These Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are packed with flavor and so easy to make! Juicy steak pieces are marinated in a tasty garlic sauce, then grilled to perfection. Yum!
Cooking these skewers is my favorite way to impress my friends. I just pop them on the grill and watch everyone smile when they take a bite—it’s a guaranteed hit at any party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for skewers due to its tenderness when cooked properly. You can swap it for sirloin or skirt steak if you prefer. Both cuts work well and might be easier to find depending on your local market.
Bell Peppers: I like using red and yellow for their sweetness and color, but feel free to use green peppers or even zucchini and mushrooms if you want to mix it up! Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just remember, 1 clove equals about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative. For a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos work nicely.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a gentle sweetness. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if you’d prefer a natural sweetener, adjusting the quantity based on how sweet you like it.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor When Marinating?
Marinating your steak is key for maximum flavor. Here are some handy tips:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well before adding the steak to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
- Cover the steak and let it marinate for at least 1 hour but try to aim for overnight if you can. This allows the meat to soak in all those delicious flavors.
- Keep the marinade in the refrigerator and remember to discard any leftover marinade that has touched raw meat to avoid contamination.
How to Make Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
For the Marinade:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Other:
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to grill. If you can marinate the steak for at least 1 hour (or overnight for a deeper flavor), it’ll be even more delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be the tasty marinade for your steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed flank steak to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure all the steak pieces are well coated. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight for extra flavor.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While waiting, prepare your vegetables. If you haven’t done so already, cut the bell peppers and onion into chunks, ready for skewering!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated steak out of the fridge. Now it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Alternate threading the cubed steak, bell pepper pieces, and onion chunks onto the skewers until all ingredients are used up. Make sure not to pack them too tightly, so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the steak to reach your preferred level of doneness, and the vegetables should become tender and slightly charred.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes; this helps the juices settle, making the steak tastier.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish the skewers with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious Asian garlic steak skewers!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken for a different protein option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat you choose. Make sure to cook it to the desired doneness.
How Do I Soak Wooden Skewers Properly?
Soaking wooden skewers is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill. Simply submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the water for extra flavor!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. If you want to mimic the sweet taste of rice vinegar, consider adding a pinch of sugar to your substitute vinegar. This will help balance the flavors in your marinade.
Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Yes, store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet on low heat or a microwave, ensuring they are heated through without overcooking the meat.
