Are you craving some juicy and flavorful beef kabobs but don’t have access to a grill? Fear not, because cooking them in the oven is just as easy and delicious!
But how long should you cook them for? With so many different recipes and methods out there, it can be hard to know what’s best. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfectly cooked beef kabobs every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, read on to learn how long to cook beef kabobs in the oven and other helpful tips for making this classic dish.
How Long Do You Cook Beef Kabobs In The Oven?
The cooking time for beef kabobs in the oven can vary depending on a few factors such as the size of the beef cubes, the type of oven, and personal preference for doneness.
A general rule of thumb is to cook beef kabobs in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F, for medium it should be 145°F, and for medium-well it should be 150°F.
If you want to achieve a crispy exterior on your beef kabobs, broil them for 3-5 minutes per side after baking. Just be sure to slightly undercook the beef before broiling to prevent overcooking.
Another helpful tip is to let the beef come up to room temperature before cooking. This will help prevent the outer layers from overcooking before the center is ready.
Prepping Your Beef Kabobs For The Oven
Before you start cooking your beef kabobs in the oven, it’s important to properly prep them. Here’s how:
1. Cut the beef into bite-size cubes using kitchen shears.
2. Place the beef in a gallon-size ziplock bag and add your desired marinade. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like coconut aminos, olive oil, ground pepper, sea salt, and coconut sugar.
3. Let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to eight hours. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it.
4. Thirty minutes before you plan to cook the kabobs, preheat the oven to 350°F and place 8 to 12 wooden skewers in a bowl of water to soak. This will prevent them from burning in the oven.
5. Remove the skewers from the bowl and thread the beef and vegetables onto them, alternating between beef and veggies. You can use any veggies you like, such as peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
6. Place the beef kabobs on an ungreased, rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
7. If you want a crispy exterior on your kabobs, broil them for 3-5 minutes per side after baking.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare delicious and flavorful beef kabobs in the oven with ease.
Choosing The Right Temperature And Cooking Time
Choosing the right temperature and cooking time for beef kabobs in the oven is crucial to achieving the perfect level of doneness and tenderness. As mentioned earlier, 350°F is a good starting point for cooking beef kabobs in the oven. However, if you prefer a slightly higher temperature, you can increase it to 375°F or even 400°F. Just keep in mind that higher temperatures may result in a faster cooking time, so it’s important to keep an eye on the kabobs and check the internal temperature regularly.
When it comes to cooking time, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. This will ensure that the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, medium-rare beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F, medium beef should be cooked to 145°F, and medium-well beef should be cooked to 150°F.
It’s also important to consider the size of the beef cubes when determining the cooking time. Larger cubes will take longer to cook than smaller ones, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Additionally, if you’re using vegetables in your kabobs, keep in mind that they may cook faster than the beef. To prevent overcooking the vegetables, consider par-cooking them before adding them to the skewers.
Tips For Ensuring Even Cooking
To ensure even cooking of your beef kabobs in the oven, there are a few things you can do.
First, make sure that the beef cubes are cut into uniform sizes. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked. Using kitchen shears to cut the beef into bite-size cubes can help with this.
Next, consider marinating the beef before cooking. Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, making it easier to cook evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least one hour or up to eight hours in the refrigerator.
When it comes to baking the kabobs, make sure to space them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will allow for proper air circulation and prevent them from steaming, resulting in a more evenly cooked product.
It’s also important to turn the kabobs every 10 minutes during baking to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. If you notice that some pieces are browning faster than others, you may need to rotate them or move them around on the baking sheet.
Finally, let the beef kabobs rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This will allow the juices to redistribute and be absorbed, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product. Cover them with foil while resting to keep them warm.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your beef kabobs are cooked evenly and come out perfectly every time.
Checking For Doneness
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the meat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the beef cube, making sure it doesn’t touch the skewer.
For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F. The meat will be slightly pink in the center and very juicy. For medium, the internal temperature should be 145°F. The meat will have a pink center and a firmer texture. For medium-well, the internal temperature should be 150°F. The meat will have a slightly pink center and a firmer texture with little to no juice.
It’s important to let the beef kabobs rest for 10 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Cover the skewers with foil to keep them warm while resting.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on personal preference and oven type, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure your beef kabobs are cooked to your liking.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Beef Kabobs
Once your beef kabobs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some tips for serving and enjoying your delicious beef kabobs:
1. Remove the skewers: Carefully remove the skewers from the beef kabobs using tongs or a fork.
2. Let them rest: Allow the beef kabobs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make them even more tender and flavorful.
3. Serve with sides: Beef kabobs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or bread.
4. Add some sauce: You can also add some sauce to your beef kabobs for extra flavor. Some popular options include chimichurri sauce, tzatziki sauce, or barbecue sauce.
5. Enjoy! Finally, sit back and enjoy your delicious beef kabobs with friends and family. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings, summer barbecues, or even a weeknight dinner.
