. For red onions, keep slices together in groups of two or three to avoid charring.
How to Serve Shish Kabob Recipe
Serving shish kabobs can be a delightful experience for your guests. These flavorful skewers can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any gathering or meal.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the kabobs over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious marinade and juices.
- Choose jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair your kabobs with a refreshing salad.
- Consider a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
In Pita Bread
- Wrap the shish kabobs in warm pita bread for a fun, handheld meal.
- Add some tzatziki sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside the kabobs.
- Try garlic sauce, barbecue sauce, or spicy yogurt sauce for different flavor profiles.
As Party Appetizers
- Cut the kabobs into smaller pieces and serve as appetizers at parties.
- Skewer them on toothpicks for easy handling.
How to Perfect Shish Kabob Recipe
To ensure your shish kabobs turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select top sirloin steak or tender cuts that will stay juicy during cooking.
- Marinate Properly: Allow the meat to marinate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor; overnight is even better.
- Uniform Veggies: Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking on the grill or in the oven.
- Pre-soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between meat and veggies on skewers to ensure even cooking and good char.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; kabobs should be cooked just until done for optimal juiciness.
Best Side Dishes for Shish Kabob Recipe
Pair these delicious shish kabobs with complementary side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and grilled until lightly charred adds a classic summer flavor.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives provides a nutritious balance.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil with herbs and roast them until tender for a colorful side dish.
- Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips makes for an excellent appetizer alongside the main dish.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a crunchy side that complements the juicy flavors of shish kabobs perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the kabobs.
- Tabbouleh Salad: This herbaceous salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon is light yet satisfying.
These side dishes not only complement your shish kabob recipe but also enhance your overall dining experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Shish Kabob Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Not marinating long enough: Marinating your steak for less than 2 hours can lead to bland kabobs. Aim for at least 2-6 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Overcrowding the skewers: When you pack too many ingredients onto each skewer, they cook unevenly. Leave some space between pieces for even cooking and better heat circulation.
- Using the wrong vegetables: Some veggies, like tomatoes, may cook too quickly or become mushy. Stick to sturdy vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for the best results.
- Skipping the soaking of wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, not soaking them can result in burnt sticks. Soak them for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling for best results.
- Ignoring doneness: Cooking steak kabobs without checking doneness can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 130°F for medium-rare or adjust according to preference.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store kabobs in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Shish Kabob Recipe
- Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Use a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Shish Kabob Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and place kabobs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place kabobs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat for my Shish Kabob Recipe?
The best meat is top sirloin steak or flank steak due to their flavor and tenderness when grilled.
Can I use shrimp with my Shish Kabob Recipe?
Yes! Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steak kabobs. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as shrimp cooks faster than beef.
How do I prevent my kabobs from drying out?
Marinate your meat adequately and monitor cooking time closely. Removing them from heat once they reach desired doneness will ensure juiciness.
What vegetables work best in a Shish Kabob Recipe?
Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms are great choices because they hold up well during grilling without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Shish Kabob Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. The marinade ensures juicy, flavorful bites that everyone will love. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family dinner, these kabobs are sure to impress! Give this recipe a try and explore different combinations of meats and veggies!
Shish Kabob Recipe
Experience the ultimate flavor explosion with this Shish Kabob Recipe, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. These tender steak kabobs, marinated in a savory blend of spices and sauces, guarantee juicy bites that will leave your guests raving. Customizable to suit any palate, you can swap out steak for chicken or shrimp and mix in your favorite vegetables. Ideal for meal prep and effortless entertaining, these vibrant skewers not only look beautiful on the grill but also deliver on taste, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2–2 lbs. top sirloin steak
- 1 lb. baby red potatoes
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 2 small or 1 large zucchini
- 1 large red onion
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together marinade ingredients in a large bowl; set aside 1/3 cup for basting.
- Marinate steak in remaining mixture for 2–6 hours in the refrigerator.
- Microwave baby red potatoes with water until fork-tender, then drain.
- Combine cooked potatoes with chopped vegetables and reserved marinade; refrigerate.
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes if using.
- Assemble kabobs with marinated steak and veggies on skewers.
- Grill or bake until desired doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added fun, let kids help thread their favorite veggies. Try using shrimp or chicken as alternatives to beef. Serve kabobs over rice or in pita bread with tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.