Steak Kabob Marinade

Ready for grilling season, this steak kabob marinade is exactly what you need to make the most flavorful steak kabobs for summer!

angle view of steak kabobs with vegetables


 

Kabob? Kebob? Kebab?

They are all right! It really depends on your geographic location. A shish kebab is Turkish and usually means that veggies are cooked on one skewer while meats are cooked on another.

But in the Americas, they are all cooked together and mostly commonly referred to as just a kabob. Do we really care? Just know they are tasty… just like their cousin made from ground beef, the Beef Seekh Kebabs.

raw steak kabobs on a baking sheet

Gather This

The ingredients needed to make this steak kabob marinade are quite simple and easy to find. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

  • Steak – I like to use top sirloin or New York strip primarily because they are the middle of road on tenderness and fat content. Something too fatty or marbleized has the tendency for fibers to spread and fall off the skewer.
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Garlic
  • Dijon mustard
  • Black pepper
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Honey
  • Kosher salt
steak cubes in a plastic bag of steak kabob marinade

Best Vegetables for Kabobs

This question inevitably comes up- how to pick the best veggies for your kabob. The name of the game here is that you want to introduce color, but the pieces also need to be large and toothy enough for them to stay on the kabob while cooking, but not droop right off.

  • Yellow squash
  • Zucchini
  • Onion
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Whole garlic
  • Baby potatoes
  • Eggplant
veggies and beef for kabobs

Make it A Meal

I love serving steak kabobs over a bed of ranch rice, but you can also eat them with grilled potatoes or even grilled broccoli.

Serve bread on the side with dipping oil or even just eat them on their own. Any classic BBQ side dish will do. Macaroni salad, baked beans and corn are all great too!

Tips and Tricks

This steak kabob marinade will make the perfect steak kabobs, but follow these tips and tricks to make things easier!

  • Use for other meats – This marinade can be used for chicken, pork or shrimp. For shrimp, only marinate for 1 hour as they have the tendency to get rubbery if left for too long.
  • Soak skewers – Soak wood skewers for at least an hour before threading. Metal with a spiral texture are also good and prevent foods from falling off.
  • Keep things loose – Don’t thread veggies too tight otherwise the heat can cook the center leaving it raw.
close up of steak kabobs with veggies
angle view of steak kabobs with vegetables

Steak Kabob Marinade

4.65 from 14 votes
Whether you call them kebabs or kabobs, this Steak Kabob recipe is the best! Made with a flavorful marinade and served with veggies, it can't be beat!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Marinade

Kabobs

  • 1 pound top sirloin , cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 8 ounces button mushrooms , cleaned and cut in half
  • 2 cups bell peppers ,cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 red onion , peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce, 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, minced 3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil , chopped 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Cut the 1 pound top sirloin steak into large cubes (about 1-2 inch pieces) and add to large plastic bag or a nonreactive mixing bowl.
  • Pour the marinade over the beef and make sure it is all covered, chill and marinate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  • Remove the beef from the bag and discard the remaining marinade.
  • Thread the beef cubes with halved 8 ounces button mushrooms and 1-inch cut 2 cups bell peppers and 1 red onion evenly onto skewers.
  • Heat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
  • Place the kabobs over direct heat on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired degree of doneness.
  • Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak in water at least 30 minutes before using. 

Nutrition

Calories: 328 kcal, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 29 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 7 g, Cholesterol: 67 mg, Sodium: 2505 mg, Potassium: 946 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 19 g, Vitamin A: 2362 IU, Vitamin C: 101 mg, Calcium: 66 mg, Iron: 4 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 328
Course: Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: steak kabob, Steak kabob marinade
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Storage and Freezing

How to store?

Discard any steak kabob marinade after use. You can store any leftover steak kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Can I freeze steak kabob marinade?

You can freeze raw steak in the marinade as long as it isn’t being frozen for the second time. You can also freeze cooked steak. If packaged properly, it will stay good for up to four months. 

More Food on a Stick

Is there anything more fun than food on a stick? These are some of my favorite kabob and skewer recipes.

collage of steak kabob marinade
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.65 from 14 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    I am a vegetarian but all your clicks are so beautiful and tempting that I just can’t control myself to drool over them. What a delicious treat for taste buds.

  2. 5 stars
    We love kababs, and the marinade on these is fantastic. I think it was the smoked paprika that made it so good. Can’t wait to make it again.