Perfect Grilled Beef Kebab with Yogurt Sauce
This authentic kebab recipe is prepared with halal beef, marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, served with a cooling yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables.
Experience the rich heritage of Middle Eastern cuisine with this authentic kebab recipe. Each tender piece of meat is carefully seasoned with traditional spices, grilled to perfection, and served with classic accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or preparing a special weekend meal, these kebabs bring the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern grilling right to your table.
The Art of the Perfect Kebab
Our recipe centers on properly sourced beef that transforms into something extraordinary on the skewer. Growing up, the smell of grilled kebabs would always draw everyone to the backyard, where the anticipation would build as the meat sizzled over the flames. Today, we’re sharing our perfected recipe for beef kebabs that captures that same excitement and delivers incredibly tender, flavorful results every time.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these kebabs lies in three key elements: properly sourced quality beef as our foundation, the authentic marinade, and the grilling technique. We’re using tender beef chunks that are marinated in a blend of olive oil and spices, then carefully grilled to achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside juicy. The accompanying yogurt sauce adds a cooling contrast that brings everything together.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs:
- 2 pounds premium beef sirloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh pita bread
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Red onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and all the spices
- Mix well to create a paste-like consistency
- Marinate the Meat:
- Add the beef cubes to the marinade
- Mix thoroughly to coat each piece
- Cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours (overnight for best results)
- Make the Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix yogurt, mint, cucumber, and garlic in a bowl
- Season with salt and pepper
- Refrigerate until ready to serve
- Prepare for Grilling:
- Remove meat from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Thread meat onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces
- Prepare grill for medium-high heat
- Grill the Kebabs:
- Place skewers on hot grill
- Cook for 12-15 minutes total, rotating every 3-4 minutes
- Look for a nice char on the outside while maintaining juiciness inside
- Rest and Serve:
- Let kebabs rest for 5 minutes
- Serve hot with yogurt sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread
Pro Tips
- Select quality beef from trusted butchers for the best results
- Don’t overcrowd the meat on skewers
- Let the meat come to room temperature before grilling
- Don’t move the skewers too frequently while grilling
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance
- Yogurt sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead
- Thread meat onto skewers up to 4 hours before grilling
Serving Suggestions
Serve these kebabs as part of a grand Middle Eastern feast alongside:
- Fluffy rice pilaf
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Warm pita bread
- Extra lemon wedges
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Keep yogurt sauce refrigerated separately for up to 5 days
- Reheat kebabs gently to maintain tenderness
The key to memorable kebabs lies in the details – from selecting quality ingredients to mastering the grilling technique. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality kebabs that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or preparing a special family dinner, these beef kebabs are sure to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire.