| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 435 | 25g | 10g | 13g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 50g | 1.85g |
Why I Love Brazilian Meat Skewers
With the sizzle of the grill, the aromatic mix of spices, and the vibrant array of colors, creating a dish like Meat Skewers, a delectable Brazilian recipe, is pure joy for me. The blend of southern inspiration from my Atlanta roots and the fiery touch I inherited from my West African heritage, all come together splendidly in this recipe. It’s the epitome of grain-to-grill cooking that marries well with an Afro-Southern kitchen. After all, cooking is about forging connections and creating memories. And this dish does precisely that.
Draw Inspiration from Everywhere
The Meat Skewers recipe borrows generously from Brazilian cuisine, a culinary tradition I’ve always admired and respected for its infusion of flavors, colors, and textures. In fact, renowned Brazilian chef Alex Atala has often been a source of motivation. The spirit of this recipe captures the essence of Brazilian barbecues, where tender pieces of sirloin steak are cooked over slow, smoky fires, infusing every bite with the warmth of the Brazilian sun.
Evoke Memories and Moods
As I walk through the process of preparing Meat Skewers, I’m transported to memories of backyard barbecues with family, the laughter echoing with the sizzle of the skewers. The combination of minced garlic, soy sauce, orange juice, oregano, basil, and paprika is reminiscent of the heady bouquets of both Southern and West African cooking.
This dish also brings to mind the taste and textures of Southern barbecued chicken, a staple at American cookouts, but with a tropical twist. The beauty of the Meat Skewers recipe is that you could serve it alongside traditional Southern sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or collard greens. But they also pair perfectly with West African favorites like Jollof rice or fried plantain slices. Such is the magic of fusing flavors – creating something familiar yet excitingly different at the same time.
So why do I love the Meat Skewers recipe? Simple. It oozes multicultural flavors, it’s versatile and, above all, it brings people together. Every bite is a celebration of different cuisines and cultures. And that’s exactly what I love about cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Prepare the steak and vegetables by cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Take your bamboo skewers and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning when grilling.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl combine the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, orange juice, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together to create a marinade for your steak and vegetables.
Step Three
Add the steak to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that every piece is well-coated. If possible, cover and leave the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time.
Step Four
After the steak has marinated, start threading a piece of steak, followed by a piece each of red, green, and yellow bell pepper, and then an onion piece onto a bamboo skewer. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, making sure to start and end with a piece of steak for stability.
Step Five
Heat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place your skewers onto the heated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the steak is cooked to your desired preference. During this cooking process, you can brush some of the reserved marinade onto the skewers for additional flavor.
Step Six
Once your skewers are cooked to your liking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your succulent meat skewers, a perfect treat for a summer barbecue or a family dinner!
