Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers Recipe
Introduction
These Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers are packed with bold flavors and a perfect caramelized finish. Quick to prepare and deliciously tender, they make a fantastic meal served with rice and a fresh salad. Whether for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, these skewers are sure to impress.

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 quick cucumber salad, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, cut the skirt steak into very thin strips against the grain.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 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 you have time, marinate for 30 to 45 minutes for best flavor, but 5 to 10 minutes will still work well.
- Step 3: Thread the beef strips onto the soaked skewers, scrunching the meat tightly onto each skewer. Place the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with more cracked black pepper.
- Step 4: Place an oven rack 4 to 6 inches below the broiler element and preheat the broiler on high for a few minutes. Broil the beef skewers for about 6 minutes, allowing a nice caramelization to develop on the surface.
- Step 5: Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Brush the tops with pan juices, then drizzle with lime juice and fish sauce. Garnish with cilantro or chili crisp.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with rice and your choice of broccoli, bagged salad, or a quick cucumber salad.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the skewers instead of broiling.
- Use sirloin or flank steak as alternatives to skirt steak, slicing thinly against the grain.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade if you like extra heat.
- Serve with pickled vegetables or a fresh herb salad for brightness.
Storage
Store leftover cooked beef skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently under a broiler or in a hot skillet to preserve the caramelized exterior. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef strips and thread them onto skewers a few hours before cooking. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.
What if I don’t have garlic or ginger paste?
You can substitute with finely minced fresh garlic and ginger. Use about one clove of garlic and one teaspoon of grated ginger per tablespoon of paste required.
PrintGarlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers Recipe
These Garlic and Black Pepper Beef Skewers feature thin strips of marinated skirt steak, bursting with aromatic garlic, ginger, curry powder, and fresh cracked black pepper. Quickly broiled to achieve a delicious caramelized char, they are perfect served with rice, fresh cilantro, and a zesty drizzle of lime juice and fish sauce. This flavorful and easy-to-make dish pairs perfectly with light salads or steamed veggies for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 5-45 minutes optional marinating)
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 to 66 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Beef 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
Toppings and Serving
- Fish sauce, for drizzling
- Lime juice, for drizzling
- Chili crisp, optional, for topping
- Cilantro, fresh, for garnish
Sides (optional)
- Rice
- Broccoli, bagged salad, or quick cucumber salad (see notes)
Instructions
- Prep: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, cut the skirt steak against the grain into very thin strips to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, kosher salt, granulated sugar, curry powder, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. If time allows, marinate for 30-45 minutes to deepen flavor, but a minimum of 5-10 minutes will still yield tasty results.
- Skewer the Beef: Thread the marinated beef strips onto the soaked skewers, scrunching the meat tightly onto each skewer. Arrange the prepared skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle more freshly cracked black pepper on top for extra spice and aroma.
- Broil the Skewers: Position an oven rack approximately 4-6 inches below the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high heat. Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil the skewers for about 6 minutes, or until the beef develops a caramelized, golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Brush the tops with any collected pan juices, then drizzle with fresh lime juice and fish sauce to brighten the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and, if desired, a spoonful of chili crisp. Serve alongside rice and your choice of sides such as steamed broccoli, a simple bagged salad, or a quick cucumber salad for a complete, finger-licking meal.
Notes
- For quicker salads, a refreshing cucumber salad complements the skewers beautifully—thinly slice cucumbers and toss with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- If you do not have wooden skewers, metal skewers can be used instead but no soaking is needed.
- Alternatively, these skewers can be cooked on a hot grill or under a grill pan on stovetop for similar caramelization.
- Ensure to slice the beef very thinly to maximize tenderness and ease of skewering.
Keywords: beef skewers, garlic beef, black pepper beef, broiled beef skewers, quick Asian recipe, curry powder beef, lime beef skewers

