Perfect for busy nights, these Thai Beef Skewers are a flavorful mix of juicy marinated beef and tender fava beans – bringing the fresh taste of summer to your plate.
While walking through the Farmer’s Market, I spotted some bright green fava beans and couldn’t resist picking them up. I’d heard of them but had never tried these big green pods before.
I found out that fava beans take a little work—you have to peel them twice! But instead of boiling, I grilled them with the beef, and they turned out perfectly. Tossed in oil and vinegar, they added a delicious twist to the meal.
Table of Contents
Why I Love These Grilled Beef Kabobs
- These Kabobs are quick to serve and perfect for BBQs or summer cookouts.
- Versatile side options pair well with this dish.
- Uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
Recipe Ingredients
Garlic – A must-have for adding depth and flavor to the marinade.
Ginger – Fresh and slightly spicy, it cuts through the richness of the beef.
Fava Beans – Grill them with a bit of char for extra texture and a subtle, nutty flavor.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Garnish Ideas – Fresh cilantro or Thai basil adds color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives crunch, while chopped peanuts bring a rich texture. Lime wedges add a zesty kick, and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce or sriracha adds heat.
Protein Swaps – Substitute with flank steak or chicken breast for different textures. Pork tenderloin is also a great choice.
How to Make Thai Beef Skewers
Step #1: Mix together the oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the sliced beef and refrigerate, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
Step #2: Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place a cast iron skillet on the grates for the fava beans.
Step #3: Toss the fava beans with oil and vinegar and sprinkle with sea salt. Once the cast iron skillet is hot, add the fava beans and cook with the grill lid closed for five to ten minutes.
Step #4: Meanwhile, skewer your beef and try to keep as much surface area exposed as possible (don’t squish the beef onto the skewers; you want the sugar in the marinade to come into contact with your grill and caramelize).
Step #5: Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes with the lid closed, turning once. When you turn the meat, give the fava beans a little stir to ensure they brown evenly.
Step #6: Remove everything from the grill and serve the skewers with sweet chili sauce. Make sure to bring a bowl for discarded fava bean pods, and don’t forget to lick your fingers as you go.
Expert Tips
Double Skewer for Stability – Use two parallel skewers for each set of beef slices to prevent the meat from spinning when you flip them on the grill.
Use High Heat for a Quick Sear – Grill the skewers over high heat for just a few minutes on each side to achieve a quick sear, locking in juices while keeping the meat tender.
FAQs
Serve your skewers with jasmine rice or a cool cucumber salad. They’re also delicious with a peanut dipping sauce or grilled veggies for a tasty balance!
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini would grill well alongside the beef and add extra flavor.
Storage Information
You can store any leftover Thai beef skewers and fava beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
While freezing might seem like a good option, it’s best to avoid it for this dish—both the beef and the fava beans tend to lose their texture after thawing. To reheat, grill or pan-fry the skewers for a few minutes until warmed.
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Thai Beef Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
For the Thai Beef Skewers
- 1 1/2 lbs. beef sirloin - fat trimmed and sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
- Bamboo Skewers
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 lime - juiced
- 2 cloves garlic - finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Fava Beans
- 4 cups fava beans
- 2 Tbsp. oil - or enough to lightly coat the beans
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar - or lime juice
- Sea salt to taste
Dipping Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Mix together the oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, sugar, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the sliced beef and refrigerate, covered, for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place a cast iron skillet on the grates for the fava beans.
- Toss the fava beans with oil and vinegar and sprinkle with sea salt. Once the cast iron skillet is hot, add the fava beans and cook with the grill lid closed for five to ten minutes.
- Meanwhile, skewer your beef and try to keep as much surface area exposed as possible (don't squish the beef onto the skewers; you want the sugar in the marinade to come into contact with your grill and caramelize).
- Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes with the lid closed, turning once. When you turn the meat, give the fava beans a little stir to ensure they brown evenly.
- Remove everything from the grill and serve the skewers with sweet chili sauce. Make sure to bring a bowl for discarded fava bean pods, and don't forget to lick your fingers as you go.
NOTES
Nutrition
Wow!!! 5 stars for this one most definitely. I made it exactly as the recipe said and it was so tasty.
What a great meal, I love fava beans, have never had them prepared like this I have to try, it sounds wonderful. Really like the nutrition info you include along with the WW points. Very helpful!
It was definitely a risky move, but it turned out really lovely!