There is something truly magical about gathering around a grill with friends or family, the aroma of sizzling meat and vibrant veggies filling the air, and the anticipation of biting into perfectly cooked skewers. This Marinated Steak Kabobs Recipe captures that magic with a tangy, savory marinade that turns tender flank steak and colorful bell peppers into an irresistible feast. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or the highlight of your next barbecue, these kabobs bring together flavor, color, and simplicity in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish shine. From the bold punch of Colman’s mustard to the fresh crunch of bell peppers, every element adds something special to your Marinated Steak Kabobs Recipe.
- ⅓ cup Colman’s mustard: Adds a zesty and tangy kick that forms the flavor foundation of the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami richness that deepens the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle complexity and a slight tanginess to balance the flavors.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Keeps the steak moist and helps blend all marinade ingredients smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild heat to enhance the steak’s natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt: Perfectly seasons the meat without overpowering it.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the marinade with a warm, aromatic depth.
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds flank steak: This lean cut is ideal for kabobs, tender and flavorful when marinated and grilled.
- 3 bell peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, orange, or green for a colorful, sweet crunch.
- 2 large red onions: Adds mild sharpness and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 8 to 10 wood or metal skewers: Essential for threading and grilling the kabobs evenly.
- Vegetable oil: For brushing the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure perfect sear marks.
How to Make Marinated Steak Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together Colman’s mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, black pepper, Kosher salt, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This simple blend packs an incredible punch, balancing tanginess with savory undertones that will soak right into the steak for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your trimmed and cubed flank steak into a large resealable bag, pour in the marinade, then gently massage the bag to coat every chunk. Press out any excess air, seal tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours—though letting it marinate up to 24 hours really allows those flavors to sink in deep, making every bite deliciously tender.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When it’s almost time to cook, fire up your gas or charcoal grill on high so it’s nice and hot. Make sure to clean the grates thoroughly and brush them lightly with vegetable oil—this little step prevents sticking and helps you get those beautiful char marks.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread chunks of marinated steak onto your skewers, alternating with pieces of colorful bell peppers and red onion. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim to load about 4 to 5 steak pieces per kabob. Before hitting the grill, brush the veggies lightly with any leftover marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Lay the kabobs across the grill grates, perpendicular to avoid slippage. Cook on medium-high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully to get that perfect medium-rare doneness (around 125ºF) and to achieve lovely charred edges on both meat and vegetables.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, transfer your kabobs to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This rest lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and flavorful—not dry or tough.
How to Serve Marinated Steak Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the kabobs add a bright contrast and fresh aroma. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also bring a lively zing that complements the rich marinade beautifully.
Side Dishes
Marinated steak kabobs pair wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or grilled corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy coleslaw to balance the smoky, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your kabobs family-style on a large platter surrounded by colorful veggies and lemon wedges for guests to customize each bite. Alternatively, remove the steak and veg from the skewers and pile them into warm pita bread with tzatziki or your favorite sauce, turning this recipe into a fun, handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the steak and vegetables together helps maintain that wonderful meld of flavors you worked so hard to create.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, remove the cooked meat and veggies from the skewers and freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to thaw and enjoy a quick, delicious meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kabob pieces in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350ºF until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the steak and soften the vegetables too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal for kabobs due to its texture and flavor, you can also use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye if you prefer a richer taste. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 2 hours is necessary to get great flavor penetration, but marinating up to 24 hours will result in an even more tender and flavorful kabob. Avoid going beyond 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
Can I prepare the kabobs indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the kabobs under a broiler or in a grill pan on your stovetop. Just watch closely to achieve that nice char without overcooking.
Are wooden skewers the best choice?
Wooden skewers work great but remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and don’t require soaking, making them a convenient alternative.
What can I use instead of Colman’s mustard?
If you don’t have Colman’s mustard, you can substitute with Dijon mustard or a whole-grain mustard. Both will add a similar tangy depth that complements the other marinade ingredients well.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Steak Kabobs Recipe is such a joy to make and eat because it’s packed with flavor, colorful, and oh so satisfying. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, these kabobs bring unbeatable taste to any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a part of your next gathering!
PrintMarinated Steak Kabobs Recipe
This recipe for Marinated Steak Kabobs features tender flank steak chunks marinated in a zesty blend of mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Skewered alongside colorful bell peppers and red onions, these kabobs are grilled to perfection for a smoky, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings or a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade
- ⅓ cup Colman’s mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds flank steak (trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, orange and/or green) (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 large red onions (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 8 to 10 wood or metal skewers
- Vegetable oil (for grill grates)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Place all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until they are well combined, creating a flavorful and balanced marinade base for the steak.
- Marinate the steak: Combine the marinade and steak chunks in a large resealable bag. Press out any excess air and seal the bag. Massage the steak pieces gently to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your gas or charcoal grill on high heat. Once hot, clean the grill grates and brush them lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Assemble the kabobs: While the grill is preheating, thread the marinated steak chunks onto the skewers, alternating with colorful bell pepper pieces and red onion chunks. Leave a small space between each ingredient to ensure even cooking, aiming for 4 to 5 steak pieces per kabob. Brush the vegetables lightly with some of the leftover marinade for added flavor.
- Grill the kabobs: Place the kabobs on the grill perpendicular to the grates. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully. Grill until the steak reaches medium-rare doneness (about 125ºF internal temperature) and the vegetables develop charred edges, enhancing the smoky taste.
- Rest and serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, resulting in more tender, juicy bites. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours; overnight marinating will yield deeper flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust grilling time based on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin if desired.
- Keep some extra marinade reserved for brushing vegetables; do not reuse marinade that touched raw meat without boiling it.