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There’s just something magical about food on a stick, don’t you think? These Mediterranean Beef Kabobs are like a mini vacation on your plate—flavorful, colorful, and bursting with the kind of zest that makes your tastebuds do a happy dance. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard get-together or just craving something bold and satisfying for dinner, this recipe is here to impress without the stress.
Picture juicy, marinated beef cubes nestled between tender peppers, sweet onions, and maybe a cherry tomato or two—each bite kissed by char and dripping with bold, herb-packed flavor. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Grab some skewers and get ready to turn an ordinary evening into a Mediterranean feast.
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Beef Kabobs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Mediterranean Beef Kabobs
Here’s where the magic begins. This recipe brings together savory beef and vibrant veggies, wrapped in a marinade that’s herby, garlicky, and straight-up irresistible.
Beef Sirloin or Stew Meat: Tender and juicy when marinated properly, this is your flavorful foundation. Sirloin works beautifully, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Red Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and gorgeous color once grilled. Plus, who doesn’t love a caramelized onion?
Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, green—go wild with your favorites! They add crunch, color, and a pop of sweetness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Optional, but highly recommended. These little gems burst with juice and bring brightness to each bite.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the beef and adds a luscious, silky finish to every skewer.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for that citrusy zing that cuts through the richness and brightens everything up.
Garlic: Because a Mediterranean dish without garlic is basically incomplete. It brings depth and punch.
Dried Oregano & Thyme: Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring those sun-drenched flavors to life.
Salt & Pepper: Season generously! These two are essential to bring everything together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor).
Chop the Veggies: While the beef is marinating, cut your onions and bell peppers into skewer-friendly chunks. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole.
Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes onto skewers, alternating for visual appeal and even cooking.
Preheat the Grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. You want those kabobs to sizzle the second they hit the grates.
Grill to Perfection: Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and the veggies have those perfect char marks.
Rest and Serve: Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in all the juicy goodness.
Enjoy: Plate it up, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon, and dive in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Serving Size: 1 kabob
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Mediterranean Beef Kabobs
These kabobs are a full-on Mediterranean experience, but pairing them with a few extras takes things to another level:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp cucumber-tomato salad with feta and a lemony dressing is a perfect complement.
- Crusty Bread: Warm pita or crusty sourdough is great for soaking up any juices.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Think tzatziki or hummus on the side for dipping heaven.
- Vegetable Sides: Grilled eggplant, zucchini, or asparagus round out the plate with more grilled goodness.
- As a Standalone: No sides? No problem. Just garnish with fresh parsley and maybe a lemon wedge for flair.
Presentation tip: Serve straight from the grill on a large platter for that “rustic feast” vibe.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and marinate beef the night before for even easier assembly.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a smoky or spicy twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Double the Batch: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later. Just grill, cool, and store!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute beef with chicken or lamb?
A1: Absolutely! Both work beautifully with the marinade—just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Q2: Can I cook these in the oven?
A2: Yes! Use a broiler or bake at 425°F on a foil-lined tray, turning once, until cooked through.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’re great cold, too!
Q4: Can I freeze the kabobs?
A4: You sure can. Freeze the raw, marinated beef separately or fully cooked kabobs. Thaw overnight and reheat when ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat kabobs?
A5: A quick warm-up in the oven or on a skillet does the trick. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent dryness.
Q6: Can I add other veggies?
A6: Totally! Zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant would be delicious additions.
Q7: Are these gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just ensure your spices and condiments are gluten-free as well.
Q8: What skewers should I use?
A8: Either metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers work great—just don’t forget to soak wooden ones first!
Q9: Can I use pre-cut stew beef?
A9: You can, but make sure it’s tender enough for quick grilling. If it’s tough, consider a longer marinade.
Q10: What kind of grill works best?
A10: A gas or charcoal grill is ideal, but a stovetop grill pan works wonderfully too!
Conclusion
So there you have it—Mediterranean Beef Kabobs that are juicy, zesty, and totally addictive. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for company. Whether you’re a grill master or a total newbie, this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Grab those skewers, fire things up, and let the good times (and flavors) roll!
Print
Mediterranean Beef Kabobs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mediterranean Beef Kabobs are flavorful and tender pieces of marinated top sirloin, grilled with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Served with a creamy whipped feta tzatziki dip, this dish brings Mediterranean flavors to life.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. top sirloin, cut into 1 1/2” cubes
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced into 1 1/2” chunks
- 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes
- 2 small or 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/4” slices
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1 1/2” chunks
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons EACH paprika, garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon EACH onion powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, sugar, salt
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH cayenne pepper, pepper
- Whipped Feta Tzatziki Dip:
- 1/2 large cucumber, peeled
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed and softened (use 1/3 less fat)
- 2 oz. feta at room temperature (about 1/3 cup loosely packed feta)
- 8 oz. plain Greek yogurt (1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until fully combined.
- Add the cubed beef and vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes) to the marinade. Stir to coat the ingredients well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for more flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between beef and veggies.
- Grill the kabobs for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the beef reaches your desired level of doneness, turning occasionally.
- While the kabobs are grilling, prepare the whipped feta tzatziki dip. In a food processor, combine cucumber, salt, cream cheese, feta, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the kabobs are done, remove them from the grill and serve with the whipped feta tzatziki dip on the side.
Notes
- For a more charred flavor, grill the kabobs a little longer on each side.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook these kabobs under a broiler or on a grill pan.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob with dip
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg