| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 17g | 6g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 60g | 1.02g |
Why I Love South Korean Beef and Vegetable Skewers
There’s a Korean saying that goes, “Bap-boda Jabji” which translates to “more important than rice”. This essentially refers to the importance of side dishes in Korean cuisine. Growing up in a Southern household, I’ve felt very much the same way. Think biscuits with fried chicken, hush puppies with your seafood platter – these sides elevate the main dish and create a symphony of flavors. One of my current favorites, especially for summer gatherings and BBQs, is a popular South Korean dish: Beef and Vegetable Skewers.
Bringing Together the Best of Both Worlds
As someone who loves to weave together different culinary traditions, the Beef and Vegetable Skewers are a perfect representative of my experimental kitchen adventures. The dish combines the best of both my worlds: the South’s love of grilled flavors served with a Korean twist. Korean cuisine, akin to other Asian culinary traditions, often involves the harmony of various ingredients, textures, and lively flavors. Inspired by the culinary genius of Chef Judy Joo, the Beef and Vegetable Skewers provide an excellent opportunity to add that touch of exotic Asian flair to your Southern barbeque.
The Sweet and Savory Synergy
The beautifully marinated beef cubes, interspersed with crisp colorful veggies – there’s this magical symphony happening on those skewers. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors, brought about by ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and rice vinegar. The fresh, fiery kick from garlic and ginger creates just the right amount of drama that keeps you going back for more. It’s a recipe that, while may seem a little off-beat for a typical Southern fare, brings a delightful and memorable twist.
Beef and Vegetable Skewers work wonderfully with other dishes too. They complement a bowl of steamed rice nicely, or can be turned into a hearty meal when paired with Korean-style noodle bowls. Don’t be surprised if these skewers become a family favorite and steal the spotlight at your next BBQ.
I love this recipe because it’s adaptable, scalable, and simply delicious. You can mix and match the veggies, play around with the marinade, and create your version of the Beef and Vegetable Skewers. Happy grilling, and as they say in Korea, 잘 먹겠습니다 (Bon Appétit)!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 bell peppers (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 zucchinis, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 mushrooms
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Method
Step One
Start by prepping your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use. This will prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step Two
Skin and cut into 1-inch cubes the beef sirloin. Cut the bell peppers, onion, and zucchinis into 1-inch pieces as well. Leave mushrooms whole. Once done, set aside.
Step Three
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Stir to combine and then set aside.
Step Four
Take a skewer and thread a piece of beef onto it. Follow the beef with a piece of bell pepper, then onion, then zucchini, then a mushroom. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is full. Do this for all your skewers.
Step Five
Once all the skewers are ready, brush them generously with the soy sauce mixture. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
Step Six
Heat your grill to medium heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning frequently, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables are tender.
Step Seven
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Beef and Vegetable Skewers!
