Korean-Style Grilled Beef Skewers with Sesame Soy Marinade
Tender strips of sirloin steak marinated in a savory-sweet Korean-inspired blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame seeds, and warming spices. The beef is threaded onto skewers in a zig-zag pattern and grilled to perfection, creating caramelized edges while maintaining juicy interiors. This quick-marinating recipe delivers bold Asian flavors in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The combination of toasted sesame seeds and aromatic garlic and ginger creates an authentic taste that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Place steak in freezer for 20 minutes
- 2
Cut steak lengthwise into 1/4 inch-thick strips
- 3
Mix soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, water, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes in small bowl
- 4
Place meat in large resealable plastic bag or glass dish and add marinade, turning to coat well
- 5
Refrigerate for 30 minutes
- 6
Remove steak from marinade and discard remaining marinade
- 7
Thread steak in zig-zag fashion onto skewers
- 8
Broil or grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until desired doneness
Tips
Freezing the steak for 20 minutes makes it much easier to slice into thin, even strips for threading onto skewers.
Don't over-marinate the beef as the enzymes can break down the meat texture - 30 minutes is perfect for flavor penetration.
Thread the meat in a zig-zag pattern to prevent it from spinning on the skewers during cooking.
Good to Know
Store cooked skewers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Raw marinated beef should be cooked within 24 hours.
Marinate beef up to 4 hours ahead. Thread onto skewers up to 2 hours before cooking.
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with sliced green onions and alongside steamed rice or grilled vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't marinate longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture from acid breakdown
Avoid overcrowding skewers to ensure even cooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning during cooking.
What if I don't have a grill?
Use your oven's broiler setting, placing skewers 4-6 inches from heat source and cooking for the same time.
How long will the cooked skewers keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.