Description
Portuguese-Style Beef Skewers Recipe is fast, flavorful, and perfect for grilling. Try this easy weeknight favorite tonight!
Ingredients
Scale
10 dried bay leaves, crumbled
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
6 garlic cloves, finely grated (1½ tbsp)
1 tbsp olive oil, plus 2 tsp divided
2 lb sirloin tips or flat iron steak, in 1½-inch cubes
12 cherry tomatoes
¼ cup white grape juice + 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar + ¼ cup beef broth
2 tbsp salted butter, chilled
Instructions
- Grind spices: Pulverize the bay leaves with 1½ teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a spice grinder until a fine powder forms. Transfer to a small bowl.
- Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of the bay‑salt blend, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mash together and rub thoroughly into the beef cubes until evenly coated.
- Thread the skewers: Assemble the skewers by alternating beef cubes and cherry tomatoes onto four long metal skewers (10–12 inches), and set them aside.
- Make the base infusion: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm remaining 2 teaspoons oil and the rest of the bay‑salt mix for about 3 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Add the remaining 1½ teaspoons garlic and cook briefly (about 10 seconds) until sizzling.
- Reduce the sauce base: Pour in the non-alcoholic wine substitute (grape juice + balsamic vinegar + broth), bring to a simmer, and lower heat to reduce until only about 2 tablespoons of liquid remain. Cover and remove from heat.
- Prep the grill:
- Charcoal grill: Light a full chimney of coals; when lightly ashed, spread them on one side of the bed. Open the vents. Heat grill (covered) 5–10 minutes, then clean and oil the grate.
- Gas grill: Turn all burners to high, heat (covered) 15 minutes, clean and oil the grate.
- Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the hot side. Grill uncovered 10–14 minutes total, turning once halfway through; aim for a 125°F internal temperature for medium‑rare, with light char on all sides.
- Rest the meat: Move skewers to a platter, tent loosely with foil and rest while you finish the sauce.
- Finish the sauce: Warm the reduction over medium heat just until it begins to steam. Take it off the heat and whisk in the chilled butter until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Slide beef off the skewers, drizzle with the sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, keep beef cubes uniform in size.
Madeira-style sauce can be repurposed for veggies.
Use a grill pan indoors if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + 5 minutes (grill prep)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 330
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 30g