These Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are super tasty and full of flavor! Juicy steak is marinated in a yummy garlic sauce, then grilled to perfection on bamboo sticks.
These skewers are perfect for parties or just a fun family dinner. I love serving them with rice and veggies. Just be careful; they disappear fast—like magic! 🪄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is great for skewers due to its flavor and tenderness when marinated. If you can’t find it, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as good alternatives.
Bell Peppers: I love the mix of red, green, and yellow peppers for color and sweetness. If you want a change, zucchini or mushrooms also work well and add variety.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful kick. In a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh really enhances the flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is key to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos also work for a sweeter alternative.
Cornstarch: This helps create a glaze. If you’re out, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour, although the texture may be slightly different.
Honey: I prefer honey for sweetness, but maple syrup or agave nectar could be used as substitutes, especially if you’re vegan.
How Can You Ensure Your Steak is Perfectly Tender and Flavorful?
The marinade is essential for making the steak tender and flavorful. The key is to let it sit! A minimum of 30 minutes is good, but 4 hours or even overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring the garlic and ginger are evenly distributed.
- Coat the cubed flank steak thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate. This step is crucial, so don’t rush it!
- Before grilling, mix cornstarch with water to help create a nice glaze. Brush this on the skewers for a beautiful finish!
How to Make Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
For the Marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for marinating the steak. Grilling takes around 10-12 minutes. Overall, expect to spend about 50 minutes to 4 hours, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed flank steak to the marinade, tossing well to coat all the pieces evenly. After that, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours to enhance the flavors even more!
3. Prep the Vegetables:
While the steak is marinating, make sure to cut the red, green, and yellow bell peppers and red onion into 1-inch pieces if you haven’t done so already. This will make them ready to thread onto the skewers.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to fire up your grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s hot and ready for the skewers.
5. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the steak has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Begin threading the marinated steak and the vegetable pieces onto the skewers alternately. This will create a beautiful and colorful pattern that looks great on the grill.
6. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Brush or drizzle this slurry over the skewers right before grilling. This will help create a lovely glaze as they cook!
7. Grill the Skewers:
Place your skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly and achieve your desired doneness for the steak and tenderness for the veggies.
8. Rest and Garnish:
When the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the meat. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for a fresh and flavorful finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
These Asian Garlic Steak Skewers are best enjoyed hot. Serve them with steamed rice or noodles if you’d like. Dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! If flank steak is unavailable, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken for a different twist. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose.
Can I Prep the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak and assemble the skewers ahead of time! Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. If you’re prepping longer, consider marinating the steak without the vegetables to avoid sogginess, then add the veggies just before grilling.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can substitute it with equal parts all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. Just mix it with water the same way to create a slurry, and it will still help thicken and glaze the skewers nicely.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on a grill or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat tough.
