Mom’s Classic Beef Shish Kabobs Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Mom’s beef shish kabobs sizzling on the grill. This time-tested family recipe combines tender, marinated beef with colorful vegetables for a meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Perfect for summer gatherings or any special occasion, these kabobs carry the warmth of home cooking in every bite.

Preparation Time

• Marinating time: 4-8 hours (or overnight)
• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 5-9 hours
• Servings: 6-8 people

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Kabobs

• 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 large red onions, cut into chunks
• 3 bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), cut into chunks
• 16 whole mushrooms
• 2 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Marinade Preparation

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, rosemary, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
2. Place the beef cubes in a large ziplock bag or glass container.
3. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Seal and refrigerate for 4-8 hours or overnight for best results.

Assembly and Cooking

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
2. Remove the beef from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid.
3. Thread the beef and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces:

• Start with onion
• Add beef
• Add bell pepper
• Add another beef cube
• Add mushroom
• Add zucchini
• Repeat pattern
• End with cherry tomato (if using)

Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/204°C).
2. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Place kabobs on the grill, leaving space between each for even cooking.
4. Grill for 12-15 minutes total, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook until the beef reaches the desired doneness:

• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)

Mom’s Special Tips

1. Choosing the Meat: Select well-marbled sirloin for the best results. The fat marbling helps keep the meat tender during grilling.
2. Cutting Technique: Cut meat against the grain into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
3. Vegetable Preparation: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Making them slightly larger than the meat helps prevent overcooking.
4. Temperature Matter: Remove meat from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
5. Spacing is Key: Leave a small space between each piece on the skewer to ensure food cooks evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious shish kabobs with:

• Fluffy basmati rice
• Warm pita bread
• Greek salad
• Tzatziki sauce
• Grilled lemon halves for squeezing
• Fresh herbs (parsley, mint) for garnish

Storage and Leftovers

• Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, remove meat and vegetables from skewers and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
• You can also serve leftover kabobs cold in a salad.

Common Questions

Q: Can I make these in the oven?
A: Yes! Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and cook on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Q: Can I prepare the kabobs ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef to use?
A: Sirloin is ideal, but you can also use tenderloin or ribeye for extra tenderness.

Mom’s beef shish kabobs are more than just a meal – they’re a tradition that brings family and friends together. The combination of perfectly marinated beef and colorful vegetables creates a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too. Remember, the key to perfect kabobs lies in the quality of ingredients, proper marinating time, and cooking with love – just like Mom always does.