Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Middle Eastern Beef Shish Kebab with Sides Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 15 reviews

This Middle Eastern Beef Shish Kebab recipe features tender, marinated beef chunks grilled to perfection alongside vibrant vegetables. Paired with traditional sides like homemade tzatziki, saffron rice, and sumac onions, it brings authentic Middle Eastern flavors right to your table in a simple and delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 ½ lbs Tri Tip, top sirloin steak, tenderloin or other grilling beef
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tbsp Dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 Red onion, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Zucchini, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • 1 Bell pepper, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces

Garnishes and Sides

  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Sumac for garnish
  • Homemade Tzatziki
  • Lemon Mint Yogurt Sauce
  • Saffron rice
  • Mediterranean Yellow Rice
  • Chopped salad
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Sumac Onions

Instructions

  1. Tenderize the Meat (Optional): Using a meat tenderizer, poke holes into the beef (Tri Tip, top sirloin steak, or tenderloin) and cut into 1 to 1 ½ inch cubes. This step helps to break down tough fibers for a more tender bite. Alternatively, you can ask your butcher to tenderize the meat or skip this step altogether.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, pomegranate molasses, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the beef.
  3. Marinate the Beef: Add the beef chunks to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld deeply into the meat.
  4. Skewer: Thread the marinated beef chunks alternately with the red onion, zucchini, and bell pepper pieces onto skewers. Aim for uniform sizes of the vegetables and beef to ensure even cooking. Any leftover vegetables can be placed on additional skewers to grill alongside the meat.
  5. Grill: Preheat your charcoal, gas, or indoor grill and lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning every 3–4 minutes to achieve evenly charred sides. Cook until the beef reaches medium or medium-well doneness, using a meat thermometer with an internal temperature of about 140°F to 150°F as a guide.
  6. Serve: Garnish the grilled kebabs with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of sumac for a zesty finish. Serve immediately alongside traditional Middle Eastern sides such as homemade tzatziki, saffron rice, and fattoush salad to complete the meal.

Notes

  • For best tenderness, marinate the beef overnight if time permits to deepen flavor and juiciness.
  • You can substitute Tri Tip with top sirloin or tenderloin depending on availability and preference.
  • If you don’t have pomegranate molasses, a mix of honey and lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning during grilling.
  • Check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain juicy beef.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/middle-eastern-beef-shish-kebab-with-sides-recipe/