Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs
Try this Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 lbs. beef cut into 1-1/4″ pieces (i like to use ribeye, new york strip, or top sirloin.)
- 2 t. olive oil divided
- 4 t. sugar
- 2 t. lawry's seasoned salt
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion cut into 1-1/4″ pieces
- fresh michigan asparagus spears medium to large in diameter, cut into 1-1/4″ lengths
- chopped fresh italian parsley for garnish if desired
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 6 serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Place beef in a medium to large bowl.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Fold to coat.
- In a small bowl, stir together sugar, Lawrys, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the beef. Stir beef to coat.
- Sprinkle remaining sugar mixture over the beef and stir again to coat.
- Add onion and asparagus to a medium bowl.
- Drizzle with remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add beef, onion, and asparagus to skewers, alternating pieces.
- Place skewers on a large rimmed jelly roll pan for easy transport to the grill.
- Heat grill to high heat, about 500° F. Make sure grates are scrubbed clean and then oiled. (To oil the grates, add some vegetable oil to a small bowl. Then fold a heavy paper towel a few times to make a smaller square. With a tongs, grasp the folded paper towel and dip it into the oil until the paper towel is drenched. Then run the paper towel over the grates, repeating until all grill grates are thoroughly oiled.)
- Place kebabs on hot grill grates and let cook for about 1-1/2 minutes on one side.
- Then flip over and cook for another 1-1/2 minutes or so. This will give you medium-rare cooked steak. If your grill heat is higher or lower, or if your beef pieces are smaller or larger, the doneness of your steak will vary.
- Remove kebabs to serving platter and serve hot.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired.
Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, whipping up something elaborate is often out of the question. That's why I've come to rely on quick, flavorful recipes that don't sacrifice taste for convenience. This Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs recipe is a perfect example. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The marinade is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few pantry staples – sugar, Lawry's seasoned salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. The combination of sweet and savory creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile that perfectly complements the tender beef and crisp asparagus. I love using ribeye, New York strip, or top sirloin for this recipe; they grill beautifully and hold their shape well on the skewers. But feel free to experiment! Any cut of beef you enjoy would work wonderfully.
The grilling process itself is straightforward. The key is to ensure your grill is screaming hot – around 500°F. This high heat sears the beef quickly, creating a delicious crust while keeping the inside perfectly juicy. I usually prep the kebabs ahead of time, assembling them while the kids are finishing their homework. This way, all I have to do is toss them on the grill once dinner time arrives. The entire cooking process takes only about three minutes per side, resulting in tender, medium-rare perfection.
The asparagus adds a welcome touch of freshness and nutrition to the dish. I prefer to use Michigan asparagus when it's in season, but any good quality asparagus will do. Its slight bitterness provides a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness of the marinade, making each bite a symphony of flavors. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color and extra freshness, although it’s entirely optional.
This Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs recipe is so versatile that it can easily be adapted to suit any occasion. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual backyard barbecue, or even a sophisticated dinner party. The presentation is elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a family meal. The leftovers are equally delicious – perfect for a quick lunch or a packed school lunchbox the next day. The best part? The cleanup is minimal, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Beyond the practicality, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always room for delicious, healthy meals that bring joy to the table. It's a recipe that's as much about the process – the family time spent preparing and grilling together – as it is about the exquisite taste of the finished dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Marinate Longer: For an even more flavorful kebab, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
- Different Protein: Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for the beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the kebabs with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
This recipe isn't just about food; it's about creating lasting memories around the dinner table. It's about savoring simple moments and sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, fire up the grill, gather your family, and enjoy the delightful taste of summer with these Sugar Grilled Beef and Asparagus Kebabs.
