Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers Recipe
Introduction
Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers are a flavorful and simple dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering. Thin strips of marinated skirt steak are broiled to caramelized perfection and topped with vibrant, tangy accents. Serve them with rice and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. skirt steak, cut against the grain into very thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Fish sauce, lime juice, chili crisp, and cilantro for topping
- Rice, for serving
- Broccoli, bagged salad, or a quick cucumber salad (see notes) for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, cut the skirt steak into very thin strips against the grain.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, kosher salt, sugar, curry powder, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. If time allows, marinate for 30–45 minutes to deepen the flavors; otherwise, 5–10 minutes will still yield great results.
- Step 3: Thread the beef strips onto the soaked skewers by scrunching the meat tightly onto each skewer. Lay skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with more freshly cracked black pepper.
- Step 4: Position an oven rack 4–6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler on high for a few minutes. Broil the beef skewers for about 6 minutes, until the meat is caramelized and slightly charred on top.
- Step 5: Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Brush the beef with the pan juices, then drizzle with fresh lime juice and fish sauce. Garnish with cilantro or a spoonful of chili crisp.
- Step 6: Serve the skewers hot with steamed rice and your choice of broccoli, bagged salad, or a quick cucumber salad for a fresh contrast.
Tips & Variations
- For even more flavor, marinate the beef strips overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use metal skewers if you prefer—they don’t require soaking.
- Try grilling the skewers outdoors instead of broiling for a smoky char.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a simple cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to balance the rich beef.
Storage
Store leftover beef skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or under the broiler to retain crisp edges. The beef is best enjoyed fresh but can be added to rice bowls as a tasty leftover option.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced can be good alternatives. The key is to slice the meat thinly against the grain for tenderness.
What if I don’t have garlic or ginger paste?
You can finely mince fresh garlic and ginger instead, though the pastes provide a smoother texture and more even flavor distribution.
PrintGarlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers Recipe
Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers are a flavorful and quick-to-make dish featuring tender skirt steak strips marinated in a savory mixture of garlic, ginger, soy, and curry powder, then broiled to caramelized perfection. Served with fresh toppings like fish sauce, lime juice, chili crisp, and cilantro, these skewers are perfect for a delicious rice bowl or a light side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak, cut against the grain into very thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For Topping and Serving
- Fish sauce, to drizzle
- Lime juice, to drizzle
- Chili crisp, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Rice, for serving
- Broccoli, bagged salad, or quick cucumber salad (see notes)
- Wood skewers (soaked for at least 15 minutes)
Instructions
- Prep: Soak wood skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, slice the skirt steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the Beef: Combine the beef strips with soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and curry powder in a bowl. Mix well to coat evenly. If time allows, marinate for 30-45 minutes to deepen the flavors, but even 5-10 minutes will yield delicious results.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated beef strips onto the soaked skewers, scrunching them tightly to hold. Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and generously top with freshly cracked black pepper.
- Broil: Adjust your oven rack to be 4 to 6 inches below the broiler heating element. Preheat the broiler on high for several minutes. Place the baking sheet with the skewers under the broiler and cook for about 6 minutes, allowing the tops to caramelize and develop a rich, tasty crust.
- Serve: Remove the skewers and let them rest for a few minutes. Brush the tops with the pan juices, then drizzle with lime juice and fish sauce to enhance the flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a spoonful of chili crisp if desired. Serve the skewers over rice alongside broccoli, a bagged salad, or a quick cucumber salad.
Notes
- Alternative cooking methods include grilling the skewers over medium-high heat or pan-frying them if a broiler isn’t available.
- The quick cucumber salad is a refreshing accompaniment and can be made by tossing sliced cucumbers with lime juice, salt, and a pinch of sugar.
- For best results, use thin strips of skirt steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- If using bamboo skewers, ensure they are soaked to prevent burning in the broiler.
Keywords: beef skewers, garlic beef, black pepper beef, broiled beef skewers, Asian beef recipe, quick beef recipe, skewered beef, curry powder beef

