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Close-up of juicy grilled steak kabobs with red peppers and onions garnished with parsley on a wooden board.

Tender Grilled Beef Shish Kabobs with Zesty Marinade

These succulent beef shish kabobs are marinated in a vibrant, zesty blend, then perfectly grilled with colorful vegetables for a delicious and easy main course. The marinade ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and tender.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Zesty Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
For the Kabobs
  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large green bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, whole)
  • 8-10 skewers (metal or wooden; soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill
  • Tongs
  • Skewers (metal or wooden)

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
Marinate the Beef
  1. Add the cubed beef to the marinade in the bowl. Toss to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-12 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the beef.
Prepare for Grilling
  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to assembling the kabobs to prevent burning on the grill. While the beef marinates and skewers soak, prepare your vegetables by cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Kabobs
  1. Thread the marinated beef cubes and prepared vegetables (bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes if using) alternately onto the skewers. Try to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Grill the Kabobs
  1. Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness (135°F / 57°C for medium-rare, 140°F / 60°C for medium). The vegetables should be tender-crisp with nice char marks.
  2. Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking. You can also cook these kabobs under a broiler or in a grill pan indoors if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. Serve these delicious kabobs with rice, a fresh salad, or pita bread.