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Steak Kabobs

Steak Kabobs are a summertime favorite around here, and these grilled skewers are our new go-to! The marinade is simple and flavorful and the meat is tender and delicious.

 

Main image for steak kabobs recipe

 

I actually got this recipe from a commenter on another of my recipes: Chocolate Dr. Pepper Floats; her name is Diane and she mentioned this as another favorite use for Dr. Pepper. 

Let me tell you, using Dr. Pepper in your steak marinade will NOT disappoint!

Once you’ve got the steak kabob marinade sorted, the rest is super simple to make. 

Perhaps one of our favorite things about kabobs is how you can customize them to varied preferences so everyone gets what they want!

And if it’s not grilling season, fire up the indoor grill pan because the steak kebabs taste great inside too!

 

sirloin steak bites marinating in dr pepper sauce

 

What Kind of Steak for Kabobs? 

Let’s talk about types of steak here: I prefer to use top sirloin steak for my kabobs because the meat is relatively lean and therefore good for skewers.

Sirloin tip is also friendlier on the budget! Plus it has a great flavor!

Other options include fillet mignon, beef tenderloin, New York strip steak, or ribeye. You want a cut of beef that holds up well to the high heat of the outdoor grill.

Some of those are more expensive steaks, but it all depends on your personal preference.

Stew meat and chuck steaks take too long to cook and are not good candidates for kabobs.

Stick to the best steak options and you’ll get tender steak the whole family can enjoy!

 

steak threaded onto skewers with veggies and ready for the grill

 

What to Marinate Steak Kabobs In?

Marinated steak kabobs don’t just happen! Luckily, this is the best marinade and exactly what you need.

  • Dr. Pepper: as previously mentioned, the main ingredient for this steak shish kabob marinade is Dr. Pepper. Sodas make for great marinades because of their high acidity content — the acid helps tenderize all sorts of meats and fish.
  • Lemon juice: lemon juice is also high in acid. Citrus fruits are often used in marinades.
  • Olive oil: you want a bit of fat added to any marinade because it helps retain moisture and softens the acidity of other marinade ingredients.
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning: this is a seasoning blend with a bold and peppery flavor that is the perfect addition to your marinade and seasoning.

 

steak kabobs cooked and on serving platter

 

What Ingredients Do You Need for Steak Kabobs?

Don’t forget your veggies! This easy recipe is so much better with these yummy addiitons!

  • Veggies: our recommendations are yellow squash, orange bell pepper, red bell peppers, grape tomatoes and red onion. Other favorites include mushrooms, zucchini, and pineapple (my personal favorite).
  • Olive oil: separate from the marinade ingredients — I like to brush a bit of olive oil on the grill grates before grilling to keep the kabobs from sticking.
  • Corn starch: throwing out all the marinade juices seems like such a shame! Instead, I like to simmer them with some cornstarch to thicken and make into a sauce to serve over the kabobs and rice/mashed potatoes they’re served on.
  • Precooked Rice or Mashed Potatoes: these kabobs are great served over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes! We like ours over garlic rice.

Pro Tips:

  • Don’t forget skewers! Metal skewers, bamboo skewers, wooden skewers, you’ve got lots of options!
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes before grilling for best results.
  • Extra veggies are a great way to use up what’s in your fridge. Feel free to swap your favorite vegetables.

 

cooked marinade for glaze

 

How to Make Steak Kabobs?

I love how easy it is to make grilled steak kabobs. It’s mostly just marinate, assemble, and grill! 

Check out the simplified steps below:

  1. Mix marinade ingredients together
  2. Marinate overnight
  3. Skewer meat and vegetables
  4. Grill kabobs
  5. Simmer marinating juices
  6. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes!

 

pastry brush brushing glaze onto kabobs

 

How Long to Grill Steak Kabobs?

How long you’ll need to grill your steak shish kabob really depends on how large your chunks of meat are.

 I typically like to have mine cut into 1” cubes and heat the grill to around 400 degrees.

I grill mine for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature of the meat is between 140-145 degrees for medium doneness. 

The meat will continue to cook a little once it’s removed from the grill.

 

zoomed in image of steak kabobs

 

What to Serve with Steak Kabobs?

As I mentioned before, we recommend serving this steak kabob recipe over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. Our personal favorite is served over garlic rice.

If you’re looking for side dish recommendations to go with your grilling recipes, here are a few we think you might like from Num’s the Word:

How to Store Leftover Steak Kabobs?

Have a few leftover kabobs? I prefer to store them disassembled as it takes little space and stores better.

Be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator!

The steak cubes will still taste great the next day, just be sure not to leave them sitting on the counter for a long time.

 

cooked kabobs on serving platter with a hand holding one up in the air

 

How Long are Steak Kabobs Good For?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, steak kabobs are good for up to 4 days. 

You can choose to reheat them (slowly, on medium power in short bursts in the microwave) or eat them cold over a salad.

If we have them over the weekend, it makes easy dinners all week with a hearty steak salad.

Can you Freeze Steak Kabobs?

Yes, you can freeze steak kabobs (before you grill them)!

 And the best part is, you don’t have to thaw them before grilling. 

You’ll want to grill them covered, and for a few extra minutes. 

While you can freeze the veggies, their texture will be negatively affected by the freeze, but still edible.

If you’re planning to freeze your kabobs, I recommend doing the veggies and meats separately since the meat will take longer to grill from frozen.

Be sure to pre-freeze the kabobs before transferring them to an airtight container or bag. You can store frozen kabobs in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Frozen kabobs make for a great weeknight grill meal! They’re ready to go — just pull out, throw on the grill, and serve.

 

2 steak kabobs on a bed of rice

 

More Steak Recipes You’ll Love…

These steak kabobs are a crowd pleaser for sure! 

With a tasty and simple marinade and customizable veggie accompaniments, you’re sure to please everyone in the family. They’re easy to make and assemble and take only a few minutes on the grill. 

Perfect for summer evenings! Enjoy!

 

Yield: 8 Servings

Steak Kabobs

zoomed in image of steak kabobs

Steak Kabobs are a summertime favorite around here, and these grilled skewers are our new go-to! The marinade is simple and flavorful and the meat is tender and delicious.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Inactive Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 1 hour 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. Mix Dr. Pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning in a large zipper bag or container.
  2. Add steak and marinated overnight.
  3. Skewer meat with vegetables.
  4. Brush grill grates lightly with oil to help prevent sticking or use a grilling mat.
  5. Place kabobs on grill, turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 140*F - 145*F for medium steak. Remember they will continue to cook after you take the off the grill. This should take 8=9 minutes.
  6. Pour marinating juices into a small pot and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Combine cornstarch and water into a small bowl and mix well.
  8. Pour cornstarch mixture into marinating juices and bring to a boil. Mixture should thicken slightly.
  9. Turn off heat and set aside.
  10. Remove from grill and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 598Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 803mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 31g
Originally Posted: July 4, 2017

 

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