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    Home » Beef Recipes » Shish kabob (kebab) recipe

    Shish kabob (kebab) recipe

    Published: Apr 22, 2019 · Modified: Jul 5, 2020 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Shish Kabob with the best beef shish kabob marinade. This Middle Eastern beef kebab recipe has been in the family for so long, I've made it several times and I never failed to impress.

    Shish Kabob or Kebab, skewers of beef and vegetables, are the most interesting grilled meat recipe for my family, and many others. Although it is easy to make, it needs to be done just right. Here is a foolproof recipe with tips and step-by-step tutorial to get perfectly cooked vegetables and meat every time.

    A close up of beef skewer on a pita bread

    Made this last night with lamb instead, it was so delicious. Did not have 8 hours so I just did 2 1/2 hours yet it turned out great. Thank you.

    Kit Johnes

    Shish Kabob

    Shish kabob/kebab has been in the Middle East since ages, chunks of beef and veggie skewers that are usually cooked over a charcoal grill and served over a bed of rice or with pita bread, so delicious and eye catching.
    Summer is all about grilling, right? keep burgers and hot dogs in the freezer for now and let's try some beef shish kabobs. We always end up with flavored, well balanced and tender beef skewers. The acidity in the marinade helps tenderize the meat perfectly.
    I've prepared this on the grill and sometimes in the oven when it is snowing or raining out there, it is good either ways. Sometimes, when I have time,  I also use the coal trick I showed you before while making the Libyan Merayesha and it gives it the sweet smell of grilling on a charcoal grill.

    A white plate with shish kabob skewers along with some grilled veggies.

    What kind of meat do you use for shish kabobs?

    I used to be a fan of the tenderloin cuts. It works great but the price is high, so if there is no deal on them, I leave it there. Now I mostly use steak tips, it is not as pricey as the tenderloin, more beefy and I can find it already cut.

    What do you serve with shish kabob?

    Kabobs are usually served with a plethora of dips and spreads along with Basmati rice. Tahini, baba ganoush and hummus are the most common to serve with kebabs in Egypt.

    How do you cook shish kabob?

    Usually shish kabob is grilled in an outdoor grill. for oven, it is suggested that you broil the skewers for 4-5 minutes on high turning them once to the other side. For oven instructions please see the recipe below.

    Can you prepare kabobs the night before?

    I highly advice you to do so. Two hours in the marinade is sufficient to achieve some flavor.But good 8 hours are best for the marinade to sink in. Marinating for 12 hour is even better.

    A white plate with middle east shish kabob along with some grilled veggies

    Shish Kabob Tips

    • Do use fresh garlic in this recipe: it really makes a huge difference and do not ever use powder garlic.
    • Do not be afraid of using yogurt: and let it marinate all this time, it is really very good.
    • Do use a good olive oil if possible: I've tried it before with vegetable oil and I could taste a big difference. Oil is used as a flavor facilitator as the herbs used release their flavors best in oil.
    • Do prepare ahead of time : I like to marinade my beef for at least 8 hours, but sometimes I can get away with 4. The longer the better in my opinion.
    • Do not add salt : This recipe calls for a big amount of soy sauce, so really no need for salt. Use soy sauce as a flavor enhancer for more complex flavor.
    • Do marinade veggies in a different bag : and put them on different skewers as cooking time is drastically different between veggies and meat, even between different kinds of veggies.

    Shish Kabob: step by step

    Step by step photos for making Beef kebabs
    1. Make the marinade: In a zip lock bag, add the marinade ingredients and mix well. Take some of the marinade and put in a container, refrigerate.
    2. Add meat: Add cubed meat to the bag and mix everything well together.
    3. Marinade: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hour.
    4. Marinade the veggies: Take out the container that we reserved earlier, and pour it in another zip lock bag.
    5. Refrigerate veggies: Add veggies and marinate for 30 minutes to one hour.
    6. Cook: When ready to grill, thread meat in skewers then grill as directed below.
    A white plate with shish kabob skewers along with some grilled veggies.

    My boys would devour this in no time at all, When they see skewers they know they are in for a treat and I know I would not have hard time convincing them to eat. They eat anything on a skewers.. seriously ANYTHING. There is something magical and luring about food on a skewers, and I use this fully to my benefit.

