I make grilled beef skewers at least once a month because they’re one of those dishes that feels restaurant-quality but comes together so easily at home.
The magic is in a simple marinade that caramelizes beautifully over the grill, creating this gorgeous charred crust while keeping the meat tender inside.
Served with crispy fries and fresh salad, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining out, not cooking in your own kitchen.
This recipe feeds four people and takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Why You Will Love This Grilled Beef Skewers & Fries
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 wooden skewers
- 3 cups French fries
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Soak the Skewers
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into cubes
- 4 wooden skewers
I like to prep everything a few minutes before marinating, so it’s all ready to go. Start by cutting your sirloin into roughly 1.5-inch cubes, making sure they’re fairly uniform so they cook evenly on the grill. While you’re cutting, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp honey
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and honey until everything is well combined.
I find that the honey is the secret ingredient here, because it caramelizes on the grill and creates that gorgeous charred exterior.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
- All beef cubes from Step 1
- Marinade mixture from Step 2
Add the beef cubes to a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to make sure every piece is coated evenly. I tend to let this sit for at least 15-20 minutes while I get the grill ready, though you can marinate longer if you have the time.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
- Marinated beef from Step 3
- Soaked skewers from Step 1
Remove the skewers from the water and begin threading the marinated beef cubes onto each skewer, spacing them evenly with a little room between each piece.
Don’t pack them too tightly together, because the heat needs to get all around each cube for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
- Beef skewers from Step 4
Heat your grill to medium-high heat and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Once it’s hot, place the skewers directly on the grates.
I grill them for about 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to get a nice char on all sides. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F, which will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
Step 6: Prepare the French Fries
- 3 cups French fries
While the skewers are grilling, cook your fries according to package directions, whether you’re air-frying, deep-frying, or oven-baking them. Get them done right around the time the skewers come off the grill so everything is hot and crispy.
Step 7: Arrange the Salad and Plate
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Cooked fries from Step 6
- Grilled skewers from Step 5
On a plate, arrange a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, then layer on the tomato slices and red onion.
Place the grilled beef skewers on top of the salad and pile the hot fries on the side. Serve immediately while everything is still warm.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store fries separately so they don’t get soggy.
Freeze: You can freeze the marinated beef cubes before grilling for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. Do not freeze cooked skewers as the texture becomes tough.
Reheat: Reheat grilled skewers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to warm through without overcooking. Reheat fries in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for crispness.
What to Serve With This Grilled Beef Skewers & Fries
- A cold beer or crisp white wine pairs beautifully with the charred beef.
- Garlic aioli or chimichurri sauce makes an excellent dipping option.
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers complement the meal nicely.
- A Greek salad with feta cheese adds a tangy contrast.
Estimated Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
(Estimated per serving, without optional ingredients)
Grilled Beef Skewers & Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Cut beef sirloin into roughly 1.5-inch cubes, making sure they are fairly uniform for even cooking. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, and honey until well combined.
- Add beef cubes to a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Let sit for at least 15-20 minutes while preparing the grill.
- Remove skewers from water and thread marinated beef cubes onto each skewer, spacing them evenly. Do not pack too tightly so heat can circulate around each piece.
- Heat grill to medium-high heat and let preheat for 5 minutes. Place skewers on grates and grill for 10-12 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes to get a nice char on all sides. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
- While the skewers are grilling, cook fries according to package directions. Time them to be done when the skewers come off the grill so everything is hot and crispy.
- On a plate, arrange a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. Layer tomato slices and red onion on top. Place grilled beef skewers on top of the salad and pile hot fries on the side. Serve immediately.
