Description
These Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs are tender, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. Bite-sized pieces of beef are marinated in a vibrant mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled alongside colorful vegetables for an easy, delicious Greek-inspired meal perfect for a quick dinner or summer cookout.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
To Garnish and Serve
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the cut beef pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated beef onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion to create an even distribution of meat and vegetables.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the beef reaches your preferred level of doneness and the vegetables are slightly charred but tender.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the kebabs and serve with lemon wedges for added brightness. Pair with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Sirloin is a great choice for tender, flavorful kebabs at a reasonable price compared to tenderloin.
- Cut the beef into evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the skewers to help the beef develop a good char and cook evenly.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the beef up to 4 hours but not much longer to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Use metal skewers or thoroughly soaked wooden skewers to avoid burning during grilling.
- Leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
