Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

These Teriyaki Steak Kabobs will quickly become your new favorite grilled dinner made with fresh veggies, tender beef, and either a homemade or store bought teriyaki sauce. Serve them with some Grilled Corn on the Cob or this Blueberry Corn Salad.

When you want a show stopping dinner that's actually super simple to make, kabobs are always the answer. Something about the extra step of threading some beef and vegetables onto a skewer changes a simple dinner into one people remember. Plus it makes things simple, since the steak and veggies all cooked together. No managing different items on the grill. 

This version of beef kabobs is one of my favorites since it brings in all the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. The beef marinates in the teriyaki sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Then its paired with bright bell peppers and red onion for a meal that is just plain delicious.

The other thing I love about this meal is that you have lots of options. If you have extra time, make the teriyaki sauce homemade. In a rush? Use a bottle from the store. Follow the recipe and use the bell peppers and onions. If not, grab whatever veggies that are in your fridge. It's easy to switch up the flavors, make it your own, and utilize what you have on hand.

What beef is best for making kabobs?

There are a few different options when you are making kabobs, but you want to make sure to choose something that will be nice and tender when it is grilled. Here are the three cuts I recommend:

• Top sirloin steak: This is the most affordable option out there. It's lean, tender, and a great option for kabobs. Make sure to buy a thicker piece, thinner pieces won't cook evenly since they can't be cut into even cubes. 
• New York strip: A bit more expensive than top sirloin but with more flavor and usually more tender. You will have to trim some of the excess fat off the steak. 
• Tenderloin: Tenderloin, which is where the filet comes from, is the most tender option but also the most expensive. 
• Steak tips: In some areas of the country, you can also buy steak tips from the butcher and those are a great option as well.

How to make healthier homemade teriyaki sauce?

When making these teriyaki beef kabobs, there are two options.  The first is to make your own homemade teriyaki sauce. The version below uses pineapple juice as a sweetener to reduce the sugar and uses low sodium soy sauce. You can also use a store bought teriyaki sauce. Look for one with lower sugar and natural ingredients if possible. This homemade sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. 

• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp. water
• 3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 tsp. cornstarch
• Directions: Add everything to a small saucepan and whisk together. Bring to a boil and stir well to make sure honey dissolves into the sauce. Turn heat down to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and coats a spoon nicely. Taste and season if needed. Make sure to watch the sauce since it can burn quickly.

Can these be made in the oven?

These beef kabobs can also be cooked under the broiler in the oven. Start by preheating the broiler. Then cook the kabobs for 3-5 minutes per side until the beef is cooked to your liking.  Let the kabobs rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. 

What to serve with beef kabobs?

Since you are most likely cooking these on the grill, it makes sense to also cook the side dish on the grill as well. Easy options include corn on the cob or for a no-cook side dish, make something like a green salad or slaw. Here are some other ideas:

• Grilled Potatoes
• Easy Grilled Carrots
• Grilled Cabbage
• Asian Kale Apple Slaw
• Pineapple Coconut Coleslaw

Other easy side dish ideas could be an Asian inspired pasta salad, steamed rice, sliced pineapple, baked sweet potatoes, or quinoa. 

Recipe Ideas and Tips

There are lots of ways to switch up these kabobs to put your own personal touch on the recipe. Here are some to consider:

• Add an element of sweetness and thread some pineapple right on to the skewers alongside the beef.
• Add mushrooms for an earthy element.
• Add some zucchini or yellow squash to sneak in some extra vegetables.
• Parboil baby potatoes and add them to the skewers for a side dish built right in. 
• Make these spicy with some Sriacha in the teriyaki sauce.
• Switch out teriyaki sauce for barbecue sauce or another marinade to create a different flavor.
• If you aren't feeling like steak, make these with chicken breast, chicken thighs, pork, or tofu. 

Looking for more kabob and skewer recipes?

• Thai Chicken Skewers
• Grilled Vegetable Skewers
• Garlic Lemon Shrimp Kabobs
• Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
• Chicken Lime Chicken Kabobs