Beef kabobs are a delectable and versatile dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply want to savor a flavorful meal at home, cooking beef kabobs in the oven is a convenient and effortless option. However, determining the precise cooking time can be crucial to achieving perfectly cooked kabobs that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to master the art of cooking beef kabobs in the oven, ensuring that your culinary creations are always a hit.
Choosing the Right Beef
The foundation of succulent beef kabobs lies in selecting the appropriate cut of beef. Opt for well-marbled and tender cuts such as sirloin, tenderloin, or ribeye. These cuts are renowned for their tenderness and rich flavor, making them ideal for skewering and oven cooking. When examining the beef, pay close attention to the marbling, which refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat. Marbling contributes significantly to both flavor and juiciness.
Preparing the Beef Kabobs
Proper preparation of the beef and assembling the kabobs are paramount to achieving a well-rounded flavor and ideal texture when cooking in the oven. Follow these steps for successful beef kabob preparation:
1. Marinating the Beef:
Marinating the beef intensifies its flavor and enhances its tenderness. While there are numerous marinade recipes available, a simple yet flavorful marinade can be created by combining olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator, for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Preparing the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the kabobs. This prevents the skewers from burning in the oven. Once soaked, thread the marinated beef and any desired vegetables onto the skewers in an alternating pattern. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes are popular choices for adding layers of flavor and color to the kabobs.
3. Seasoning the Kabobs:
Before placing the kabobs in the oven, season them with an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This final seasoning ensures that the exterior of the beef develops a tasty crust as it bakes.
Oven Temperature for Cooking Beef Kabobs
The oven temperature plays a significant role in determining the cooking time and the overall outcome of the beef kabobs. 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. This placement prevents the kabobs from getting too close to the bottom heating elements, helping to avoid burning the skewers.
Cooking Time
The exact cooking time for beef kabobs in the oven can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the beef cubes and personal preference for doneness. As a general guideline, aim to cook the beef kabobs for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and cooking. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the beef reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, or 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
Cooking Techniques
While the basic steps outlined above will guide you in cooking beef kabobs in the oven, there are a few additional techniques you can employ to enhance the flavor and texture of your kabobs:
1. Broiling Option:
Instead of cooking the kabobs directly on a baking sheet or wire rack, you can also choose to broil them. Preheat the broiler and place the kabobs on a broiler pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart. Broiling provides a quicker cooking time and can result in a beautifully charred exterior. Keep a close watch on the kabobs to prevent them from burning.
2. Basting and Glazing:
To add extra flavor and moisture to your beef kabobs, consider basting them with a marinade or glaze during the cooking process. This can be done by brushing the kabobs with the marinade every few minutes or applying a glaze in the last few minutes of cooking. Basting helps to caramelize the exterior of the kabobs and infuse them with additional flavors.
3. Adding Aromatics and Herbs:
To elevate the flavors of your beef kabobs, you can add fresh herbs, aromatics, or spices to the marinade. Ingredients like minced garlic, chopped onion, rosemary, thyme, or paprika can impart wonderful aromas and enhance the overall taste of the kabobs. Be generous with your flavorings and allow the meat to absorb the flavors during the marinating process.
Do I Need to Use Foil?
The use of aluminum foil is not necessary but can be beneficial when cooking beef kabobs in the oven. Foil can help prevent the kabobs from sticking to the baking sheet or wire rack and make the clean-up process easier. It also helps to trap heat and moisture, resulting in more tender and juicy meat. However, if you prefer a slightly firmer exterior, cooking the kabobs without foil is also a viable option.
Cooking Times for Frozen Beef Kabobs
Beef kabobs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. They are perfect for outdoor grilling, but if you don’t have access to a grill or the weather doesn’t permit outdoor cooking, you can also cook 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.
Once the beef kabobs are thawed, you can begin the cooking process. The cooking time for frozen beef kabobs in the oven can vary depending on the temperature and the thickness of the skewered beef. As a general guideline, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and cook the kabobs for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
It is important to note that using an instant-read meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine the doneness of your beef kabobs. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.
