Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal to grill on your gas grill?
Look no further than beef kabobs! These skewers of marinated beef, bell peppers, and mushrooms are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for summer grilling.
But how long do you need to grill them for?
In this article, we’ll explore different methods and cooking times to ensure your kabobs come out perfectly juicy and tender every time.
So fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Grill Beef Kabobs On Gas Grill?
Grilling beef kabobs on a gas grill is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal for your family or friends. The cooking time will depend on the size of the beef cubes and the heat of your grill.
For kabobs with 1-inch beef cubes, preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Thread the beef, bell pepper, and mushrooms onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. Brush with oil mixture and grill for 15-18 minutes, turning and brushing the kabobs 3-4 times until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender.
If you’re using larger beef cubes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For kabobs with 3/4-inch cubes, grill for approximately 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Bigger chunks will take a few more minutes.
It’s important to keep an eye on the kabobs while grilling and move them around if some skewers are cooking faster than others. If you notice that some skewers are cooking faster than others, move them toward a cooler zone or to indirect heat.
To ensure that your kabobs are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare kabobs, the internal temperature should be 145°F after you’ve completed cooking. Kabobs will continue to cook a little more and gain a few more degrees while resting on the platter.
Preparing Your Beef Kabobs For Grilling
Before you start grilling your beef kabobs, it’s important to prep them properly to ensure that they cook evenly and are full of flavor. Here are some tips for preparing your beef kabobs for grilling:
1. Cut the beef into uniform cubes: Make sure that each piece of beef is cut into uniform cubes so that they cook evenly on the grill. Aim for 1-inch cubes for the perfect size.
2. Marinate the beef: Marinating the beef before grilling is a great way to infuse it with flavor and make it tender. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and pepper. Place half of the marinade in a large resealable plastic bag and add the beef cubes. Seal the bag and turn to coat the beef. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Prep the vegetables: Cut bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or any other vegetables you’d like to add to your kabobs into similar-sized pieces as the beef cubes.
4. Assemble the skewers: Thread the beef and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between each ingredient. Leave some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
5. Brush with oil: Before placing your kabobs on the grill, brush them with olive oil to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly prepared beef kabobs ready for grilling on your gas grill in no time!
Direct Vs. Indirect Heat: Which Is Best For Kabobs?
When grilling kabobs, it’s important to consider the type of heat you’re using. Direct heat is when the food is placed directly over the heat source, while indirect heat is when the food is not directly over the heat source.
Direct heat is best for getting a nice sear on the outside of your kabobs and achieving that delicious charred flavor. It’s perfect for cooking smaller beef cubes and vegetables that cook quickly. However, if you notice that some skewers are cooking faster than others, move them toward a cooler zone or to indirect heat.
Indirect heat is best for larger beef cubes that require longer cooking times. This method allows the beef to cook through evenly without burning on the outside. If you find that your kabobs are becoming too crispy before they’re cooked through, finish them over indirect heat.
How Long To Grill Beef Kabobs On Direct Heat
Grilling beef kabobs on direct heat is a great way to achieve those iconic cross-hatch marks and perfectly tender meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the beef cubes and the heat of your grill.
For kabobs with 1-inch beef cubes, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Thread the beef, bell pepper, and mushrooms onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. Brush with oil mixture and grill for 15-18 minutes, turning and brushing the kabobs 3-4 times until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender.
If you’re using larger beef cubes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For kabobs with 3/4-inch cubes, grill for approximately 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Bigger chunks will take a few more minutes.
It’s important to keep an eye on the kabobs while grilling and move them around if some skewers are cooking faster than others. If you notice that some skewers are cooking faster than others, move them toward a cooler zone or to indirect heat.
Cooking to temperature will always yield the best results: 145°F for medium-rare beef kabobs. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. Remember that kabobs will continue to cook a little more and gain a few more degrees while resting on the platter.
How Long To Grill Beef Kabobs On Indirect Heat
Grilling beef kabobs on indirect heat is a great way to ensure that your meat is cooked evenly and thoroughly. To grill beef kabobs on indirect heat, preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Thread the beef, vegetables, and mushrooms onto skewers, leaving space between each piece.
Once your grill is preheated, turn off one or more burners on the side of the grill where you will place the kabobs. This will create an indirect heat zone for the kabobs to cook in. Place the kabobs on the indirect heat side of the grill and close the lid.
Grill the kabobs for approximately 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. If you notice that some skewers are cooking faster than others, move them toward a cooler zone or to indirect heat.
To ensure that your kabobs are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare kabobs, the internal temperature should be 145°F after you’ve completed cooking. Kabobs will continue to cook a little more and gain a few more degrees while resting on the platter.
Grilling beef kabobs on indirect heat may take a little longer than grilling them on direct heat, but it’s worth it for perfectly cooked meat and vegetables. Remember to keep an eye on your kabobs while grilling and adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of your beef cubes and the heat of your grill.
Tips For Perfectly Grilled Beef Kabobs
If you want to take your beef kabobs to the next level, here are some tips for achieving perfectly grilled meat every time:
1. Cut the beef into uniform pieces: To ensure that all the beef cubes cook evenly, it’s important to cut them into uniform pieces. Chunks of about 1-1/2 to 2 inches square work well. If the sizes of the chunks of meat are cut inconsistently, the smaller pieces will overcook by the time the larger ones come to their pull temperature.
2. Marinate the beef: Marinating the beef before grilling adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. A marinade with a good amount of oil is preferred in order to keep the meat moist and help the exterior caramelize and form a good crust.
3. Soak the skewers: Bamboo skewers are a popular choice for kabobs, but they can easily catch fire on the grill. To prevent burning, soak them for an hour in water prior to threading on the meat and vegetables.
4. Keep meat and vegetables separate: To ensure that each ingredient cooks at its own rate, it’s best to grill meat and veggies on separate skewers. Chicken and steak need different doneness temperatures, so put them on separate skewers. Onions and peppers cook at the same rate, but tomatoes cook at a different rate, so separate them out.
5. Leave space between each piece: If you leave a bit of space between each item on each skewer to ensure even heat circulation all around, the meat and vegetables will cook more evenly. Meat that is packed together tightly on a skewer will still cook, but not evenly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to grill perfectly cooked and flavorful beef kabobs every time!
Serving And Enjoying Your Grilled Beef Kabobs
Once your beef kabobs are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them with your family and friends. Here are some tips to make the most of your grilled beef kabobs:
1. Let Them Rest: Before serving, let your kabobs rest for a few minutes on a platter. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
2. Add Some Flavor: If desired, season your kabobs with salt and pepper or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce like chimichurri or tzatziki.
3. Pair Them With Sides: Beef kabobs are great with a variety of sides like rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of your kabobs and make for a well-rounded meal.
4. Enjoy Outdoors: Grilled beef kabobs are perfect for outdoor gatherings like picnics or backyard barbecues. Serve them alongside other grilled favorites like burgers and hot dogs for a delicious spread.
By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and enjoyable meal with your grilled beef kabobs. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination.
