Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs

Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs are a mouthwatering combination of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze that infuses every bite with delicious flavor. Grilled to perfection, the beef is juicy and flavorful, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. Skewered together, these kebabs make a perfect dish for a summer BBQ or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

I first tried making these kebabs when I was craving something grilled but wanted a dish with a little more flair than the usual chicken. The teriyaki glaze brings a burst of sweetness that’s balanced by the savory, slightly smoky flavors from grilling. The beef stays tender and juicy, while the mushrooms soak up the sauce, making each bite irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare—just marinate the beef, thread the ingredients onto skewers, and grill them up! You can serve them with rice, grilled veggies, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal that feels both special and easy to make.

Perfect for:

Summer BBQs
Family gatherings
Grilling enthusiasts
Beef and mushroom lovers
Weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs will become your new favorite grilling recipe:

Bold and Flavorful: The sweet-savory teriyaki marinade infuses the beef and mushrooms with incredible taste.
Perfectly Grilled: The beef becomes tender and juicy, while the mushrooms absorb the teriyaki sauce for a rich flavor.
Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and easy prep, these kebabs are quick to prepare and cook.
Versatile: Serve them with rice, a salad, or grilled veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Great for Meal Prep: Make extra kebabs for a delicious meal throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the combination of beef and mushrooms on a stick.
Customizable: Adjust the marinade or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for a personalized twist.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the mushrooms, these kebabs are both nutritious and filling.
Grill-Friendly: Perfect for outdoor grilling, bringing the smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
Fun to Eat: Kebabs are always a hit at parties, making them an interactive and fun way to enjoy a meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marinating time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Kebabs:

1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or portobello)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
1 green onion, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, savory base for the teriyaki marinade.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Imparts a nutty flavor that complements the beef and mushrooms.
Mushrooms: Absorb the marinade, adding a savory, earthy note to each bite.
Ginger and Garlic: Bring fresh, aromatic flavors to the marinade.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade:

Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like a thicker marinade, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the marinade.

Marinate the Beef and Mushrooms:

Combine Meat and Mushrooms: Place the beef cubes and mushroom slices in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Add Marinade: Pour the teriyaki marinade over the beef and mushrooms, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Kebabs:

Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Skewer the Ingredients: Thread the marinated beef and mushrooms onto the skewers, alternating between the two.

Grill the Kebabs:

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cook Kebabs: Grill the kebabs for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Sprinkle the kebabs with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch.
Serve: Serve the kebabs hot with your favorite sides, like rice or a fresh salad.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Teriyaki Beef-and-Mushroom Kebabs:

With Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the flavorful marinade.
With Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
On a Salad: Serve the kebabs over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter, fresh meal.
In a Wrap: Wrap the kebabs in flatbread or pita with your favorite sauce for a fun twist.
With Noodles: Serve alongside soba or udon noodles for a satisfying, noodle-centric dish.
For a BBQ Feast: Serve with other grilled favorites like corn on the cob or grilled potatoes.
With Pickled Vegetables: Pair with a side of pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast.
As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a party appetizer or snack.
With a Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce: Complement the kebabs with extra dipping sauce for added flavor.
For Meal Prep: Pack kebabs with veggies for a quick, easy lunch throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave enough space between the kebabs on the grill to ensure even cooking.
Check Beef Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the beef has reached your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
Optional Vegetables: Add bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
Add Extra Sauce: Save some marinade to brush over the kebabs while grilling for extra flavor.
Grill with Lid Closed: Keep the lid closed while grilling to maintain consistent heat for more even cooking.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Teriyaki Kebabs: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative.
Vegetarian Kebabs: Use tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a meatless version.
Spicy Teriyaki Kebabs: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Pineapple Teriyaki Kebabs: Add chunks of pineapple to the skewers for a tropical sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free, or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Honey Garlic Marinade: Use a honey garlic glaze for a sweet, garlicky alternative to teriyaki.
Herb-Infused Marinade: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
Sweet-and-Sour Teriyaki: Add vinegar or lime juice to the marinade for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Miso Teriyaki Kebabs: Incorporate miso paste into the marinade for a richer umami flavor.

Special Equipment

Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers are necessary for threading the ingredients onto the grill.
Grill or Grill Pan: To cook the kebabs to perfection.
Basting Brush: Optional, for brushing on extra marinade or sauce while grilling.
Meat Thermometer: To check the doneness of the beef.
Tongs: To turn the kebabs easily on the grill.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen beef for the kebabs?
It’s best to use fresh beef for optimal texture, but if you use frozen beef, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained before marinating.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I cook these kebabs in the oven?
Yes, you can broil them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Can I use beef stew meat for the kebabs?
While stew meat works, it’s best to use tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for the best texture.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger grill or grill in batches.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover kebabs?
Reheat them gently on the grill or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I skip the mushrooms?
Yes, you can make the kebabs with just beef or add other vegetables of your choice.
Can I add other spices to the marinade?
Yes, feel free to experiment with chili powder, paprika, or even cinnamon for different flavor profiles.