Beef Kebabs Recipe with Soy and Lemon Marinade

Name: Beef Kebabs Recipe with Soy and Lemon Marinade
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 97 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Grilled
Ingredients: 600 g beef sirloin or rib steak, cut into 3-cm cubes; 1 whole large onion, cut into chunks; 1 whole bell pepper, cut into chunks; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 whole garlic cloves, minced; 1 whole lemon, juiced; 1/2 tsp black pepper; to taste salt; 8 whole metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers

Grilled beef and bell pepper skewers in a savoury soy, garlic and lemon marinade.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 37 minMakes 4 servings

Jump to Recipe

These beef kebabs thread marinated beef with onion and bell pepper for grilling or broiling. Cut the meat into evenly sized cubes and marinate it in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Alternate vegetables with beef without packing them tightly so heat reaches every side. Turn the skewers regularly and use a thermometer to check the beef pieces. Whisk soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and black pepper. Taste before adding salt because soy sauce is salty. Toss beef with marinade, cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours. If using wooden skewers, soak 30 minutes. Thread beef with onion and pepper, leaving small gaps. Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grate lightly. Grill, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until vegetables char lightly and beef reaches at least 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest for whole cuts.

Beef Kebabs Recipe with Soy and Lemon Marinade

How to tell when it is ready

Rest skewers 3 minutes before serving.

Tips

Whisk soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and black pepper.
Toss beef with marinade, cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
If using wooden skewers, soak 30 minutes.
Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grate lightly.

Troubleshooting

If vegetables cook before beef, remove them and continue grilling the meat.
If skewers stick, oil the grate and turn only after a crust forms.

Substitutions

Use tamari in place of soy sauce.
Use lamb cubes with adjusted cooking time.

Variations

Add mushrooms to skewers.
Use smoked paprika in the marinade.

Serving suggestions

Serve with flatbread.
Add grilled tomatoes.
Offer yoghurt sauce.
Pair with rice or bulgur.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold in salads.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold in salads.

Food safety

Marinate beef in the refrigerator. Cook whole beef pieces to 63°C (145°F) and rest 3 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I marinate the beef overnight?

A few hours is enough; overnight can make lemon-marinated beef overly soft.

How should I store beef kebabs with soy and lemon marinade?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold in salads.

Serve with flatbread. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold in salads.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Beef Kebabs Recipe with Soy and Lemon Marinade