Grilled Spiced Beef Kebabs with Cooling Mint Yogurt Sauce

As soon as the weather warms, I uncover the grill and start cooking. Grilling season is my favorite time of year, and these Spiced Beef Kebabs with Mint Yogurt Sauce are a repeat recipe I return to each summer. They’re simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for casual backyard dinners or easy entertaining.

These kebabs elevate the usual grill menu without adding complexity. I marinate boneless sirloin steak in a warm blend of spices—cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne—then skewer the cubes with seasonal vegetables like red and green bell peppers and red onion. The meat cooks quickly over high heat, so dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Serve the kebabs with warm pita and a bright, mint-forward yogurt sauce. The sauce is cooling and fragrant, balancing the spiced beef and making each bite feel fresh. This recipe is friendly for entertaining because you can prep most of it ahead—marinate the meat and make the sauce in advance—then finish everything quickly on the grill.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for the kebabs)
• 1 tablespoon red wine or apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (plus more to taste, optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2½ to 3 pounds boneless sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 8–10 wooden skewers (soaked 10 minutes before using)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into large chunks
• For the yogurt sauce: 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for the sauce)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves (more for garnish)
• Warm pita bread, for serving

Step-by-step

Step One: Make the marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine or apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. This simple marinade adds warm, smoky flavor without overpowering the beef.

Step Two: Marinate the steak

Trim excess fat from the sirloin, cut into 1½-inch cubes, and add the beef to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly, then cover and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature. If you prefer, you can marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours (bring to room temperature before grilling).

Step Three: Make the yogurt sauce

While the beef marinates, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth, then cover and refrigerate until serving. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead for convenience.

Step Four: Assemble the skewers

Soak wooden skewers for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated meat, bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients for even cooking and visual appeal. Leave a little space between pieces so heat circulates.

Step Five: Grill the skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly. Grill the kebabs for roughly 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, turning once or twice so they char nicely on the edges. Cook until they reach your preferred doneness—use an instant-read thermometer if you like (130–135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).

Step Six: Let the skewers rest

Transfer kebabs to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute so the meat stays tender and juicy.

Step Seven: Garnish and serve

Serve the kebabs with warm pita, a generous drizzle or dollop of mint yogurt sauce, and extra fresh mint leaves for garnish. These kebabs pair well with simple sides like a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or a light couscous.

Recipe FAQs

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 20 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Total time: 35 mins
• Servings: 6

Nutrition (approximate per serving)

Calories: 434 kcal — Protein: 52 g — Carbohydrates: 6 g — Fat: 21 g. Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.

Tips & Variations

• For even cooking, cut meat and vegetables into uniform sizes.
• If using metal skewers, you can skip soaking but oil them lightly before threading food.
• Swap mint for cilantro or parsley in the yogurt sauce for a different flavor profile.
• To boost smoky flavor, finish kebabs over coals or add a splash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Leftovers: store cooled kebabs in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Looking for more grilling ideas?

Try other skewered dishes and grilled mains for your summer menus. These spiced beef kebabs are a great centerpiece that’s quick to prepare and impressive to serve.