    You might need

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you so much for being a part of Amira’sPantry!
    I like using metal skewers for my shish kabob they help in cooking the chunks of meat better.
    A photo for a metal skewers product on a table

    Other kabob recipes

    • Middle Eastern Chicken Kabob.
    • Kofta Kebab.
    • Chicken Kofta Kabobs.
    • Shrimp Skewers.

    I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
    Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises!

    Shish Kabob Recipe

    A close up of beef skewer on a pita bread

    Beef Shish Kabob

    Shish Kabob with the best beef shish kabob marinade. This Middle Eastern beef kebab recipe has been in the family for so long, I've made it several times and I never failed to impress.
    4.47 from 32 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Middle East
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Marinate for: 8 hours
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 643kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 4 lb beef steak cut into 1 inch cubes. I use sirloin

    For the marinade

    • 3/4 cup soy sauce.
    • 2/3 cup oil- preferably olive oil.
    • 1/4-1/3 cup plain yogurt.
    • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
    • 2 Tablespoons white vinegar. Note1
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice. Note1
    • 3 garlic cloves - minced.
    • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard.
    • 2 teaspoon freshly ground black peppers - or to your liking.
    • 2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

    Veggies

    • Sweet bell peppers or bell peppers cut into chunks.
    • 1 bag pearl onions. 10oz
    • 16 small mushroom caps.
    • Cherry tomatoes.

    Instructions

    • Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a zip lock bag, take 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the marinade and set aside.
    • Add the cubed meat to the bag and coat well. Squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag then marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
    • Add the veggies to the other bag with 1/2 to 3/4 of the marinade and set aside for an hour.
    • Thread meat pieces into metal or bamboo skewers, grill until cooked. For oven baked see Note2
    • Do the same with the veggies as well.
    • Serve with rice or pita bread.

    Notes

    Note1: Just wanted to mention that one of the readers complained that the marinade was very acidic for them, so I suggest cutting back the lime and vinegar by half and test the marinade yourself, if you feel it is not tangy enough then add the rest of the lime and vinegar. I've tested this recipe in several occasions and never got any problem with it.
    Note2: To cook in the oven, place two oven racks one in the middle and one near the top turn your broiler on high and broil meat skewers 3 minutes on each side. Please use metal skewers as bamboo might catch fire. Turn oven on 400F, Place the skewers on the middle of the oven and cook to desired doneness. With my oven I have notied the following times : 8 minutes for medium rare, 13 for medium, 18 minutes for medium well and 28-35 minutes for well done. Make sure to re-arrange the skewers once in the middle of cooking so all the skewers be cooked the same.
    Nutrition facts calculated on meat skewers only without the veggies.
    Nutrition Facts
    Beef Shish Kabob
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 643 Calories from Fat 327
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 36.3g56%
    Cholesterol 202.7mg68%
    Carbohydrates 4.2g1%
    Fiber 0.3g1%
    Sugar 1.5g2%
    Protein 71.3g143%
    Vitamin A 15IU0%
    Vitamin C 3.7mg4%
    Calcium 60mg6%
    Iron 8.2mg46%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 643kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.2g | Protein: 71.3g | Fat: 36.3g | Cholesterol: 202.7mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1.5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 8.2mg
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    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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    Comments

    1. Owen

      February 22, 2021 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      We used this marinade on some filets and it was delicious! Very versatile marinade and the char of the grill compliments the flavor of the meat nicely. Try it with a tzatziki sauce on the side!

      Reply
      • Amira

        February 23, 2021 at 9:06 am

        Thanks Owen, So glad you liked it and thanks for the suggestions.

        Reply
    2. Christina

      January 30, 2021 at 7:30 pm

      Hi can I use beef chuck or butterfly lamb cut into cubes for this recipe ?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Amira

        February 05, 2021 at 6:57 pm

        Christina, I haven't tried this with lamb yet but some of my readers said you can. For the chuck steak, you need to be very careful not to overcook it beyond medium as it will get tough. I hope this helps.

        Reply
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    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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