Shish Kebab
Juicy beef skewers marinated in French dressing, grilled with cherry tomatoes, onions, peppers, and mushrooms for a flavorful, colorful dish perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate the beef in French dressing in a plastic bag for 1 hour to overnight.
- Marinate the vegetables as well.
- On each skewer, arrange beef, cherry tomato, onion, bell pepper, and mushroom, repeating until the skewer is filled.
- Grill over medium hot coals until the meat is done, turning once.
- Baste with marinade as needed during grilling.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight. If you're short on time, use a store-bought vinaigrette instead of French dressing. For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu or tempeh for the beef, and include a variety of vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. This dish is versatile and can easily be transformed into Mediterranean recipes by adding olives or feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shish kebabs over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm pita bread for a delightful meal. Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or tzatziki for added flavor. They also complement well with roasted vegetables or a side of Bulgur Natural Casserole for a hearty touch. Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover shish kebabs should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can grill them briefly to restore their charred flavor without overcooking the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shish Kebab contains roughly 722 calories, with 22g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for shish kebabs?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef, you can easily substitute chicken, lamb, or shrimp. Adjust the marinating time accordingly; chicken will need about 30 minutes, while lamb will benefit from a longer marination similar to beef.
What vegetables work best on shish kebabs?
In addition to the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers mentioned, you can include zucchini, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just ensure that the vegetables have a similar cooking time to the meat to achieve even grilling.
How can I make the kebabs spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or marinating the meat with a spicy sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the assembled kebabs before grilling. Adjust the level of spice to suit your palate!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).