Greek Beef Kebabs are juicy, flavorful skewers of marinated beef grilled to perfection with bold Mediterranean flavors. I love threading the meat onto skewers with colorful vegetables, then serving it hot off the grill with warm pita, a dollop of tzatziki, and a side of lemony salad. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these beef kebabs because they’re packed with flavor, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for grilling season—or indoor cooking year-round. The marinade tenderizes the beef and infuses it with garlic, oregano, lemon, and olive oil. Whether I’m entertaining or making a quick weeknight dinner, these kebabs are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red onion (cut into chunks, optional)
- Bell peppers (any color, cut into chunks, optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: fresh parsley, tzatziki, or feta for serving
Directions
- I combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
- I add the beef cubes and toss until fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- If I’m using wooden skewers, I soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- I thread the marinated beef onto skewers, alternating with pieces of onion and bell pepper if I’m including vegetables.
- I preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly.
- I grill the kebabs for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is nicely charred and cooked to my preferred doneness.
- I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and tzatziki.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 1–8 hours
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour 25 minutes (with marinating)
Variations
Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and flavor. I’ve also used lamb instead of beef for a more traditional twist, or added a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the marinade for depth. For a spicier version, I stir in red pepper flakes or a touch of harissa.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the kebabs in a skillet over medium heat or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. I avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the beef tough.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for kebabs?
I usually go with sirloin or flank steak. They’re flavorful and tender enough for grilling after marinating.
Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes. I roast them at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, then broil briefly for charred edges.
Do I have to include vegetables on the skewers?
No, but I like the added color and flavor. I also sometimes cook the veggies separately to better control their doneness.
How long should I marinate the beef?
I marinate it for at least 1 hour, but up to 8 hours gives the best flavor. I don’t go longer to avoid over-tenderizing the meat.
What should I serve with Greek beef kebabs?
I like serving them with warm pita bread, tzatziki, Greek salad, lemon rice, or roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
Greek Beef Kebabs are one of my favorite meals when I want something flavorful, fresh, and easy to throw on the grill. They’re juicy, aromatic, and pair beautifully with all my favorite Mediterranean sides. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, these kebabs always bring bright flavor and summer vibes to the table.
PrintGreek Beef Kebabs
Greek Beef Kebabs are juicy, marinated beef skewers grilled to perfection with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and lemon. Perfect with pita, tzatziki, and a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes 1 hour marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks (optional)
- 1–2 bell peppers, any color, cut into chunks (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional for serving: chopped fresh parsley, tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add beef cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated beef onto skewers, alternating with onion and bell pepper if using.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill kebabs for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef is nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving with parsley, lemon, and tzatziki if desired.
Notes
- Marinate for up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Serve with warm pita, Greek salad, or lemon rice.
- Vegetables can be cooked separately for more control.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
