Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Steak Kebabs

Bursting with bold flavor, these spicy teriyaki steak kebabs feature tender sirloin, vibrant vegetables, and sweet pineapple, all glazed with a sticky, spicy-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for grilling season, these colorful skewers are guaranteed to be a hit at any cookout or backyard dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Steak Kebabs combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every juicy bite. The homemade teriyaki marinade tenderizes the beef while infusing it with rich flavor. Paired with grilled vegetables and pineapple, the dish offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. They’re easy to assemble, great for entertaining, and can be prepped ahead for maximum convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• 1 onion, cut into 1½-inch pieces

• 3–4 zucchini, sliced into 1-inch rounds

• 3 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup soy sauce

• ½ cup rice vinegar

• ⅔ cup water

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Place steak cubes in a large zip-top bag and pour in one-third of the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

3. Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Whisk in cornstarch and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

5. Thread the marinated steak, bell peppers, onion, zucchini, and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for a colorful presentation.

6. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning frequently and brushing with the thickened teriyaki sauce after each turn.

7. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes. Brush with more sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

8. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite grilled sides.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 6 hours (including marination)

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 692 kcal per serving

Variations

• Less Spicy: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with tofu or mushrooms and use a plant-based soy sauce.

• Other Proteins: Try chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a lighter version.

• Citrus Twist: Add orange juice or zest to the marinade for extra brightness.

• Grain Pairing: Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or soba noodles for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cooked kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or reheat gently on the grill. You can also remove the ingredients from the skewers and sauté in a skillet with a splash of water and leftover sauce.

FAQs

Can I marinate the steak longer than overnight?

Yes, but don’t exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much and affect the texture.

What type of steak works best for kebabs?

Sirloin is ideal because it’s tender yet firm enough to hold its shape on the skewer and during grilling.

Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep and thread the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill.

Do I have to use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup) can work in a pinch. Drain well before skewering.

How do I prevent the veggies from overcooking?

Cut all ingredients to similar sizes so they cook evenly. You can also par-cook firmer vegetables if needed.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook these kebabs on a grill pan over medium-high heat or broil them in the oven, turning occasionally for even cooking.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 or 2/3 cup depending on your taste preference.

Do I need to soak metal skewers?

No, metal skewers don’t need to be soaked and are reusable, making them a convenient option.

How do I know when the steak is done?

For medium doneness, the steak should register around 140–145°F. The outside should be well-seared but the center still juicy.

What sides go well with teriyaki steak kebabs?

Serve with steamed rice, grilled corn, Asian slaw, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Teriyaki Grilled Steak Kebabs are a flavorful, eye-catching addition to your grilling lineup. With juicy steak, charred vegetables, and sweet pineapple all coated in a bold homemade sauce, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or weekend entertaining, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.

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