Beef Skewers with Cooling Salad
Easy grilled beef skewers marinated with ginger, garlic and turmeric. Serve with a chilled cucumber and tomato salad. Quick, make-ahead BBQ recipe.
This is rather like a fusion of Nepalese beef jerky and satay rolled into one. It's great for the barbecue. It can be prepared in advance, and it takes no time on the grill.
Submitted by: Mabel from Chicago, IL
Yield: 4
- Marinate 1/4" flank steak strips in a ginger-garlic-turmeric paste for at least 2 hours for best flavor.
- Soak bamboo skewers, thread strips, then grill or broil 2-4 minutes per side depending on desired doneness.
- Toss cucumbers and tomatoes in rice wine vinegar and sugar, chill for at least an hour; can be made ahead.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
Mix the ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, turmeric, and salt into a thick paste. Rub thoroughly onto the flank steak strips. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Mix rice wine vinegar with sugar. Pour over cucumbers and tomatoes and toss well. Set aside in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Thread the flank steak strips onto the skewers. When the grill (or broiler) is hot, grill or broil on each side for 2-4 minutes deciding on desired doneness.
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More About This Recipe
You might want to wear gloves when rubbing the spice paste onto the beef, unless you want the turmeric to stain your fingernails.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out more beef recipes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the beef?
Refrigerate the steak strips with the spice paste for at least 2 hours. For deeper flavor you can marinate overnight, up to 24 hours, but avoid much longer so the texture does not become too soft.
How long should I soak bamboo skewers?
The recipe calls for about 5 minutes, which helps. For extra protection against burning, soak skewers 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
How long do I grill the skewers and what doneness should I aim for?
With 1/4 inch strips, grill or broil 2 to 4 minutes per side. Shorter time gives medium-rare; longer gives medium to well done. Watch closely because thin strips cook very fast.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Skirt steak, hanger steak, or top sirloin sliced thin across the grain work well. Keep slices about 1/4 inch thick so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Will the turmeric stain my hands or clothes?
Turmeric can stain skin and fabrics. Wear disposable or kitchen gloves while rubbing the paste on the meat. If you get stains on skin, wash promptly with oil then soap and water; launder fabrics quickly.
Can I prepare this ahead and how should I store leftovers?
Yes. Marinate the meat up to 24 hours and make the salad a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately. Cooked skewers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the heat level?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make it milder. Add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. The ginger also adds warmth without chili heat.
What should I serve with these skewers?
Serve with the chilled cucumber and tomato salad, steamed rice or flatbreads, and a simple yogurt or peanut dipping sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint brighten the dish.
How long should I marinate the beef?
Refrigerate the steak strips with the spice paste for at least 2 hours. For deeper flavor you can marinate overnight, up to 24 hours, but avoid much longer so the texture does not become too soft.
How long should I soak bamboo skewers?
The recipe calls for about 5 minutes, which helps. For extra protection against burning, soak skewers 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
How long do I grill the skewers and what doneness should I aim for?
With 1/4 inch strips, grill or broil 2 to 4 minutes per side. Shorter time gives medium-rare; longer gives medium to well done. Watch closely because thin strips cook very fast.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Skirt steak, hanger steak, or top sirloin sliced thin across the grain work well. Keep slices about 1/4 inch thick so they cook quickly and stay tender.
Will the turmeric stain my hands or clothes?
Turmeric can stain skin and fabrics. Wear disposable or kitchen gloves while rubbing the paste on the meat. If you get stains on skin, wash promptly with oil then soap and water; launder fabrics quickly.
Can I prepare this ahead and how should I store leftovers?
Yes. Marinate the meat up to 24 hours and make the salad a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately. Cooked skewers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the heat level?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make it milder. Add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. The ginger also adds warmth without chili heat.
What should I serve with these skewers?
Serve with the chilled cucumber and tomato salad, steamed rice or flatbreads, and a simple yogurt or peanut dipping sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint brighten the dish.
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