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Grilled Lemon Herb Beef Skewers


  • Author: Jenny

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 900g) Beef Sirloin Steak: Choose a well-marbled cut, trimmed of excess fat and cut into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Sirloin provides the perfect balance of tenderness and robust beefy flavor that holds up beautifully on the grill.
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the rich, flavorful base of our marinade, helping to distribute the flavors and prevent the beef from sticking to the grill.
  • 1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: The star of the show! Use juice from fresh lemons (about 23 medium lemons) for a bright, tangy acidity that tenderizes the meat.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest contains essential oils that provide a much deeper, more aromatic lemon flavor than the juice alone.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory depth that is essential to the marinade’s character.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped: This woody herb adds a wonderful pine-like, peppery aroma and flavor that pairs exceptionally well with grilled beef.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme, leaves removed from stems: Thyme contributes a subtle, earthy, and slightly minty note that complements the other herbs perfectly.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Adds a clean, bright, and slightly peppery freshness that lifts the entire flavor profile of the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors and helps to draw moisture into the beef during marination.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Provides a touch of pungent heat to balance the richness of the beef and the brightness of the lemon.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by preparing your beef. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim any large, hard pieces of fat from the sirloin steak. Cut the steak into uniform 1.5-inch cubes. Consistency in size is crucial as it ensures that all the pieces of beef will cook evenly on the grill. Place the beef cubes into a large, non-reactive bowl or a large zip-top plastic bag. Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel; this will help the marinade adhere better to the meat.
  2. Whisk the Marinade: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk them together until they begin to emulsify. Add the minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Take a moment to smell the marinade—it should be incredibly fragrant and vibrant.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Pour the prepared lemon herb marinade over the beef cubes in the bowl or zip-top bag. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the beef, ensuring every single cube is completely coated in the marinade. If using a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If using a zip-top bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing it. Place the marinating beef in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but for best results, allow it to marinate for 4-6 hours. Do not marinate for more than 8 hours, as the acidity from the lemon juice can start to break down the meat’s texture, making it mushy.
  4. Prepare the Skewers and Grill: About 30-40 minutes before you plan to grill, prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, place them in a shallow dish filled with water to soak. This essential step prevents them from catching fire and burning to a crisp on the hot grill. If using metal skewers, you can skip this step. During this time, preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean the grill grates with a grill brush and then lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or avocado oil) to prevent the skewers from sticking.
  5. Assemble the Skewers: Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator. Carefully thread the beef cubes onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers. Leave a small amount of space (about 1/4 inch) between each piece of beef. This small gap is vital for even cooking, as it allows the heat to circulate around all sides of the cubes, ensuring a perfect sear rather than steaming the meat. Avoid packing the meat on too tightly.
  6. Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers directly onto the preheated and oiled grill grates. Grill for approximately 8-12 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, turning the skewers every 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook evenly and develop beautiful grill marks on all four sides. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your beef cubes and the exact temperature of your grill.
  7. Rest and Serve: Once the beef skewers are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter or cutting board. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 5-7 minutes. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful skewer. After resting, serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 450
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 40g