These Bourbon and Coke Steak Kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your grill! Juicy pieces of steak are marinated in a sweet bourbon and cola mix, adding great flavor.
You’ll love how easy they are to make—just skewer, grill, and enjoy! I sometimes serve them with extra sauce on the side; it’s like a flavor party on a stick! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is great for kabobs due to its tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using chicken breast or tofu as a substitute. Ground meat can also work, just shape it around the skewers.
Coca-Cola: The sweetness from cola provides excellent flavor. If you don’t have cola, use another soda with a similar profile, like root beer or a diet cola, which can cut some sugar while still adding flavor.
Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon adds a rich depth to the marinade. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with a non-alcoholic whiskey flavor or even apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of brown sugar to mimic the sweetness.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Fresh garlic packs a punch, but if you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder. If you want to avoid onion powder, you could add diced onions to the marinade instead for a more intense flavor.
Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be reused and won’t have the same issue, but might get hot on the grill, so be careful!
How Do I Get My Steak Kabobs Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling kabobs can be tricky, but following some steps will give you great results. It’s crucial not to overcrowd your skewers to allow even cooking. Here’s how to manage it:
- Preheat your grill properly before cooking. A hot grill ensures good searing and nice grill marks.
- Let the skewers rest at room temperature for a few minutes before grilling; this helps them cook evenly.
- Grill the kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every few minutes for even cooking. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking!
- Allow the kabobs to rest for about 5 minutes off the grill. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping them juicy.
How to Make Bourbon And Coke Steak Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1 cup Coca-Cola (or any cola)
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
For The Kabobs:
- 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours to marinate the steak (or overnight for even more flavor). You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes grilling the kabobs after marinating. So let’s say around 2 hours and 30 minutes in total, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Flavorful Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, mix together the Coca-Cola, bourbon, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk everything together really well until it’s nicely combined. This will be the marinade that gives your steak a tasty flavor!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Next, add the cubed sirloin steak to the marinade. Make sure the steak cubes are well-coated with the marinade. Once you’ve done that, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge. Let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you want it super tasty!).
3. Get Ready to Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, first preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. This helps stop the kabobs from sticking later on.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now take the steak out of the marinade. Discard the leftover marinade, as it’s important not to reuse that. Start threading the marinated steak cubes onto your skewers, making sure they’re packed tightly but not too squished together.
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Once your grill is hot and ready, place the skewers on the grill. Grill the steak kabobs for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Cook them until they reach your desired level of doneness, with medium-rare to medium being the best recommendation for this juicy steak.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This is important for keeping them juicy! After resting, you can serve the kabobs warm. Enjoy your delicious Bourbon And Coke Steak Kabobs with friends or family!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables, feel free to swap out the sirloin steak. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly: chicken thighs should marinate for about 2 hours, while shrimp only need 30 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary based on the meat choice.
What If I Don’t Have Bourbon?
No worries! You can substitute the bourbon with another type of whiskey or even a non-alcoholic option like apple cider vinegar mixed with water for a similar flavor profile. Adjust to your taste, and it will still turn out delicious!
How to Soak Wooden Skewers Properly?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This helps them stay intact during cooking. You can also use metal skewers if you prefer!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover kabobs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning until warmed through. Enjoy them cold as a salad topping, too!
