Savory: Easy Shish Kebab

Spring has sprung and even on the rainy days I do enjoy some shish kebab.  It is quintessential grilling fare, with endless variations and always a crowd pleaser.  I love all the color and creativity that comes with making this recipe, and we partake year round.  That being said...not a fan of skewering. Messy, time consuming, and in the end a shish in your guest's kebab when it comes time to eat.  So years ago I invented this time saving recipe, which is endlessly versatile, great for large groups, and a breeze to clean up.


Enjoy every bite.

Easy Shish Kebab
Ingredients

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup sesame oil
• 1 pound kebab beef, cut into small, bite size pieces
• 3 bell peppers, cut into small, bite size pieces
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 pint mushrooms, cut in half
• 3 white or yellow onions, rough chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Combine the garlic, ginger, cilantro, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil to make a marinade.  Let sit for 5 minutes and then add the beef.  Marinate for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight. 
2. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Combine the the peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and half of the marinade in a large roasting pan.  Add salt and pepper. Place in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.  
3. Add beef and remaining marinade and cook in oven for 10 - 15 minutes, until beef is cooked. 
4. Serve with rice. 

This recipe serves 6 - 8, but can be easily doubled or tripled.  You can readily swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, but here are some of my suggested variations:

Middle East

Swap the beef for lamb

Exclude the ginger and garlic

Swap the cilantro for a few sprigs of fresh oregano

Swap vinegar for lemon juice

Swap sesame oil for pomegranate molasses

Add 1/4 cup of grapeseed oil

Exclude soy sauce

Use only onions for vegetables

Italian

Exclude the ginger

Swap cilantro for parsley

Swap the the soy sauce for red wine

Swap rice vinegar for white wine vinegar

Swap sesame oil for olive oil

Exclude soy sauce