Beef kabobs are a classic grilled dish that packs a flavorful punch But what if you want those same juicy, savory flavors without firing up the barbecue? The good news is you can easily bake beef kabobs in your oven with outstanding results Here’s a complete guide to achieving tender, flavor-infused oven-baked beef kabobs, including ideal cooking times and temperatures.
Selecting the Best Beef for Kabobs
The first step to fabulous beef kabobs is choosing the right cut of meat. Opt for well-marbled steaks that are naturally tender, such as:
- Sirloin
- Tenderloin / Filet Mignon
- Ribeye
These premium cuts have excellent inherent tenderness and robust beefy flavor that shines when cubed and skewered. Buy your beef in a single chunk rather than pre-cut cubes when possible, so you can cut sizable cubes for the kabobs.
Marinating is a Must
While you can certainly cook plain beef kabobs with success, marinating takes the flavor to the next level. A simple, homemade marinade also tenderizes less expensive cuts of meat beautifully.
An easy marinade can be whipped up with pantry staples like:
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours for the best infusion of flavor and tenderizing effects. The longer the better!
Kabob Assembly Tips
- Use flat, metal skewers for oven cooking rather than wood. Wood skewers can burn.
- Alternate the cubed beef with your choice of vegetables. Popular options include bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cherry tomatoes and zucchini.
- Don’t pack everything too tightly. Leave a little space between pieces to allow heat to circulate and cook evenly.
- Brush kabobs lightly with reserved marinade before cooking for extra flavor.
Oven Temperature
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F to 450°F (218°C – 232°C), before placing the kabobs inside. This helps replicate grilling by searing the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Use the oven’s broiler setting if you want to get color and charring similar to grilled kabobs. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.
How Long to Cook Kabobs in the Oven
Cooking time can vary based on the size of your beef pieces, your desired doneness and oven efficiency. But here are general guidelines:
At 425°F (218°C)
- For 1-inch cubes, cook 10-12 minutes
- For 1 1/2-inch cubes, cook 12-15 minutes
At 350°F (177°C)
- For 1-inch cubes, cook 12-15 minutes
- For 1 1/2-inch cubes, cook 15-18 minutes
Turn the kabobs halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying on time alone.
Checking for Doneness
An instant-read thermometer is the best way to determine if your beef kabobs are cooked to your liking. Target these internal temperatures:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above
The juices should run clear when the kabobs are pierced with a knife or fork at the desired internal temperature.
Let Kabobs Rest
As with all beef cooking methods, letting the kabobs rest before serving is crucial. Resting allows juices to redistribute so you don’t lose them when cutting into the meat.
After removing kabobs from the oven, tent them loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes. The meat will continue to cook slightly during this time, so pull them just shy of your ideal internal temp.
Add Flavorful Side Dishes
Oven-baked beef kabobs pair deliciously with:
- Rice pilaf or herbed quinoa
- Pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes
- Israeli couscous salad
- Soft flatbreads
- Creamy tzatziki sauce
- Pesto drizzle
Don’t be afraid to fire up your oven and bask in beef kabob bliss all year round. With the ideal cut of meat, simple marinade and proper cooking times, you can enjoy tender, juicy oven-baked kabobs that rival the flavors of the grill. Ditch the barbecue and unleash your inner chef with this easy method.
THE BEEF KABOB MARINADE
The marinade I use for these Beef Kabobs is my everyday Steak Marinade. It’s savoury with a hint of sweet, and made with pantry essentials – soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper and oil.
And yes, you read that right – soy sauce is in the marinade. No, it doesn’t make it taste Asian-y in the slightest! It’s basically the brine for the marinade, making it ultra juicy.
What kind of steak is used for kabobs?
Almost any steak can be used for steak kabobs. Top sirloin steak, sirloin tip, flat iron steak, New York strip steak, and beef tenderloin are my top recommendations.
I don’t recommend using lean cuts of steak like flank steak or skirt steak unless you have 24 hours to marinate the meat. If you do have enough time, feel free to use these cuts.
I like using cuts of beef that have a decent amount of fat marbling, which helps the beef stay tender and also brings amazing flavor to the beef kebabs. For me, New York strip steak is the ultimate go-to.
What is the most tender meat for shish kabobs? Filet mignon, also known as beef tenderloin, is the best bet for achieving tender steak kabobs.
That said, beef tenderloin is one of the most expensive cuts of beef and I personally would rather prepare my Beef Tenderloin Recipe over using integrating it with other ingredients.
How to Make Kabobs in the Oven~Easy Beef Kebabs Recipe
FAQ
How long to cook shish kabobs at 400?
Cook time will vary for kabobs depending on the type of meat you’re using. Steak kabobs take about 8-10 minutes in a 400F oven while chicken kabobs take closer to 20-30 minutes. Always check the internal temp for doneness.
How long do beef kebabs take in the oven?
What temp. to cook kabobs in the oven? I recommend cooking beef kabobs at 375 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes to achieve your desired level of doneness.Mar 1, 2024
How long to cook steak kabobs at 375?
Once the meat and veggies are marinated, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Slide the meat and veggies onto the skewers and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping and basting with the additional dressing about 15-20 minutes in.
How long do you cook beef kabobs in the oven?
Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once the beef kabobs are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Do I need to preheat the oven before cooking beef kabobs?
Yes, it is essential to preheat the oven before cooking beef kabobs. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and proper browning of the meat. Set your oven to the recommended temperature specified in your recipe or to around 400°F (200°C) for a general guideline. How long should I cook beef kabobs in the oven?
How do you cook kabobs in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) before placing the kabobs inside. This high heat allows the beef to quickly sear on the outside while retaining its juicy tenderness within, resulting in perfectly cooked kabobs. When using the oven, it’s essential to position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
How long do you cook kabobs on a grill?
Grill kabobs over direct heat of approximately 400°F. Kabobs with 3/4-inch cubes require approximately 8 to 10 minutes of total time on the grill, flipping halfway through. What temp should beef kebabs be? To Cook Beef Kabobs in Oven Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the kabobs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
How long should kabobs be cooked?
As a general guideline, cook the kabobs for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. To ensure the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is around 145°F (63°C), medium is around 160°F (71°C), and well-done is around 170°F (77°C).
Can you cook frozen beef kabobs in the oven?
Cooking beef kabobs in the oven is a convenient option that still allows for a flavorful and juicy result. If you plan to cook frozen beef kabobs in the oven, it is important to thaw them first to ensure even cooking. Thawing the kabobs in the refrigerator overnight is the safest and most effective method.