These Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are full of flavor and super fun to eat! Juicy pieces of beef marinated in a tasty garlic sauce are grilled to perfection on skewers.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? 🤷♀️ It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I like to serve mine with some rice and veggies for a delicious meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This is the star of the skewers, known for its rich flavor. If you can’t find flank steak, sirloin or ribeye are good substitutes. Just remember to cut against the grain for tenderness.
Bell Peppers: I love the colors of red, yellow, and green bell peppers in this dish! If they’re not available, feel free to use any bell pepper or even zucchini. Just ensure they’re cut in similar sizes for even cooking.
Soy Sauce: This brings a savory umami flavor. For a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative if needed.
Honey: It balances the salty soy sauce. You can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar, if you prefer a vegan option.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for vibrant flavor! In a pinch, use powdered garlic and ginger, but fresh has a much better aroma and taste.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty essence to the marinade. If you don’t have it, try using olive oil, but the flavor will be milder.
How Can I Ensure My Skewers Cook Evenly?
Getting your skewers to cook well is all about preparation and spacing. Start by giving your steak enough time to marinate for deeper flavor. When threading the skewers, alternate meat and veggies, and be careful not to overcrowd.
- Leave a small space between the ingredients. This helps heat circulate, cooking them evenly.
- Make sure your grill is at the right temperature before placing the skewers on it. A hot grill will give you nice char marks!
- Don’t forget to turn them often while grilling to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows juices to distribute, keeping everything moist.
How to Make Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium red onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill. Don’t forget to marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for the best flavor. Overall, plan for about 1 hour if you include the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). This delicious sauce will flavor the steak as it marinates.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed flank steak to the marinade, making sure each piece is covered well. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but more flavor will develop if you marinate it for up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the steak is soaking up all that flavor, cut your bell peppers and onion into chunks. Set them aside to be threaded onto the skewers later. Keep everything ready for easy assembling!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Time to get your grill or grill pan ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot when you add the skewers.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated steak and start threading it onto the skewers, alternating between steak, bell pepper pieces, and onion chunks. Make sure to leave a little space between each ingredient to help them cook evenly.
6. Grill the Skewers:
Once the grill is hot, place your skewers onto it. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender.
7. Add Some Crunch:
During the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the sesame seeds over the skewers for an extra burst of flavor and crunch!
8. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the juice in the steak!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some sliced green onions over the skewers for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Asian Garlic Steak Skewers hot and delicious!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a great choice for skewers, other cuts like sirloin or ribeye will work too. Just remember to cut the meat into 1-inch cubes for even cooking, and adjust the marinating time based on the tenderness of the cut you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Both provide a similar umami flavor, but keep in mind that coconut aminos is less salty, so you might need to adjust the quantity to taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to a salad!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Skewers?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Keep in mind that different veggies may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
