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There is something truly irresistible about the smoky char and juicy tenderness of the Grilled Steak Kebabs with Zucchini and Onions in a Sweet and Smoky Marinade Recipe. This dish brings together succulent beef, vibrant zucchini rings, and sweet purple onions all infused with a marinade that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving an easy weeknight dinner with a gourmet touch, these kebabs deliver a mouthwatering experience that is both simple to prepare and unforgettable to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect texture. From the tender beef tri tip or petite sirloin to the fresh zucchini and onions, each component contributes to the colorful, hearty, and satisfying final dish.
- Beef tri tip or petite sirloin, 2 1/2 lbs: Choose cut into 1 1/2″ thick pieces for perfect grilling and juiciness.
- Zucchini, 2 medium: Cut into thick rings to hold their shape and add a fresh, slightly crisp bite.
- Purple onion, 1 medium: Cut into 1″ pieces for a mellow sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- White vinegar, 1/4 cup: Offers a bright tang to balance the sweetness in the marinade.
- Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: Adds umami depth and savory richness.
- Honey-flavored or sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, 1/4 cup: The star that brings a sweet, smoky finish to the marinade.
- Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons: Enhances the complexity with a subtle tart and savory kick.
- Sesame oil, 2 teaspoons: Adds a nutty aroma that complements the marinade’s sweet and smoky notes.
- Garlic salt, 1 teaspoon: Provides garlicky flavor and seasoning in one.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: A hint of mild heat to round out the marinade’s flavors.
How to Make Grilled Steak Kebabs with Zucchini and Onions in a Sweet and Smoky Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together the white vinegar, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, garlic salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This sweet and smoky marinade is the key to tender, flavorful steak and perfectly seasoned veggies, making your kebabs stand out with every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the chopped steak into a large mixing bowl or a sealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the meat. Stir to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This slow soak not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with deep, tantalizing flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread the marinated steak pieces onto skewers, alternating with thick zucchini rings and purple onion pieces. This mix not only looks stunning but marries the smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors perfectly when grilled together.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers on the grates. Grill for about 8 to 10 minutes total, turning every 2 to 3 minutes. This rotation ensures even cooking and a gorgeous char. Cook to your preferred doneness, making sure the beef remains juicy and the veggies tender-crisp. Once done, let the kebabs rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to lock in those vibrant juices.
How to Serve Grilled Steak Kebabs with Zucchini and Onions in a Sweet and Smoky Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the grilled kebabs for a fresh burst of color and herbal brightness. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice just before serving enhances the marinade’s tang and adds a refreshing lift that complements the smoky notes.
Side Dishes
These kebabs pair wonderfully with fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For something heartier, try grilled corn on the cob or classic potato salad—both soak up the marinade’s flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the kebabs on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also lay them atop a bed of wild rice or quinoa, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an appealing texture contrast and extra nutty flavor. For gatherings, arrange the skewers on a platter surrounded by colorful roasted bell peppers and cherry tomatoes for a stunning, festive spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover kebabs, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days and remain delicious for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked kebabs by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover kebabs gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating helps maintain the meat’s juiciness and the veggies’ integrity.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tri tip and petite sirloin are ideal for tenderness, flap meat or ribeye chunks also work well. Just ensure the pieces are thick enough to hold up on the grill without drying out.
How long should I marinate the steak for best flavor?
For this recipe, marinating at least 8 hours is recommended to tenderize the meat and allow the sweet and smoky flavors to penetrate deeply. Overnight is even better if you have the time.
Can I make these kebabs on an indoor grill or grill pan?
Yes, they are perfect for indoor grilling! Just preheat your grill pan or electric grill and follow the same cooking times, making sure to turn the kebabs for even grilling and lovely char marks.
What if I want a spicier kick in the marinade?
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for some heat. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking without overwhelming the sweet and smoky base.
Can I substitute the zucchini or onions with other vegetables?
Certainly! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms all make excellent alternatives or additions. Just be sure to cut them into sizes that will cook evenly alongside the beef pieces.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Grilled Steak Kebabs with Zucchini and Onions in a Sweet and Smoky Marinade Recipe is like inviting a burst of summer flavor right into your backyard or kitchen. With its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and smoky notes and the fun of grilling colorful skewers, this dish is sure to become a favorite for every gathering or cozy dinner. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly mouthwatering meal you’ll want to make again and again!
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Grilled Steak Kebabs with Zucchini and Onions in a Sweet and Smoky Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Grilled Steak Kebabs feature tender, marinated beef tri-tip or petite sirloin skewered with fresh zucchini and purple onion. Marinated overnight in a flavorful blend of vinegar, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, sesame oil, garlic salt, and black pepper, the kebabs are grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, resulting in juicy meat with smoky, savory flavors and perfectly charred vegetables. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, these kebabs offer a balanced meal full of protein and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Marinade
- 2 1/2 lbs beef tri tip or petite sirloin, cut into 1 1/2″ thick pieces
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (honey flavor, or sweet and smoky)
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into thick rings
- 1 medium purple onion, cut into 1″ pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, garlic salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Marinate Steak: Place the beef pieces into a large mixing bowl or resealable Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the meat and stir or seal and shake to evenly coat. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring or turning once or twice to ensure even marination and tenderizing.
- Assemble Kebabs: After marinating, thread the beef pieces onto skewers, alternating with rings of zucchini and chunks of purple onion. Ensure even distribution of meat and vegetables on each skewer for uniform cooking.
- Grill Kebabs: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure all sides are evenly grilled. Cook to desired doneness for the beef.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute before serving, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the steak overnight is crucial for tender and flavorful kebabs.
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- You can substitute the vegetables with bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for variation.
- Adjust grilling times depending on the thickness of meat pieces to achieve preferred doneness.
- Letting the kebabs rest after grilling helps retain the juices for optimal texture.
