These Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are a tasty treat! Tender steak pieces marinated in a garlicky sauce, then grilled until juicy and charred. Perfect for summer barbecues or an easy dinner!
I love serving these skewers with rice or veggies for a colorful plate. Plus, they make great leftovers, if you can manage to save any! Who doesn’t love a tasty meal on a stick? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin Steak: This cut is tender and flavorful, perfect for skewering. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both will soak in the marinade nicely!
Bell Pepper: You can use any color you prefer! Red peppers are sweet, while green ones are more tart. Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes also make great substitutes if you want to mix things up.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, try tamari. If you’re low on soy sauce, coconut aminos offers a similar flavor but is a bit sweeter. Just adjust the brown sugar accordingly!
Sesame Oil: This oil provides a wonderful nutty flavor. If you run out, you can use olive oil, but you’ll miss that unique taste. Toasted sesame oil can add an extra depth if you have it!
Fresh Ginger: If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but use less, about 1/4 teaspoon. For a kick, try using hot sauce in your marinade!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Marinating?
Marinating is essential to infusing flavor into your steak. Here’s how to really make it work:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well, ensuring the brown sugar dissolves.
- Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes for even marinade coverage. The smaller the pieces, the more flavor they absorb!
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Also, ensure all pieces are coated nicely in the marinade before covering and refrigerating. Remember, the longer the marinating time, the richer the flavor!
How to Make Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 8-10 minutes to grill. Plus, you’ll need to let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left for up to 2 hours for more flavor. So total time can range from 40 minutes to about 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the cubed steak to this mixture, stirring well to ensure every piece is coated in those yummy flavors. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While your steak is soaking up all that marinade goodness, grab your bell pepper and red onion. Cut them into similarly sized chunks. This will help them cook evenly on the grill and taste delicious with the steak!
3. Assemble the Skewers:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take your marinated steak cubes and thread them onto your skewers, alternating with the bell pepper chunks and onion pieces. Mix it up! The colors will make your skewers look vibrant and inviting.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Once your grill is nice and hot, place the skewers on it. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender. You can check the steak with a meat thermometer or just cut into one to see if it’s done.
5. Serve:
After grilling, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle in the meat. Before serving, garnish your skewers with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
6. Enjoy:
Your Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a hearty main dish with some rice or a fresh salad, or use them as a tasty appetizer at your next get-together. Happy eating!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like ribeye or flank steak. Just keep in mind that flank steak may require a bit more marinating to ensure tenderness. For a leaner option, try using beef tenderloin or even turkey pieces!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or even coconut aminos, which is a great alternative that offers a slightly sweeter taste. You can enhance the flavor with a bit of added salt if you like, but use it cautiously since these alternatives can vary in saltiness.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet over low heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and cover it to steam them gently.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Skewers?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to cut them to a similar size for even cooking. If using tougher veggies like carrots, you might want to parboil them for a few minutes before threading them onto the skewers to ensure they cook through alongside the meat.