Adjusting Oven Temperature for Cooking Beef Kabobs
The oven temperature plays a crucial role in achieving the desired level of doneness for your beef kabobs. Adjusting the oven temperature can help you achieve the ideal balance between searing the exterior and cooking the interior to perfection.
If you prefer your beef kabobs to be cooked to medium-rare, which is the most recommended level of doneness for tenderness and juiciness, you should aim for an oven temperature of 425°F (218°C). This high heat will quickly sear the exterior of the beef, creating a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
For a more well-done kabob, you can lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This lower temperature will allow the beef to cook through more slowly, ensuring that it reaches the desired level of doneness without overcooking the exterior.
It’s worth noting that oven temperatures can vary, so it is always a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure the accuracy of the temperature display on your oven. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired doneness.
Adjusting Oven Cook Times for Cooking Beef Kabobs
Cooking times for beef kabobs can vary depending on the thickness of the meat, the type of beef used, and the desired level of doneness. A general guideline is to cook beef kabobs for about 10-15 minutes per inch of thickness in a preheated oven.
However, it’s essential to remember that this is just a starting point, and factors such as the efficiency of your oven and personal preference may require some adjustments. The best way to ensure that your beef kabobs are cooked to your liking is by using an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Here are approximate cook times based on oven temperature for beef kabobs at 1-inch thickness:
For medium-rare: Cook at 425°F (218°C) for 8-10 minutes.
For medium: Cook at 425°F (218°C) for 10-12 minutes.
For well-done: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Remember to turn the kabobs once halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on all sides.
How to Grill Beef Kabobs
First, prepare the steak and marinade as directed here before grilling the beef kabobs.
Preheat grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brush grill lightly with olive oil. Place beef kabobs on the grill.
Grill for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, remove from heat and drizzle with pesto if desired.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Cut steak into equal sized cubes. This allows for even cooking.
In addition, slice veggies into equal sizes.
Allow steak to marinate for the full 30 minutes. This yields a more tender result.
Use a meat thermometer to measure internal temperature of steak. This prevents overcooking.
How Long to Cook
It took 25 minutes to cook these Australian grass-fed beef kabobs in the oven. They were medium. This may change based on the size of your steak cubes and the power of your oven. Use a meat thermometer to test doneness of meat.
For medium rare, internal temperature should measure 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medium steak is approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit internally.
Internal temperatures for medium-well beef should range from 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Well done is over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
When threading the skewers, alternate between beef and veggies. I advise threading a cube of beef, two vegetables, and then beef again. This enables the flavors of the beef and vegetables to blend.
To prevent burned skewers, many recipes instruct you to soak the skewers before threading them. The oven temperature for these kabobs was low enough to prevent the wooden skewers from burning.
How to Serve & Store
Serve the kabobs hot out of the oven with a pesto drizzle.
Store skewers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Remove the beef and vegetables from the skewers and store them in a Tupperware container, or store the entire skewer in the refrigerator wrapped in foil.
I do not recommend freezing these skewers. When thawed from frozen, the steak won’t have the same texture.
Mine took 25 minutes and they were medium. A longer cooking time will produce a more well-done product, while a shorter cooking time will produce a more rare product.
Sirloin is a great option for these kabobs.
Yes. My wooden skewers did not burn. If this worries you, soak the skewers in water before putting the beef and vegetables on them.
Peppers and onions are great for kabobs!
How to Make Kabobs in the Oven~Easy Beef Kebabs Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to cook kabobs in the oven?
When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, place the kabobs on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once. Serve the kabobs with your preferred sides after taking them out of the oven.
How long does it take to cook kabobs in the oven at 350?
All of these beef kabobs should be placed on a baking sheet with a rim to catch the juices. Turn the vegetables every ten minutes for thirty minutes at 350 degrees until the meat is thoroughly cooked and the edges are lightly browned. You are set to plate and serve.
How long to cook beef kabobs at 375?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Vegetables and meat should be evenly distributed onto each skewer as you slide it on. Place the prepared skewers on lined baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, then turn and baste.
What temperature do you cook beef kabobs?
Grill kabobs over direct heat of approximately 400°F. Grilling time for kabobs with 3/4-inch cubes is roughly 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bigger chunks will take a few more minutes.