Description
This Marinated Greek Beef Souvlaki recipe features tender top sirloin beef chunks marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon, mustard, honey, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions. Perfectly seasoned and juicy, these beef skewers deliver classic Mediterranean flavors with an easy-to-follow method ideal for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Souvlaki & Marinade:
- 1 kg top sirloin beef cut in chunks (35 oz.)
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1–2 tsp honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp hot paprika
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black and pink peppercorns to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
For Assembling the Beef Skewers:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 large onion, chopped into 3–3.5 cm squares
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9–10 wooden skewers (soaked in water)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Cut the top sirloin into equal-sized 3 cm (1 inch) cubes and set aside for marinating.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine mustard, honey, lemon juice and zest, hot paprika, olive oil, salt, freshly ground black and pink peppercorns, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Add the beef cubes and coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop green and red bell peppers and onion into 3-3.5 cm squares. Toss them in a bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Prepare wooden skewers: Soak 9–10 wooden skewers in water to prevent burning and trim the tips to fit the grill pan as needed.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread beef chunks onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bell pepper and onion between each chunk of meat for even flavor and presentation.
- Apply marinade and oil: Lightly brush the assembled kabobs with leftover marinade and drizzle with olive oil to enhance moisture and flavor during grilling.
- Grill the kabobs: Heat a large grill pan over high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and cook the kabobs in batches for about 8 minutes total—about 2 minutes on each side—until nicely charred and cooked through. Baste regularly with olive oil while cooking to keep the meat juicy.
- Rest before serving: Transfer the skewers onto a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the beef overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness if preferred.
- Can be served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the honey and paprika according to taste for balance between sweetness and heat.
- Make sure the grill pan is hot before adding the skewers to achieve a good sear.
Keywords: Greek beef souvlaki, beef kabobs, grilled beef skewers, Greek marinade, Mediterranean grilled beef, summer grilling recipes