A Deliciously Simple Appetizer for Football Season and Beyond
Football season here… bring on the watch parties, tailgates, and game day snacks! Earlier this season, I shared my favorite game day recipes, and these easy beef skewers are so good that they deserved a permanent spot of their own on the blog. When it comes to game day snacks, I love serving dishes that are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and even easier for guests to enjoy. That’s exactly why my tequila-marinated beef skewers have been a longtime favorite! The tequila marinade gives the beef a bold, savory flavor with a little something unexpected in every bite. Simply marinate the beef, thread it onto skewers, and toss them on the grill for a handheld appetizer that’s perfect for everything from tailgates to backyard gatherings. After years of serving these easy beef skewers at game day parties, I’ve learned to always make more than you think you’ll need… they tend to disappear quickly! Psst… no grill? No problem! This recipe can easily be made on a stovetop using a grill pan.
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Tequila Marinated Beef Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef tenderloin
- 4 6-inch bamboo skewers
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup shallots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup good quality silver tequila
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Slice beef diagonally across the grain into ¼ inch slices. Thread each slice onto a bamboo skewer and place in a shallow pan.
- In a small bowl, combine lime juice and the remaining ingredients. Pour evenly over beef skewers. Cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours; turning occasionally.
- Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400° F.
- Remove skewers and discard marinade. Place skewers on grates and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side or to desired degree of doneness.
Notes
- For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef or have your butcher slice for you.
- Tenderloin is an excellent cut but you can also use more affordable cuts like strip steak, sirloin, or flank steak. Some cuts need longer marinade time to ensure tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan will also provide excellent results.
- If serving as an appetizer I use 6-inch skewers and 8 or 10-inch if serving as a main course.
- I prefer using this gluten free tamari soy sauce.
