Marinated Greek Beef Souvlaki Skewers (Beef Kabobs) Recipe
This Marinated Greek Beef Souvlaki recipe features tender top sirloin beef chunks marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection alongside colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfectly charred and juicy, these beef skewers offer an authentic taste of Greek cuisine, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding extended marinating time)
- Yield: 9–10 skewers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
For the Beef Souvlaki & Marinade:
- 1 kg top sirloin beef, cut into chunks (35 oz.)
- 2 tsps mustard
- 1–2 tsps honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp hot paprika
- 6 tbsps olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black and pink peppercorns, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsps fresh thyme
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Assembling the Beef Skewers:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 large onion, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 9–10 wooden skewers (soaked in water prior to use)
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the top sirloin beef into equal-sized cubes, approximately 3 cm (1 inch) each, and set aside for marinating.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine mustard, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, hot paprika, olive oil, salt, black and pink peppercorns, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the green and red bell peppers and onion into 3 to 3.5 cm squares. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and ground pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Trim the tips if necessary to fit your grill pan.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the beef cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and onion. Ensure the ingredients are spaced comfortably without overcrowding.
- Brush and Oil: Lightly brush the assembled skewers with the remaining marinade and drizzle them with olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Heat a large grill pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook the skewers in batches for about 8 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes until they develop a nice color and are cooked through. Baste with olive oil as you cook to keep them moist.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the heat and place them on a plate. Cover with foil and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the beef overnight.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill pan.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon.
- Adjust the level of hot paprika depending on your preferred spice tolerance.
- Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Greek beef souvlaki, beef kabobs, marinated beef skewers, grilled beef skewers, Greek cuisine, souvlaki recipe, beef kabobs marinade