As the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, my friends and I gathered around the grill, the air filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of spices. It was during one of those perfect summer evenings that the idea for these Spiced Citrus Beef Skewers was born. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the season, I decided to combine the zest of citrus with the warmth of spices, creating a dish that truly celebrated the spirit of summer.
These skewers are not just a feast for the palate, but a visual delight as well. The juicy beef, marinated in a zesty citrus blend, paired with a refreshing avocado salsa, makes for an unforgettable dish that will transport you to a sunny backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
For the Avocado Salsa:
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the marinade for the beef. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined. The bright citrus notes balanced with warm spices create an inviting aroma that will make your mouth water.
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours will yield even more flavor.
While the beef is marinating, prepare the avocado salsa. In a separate bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Be careful not to mash the avocados; you want to keep the mixture chunky and vibrant.
Once the beef has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. The sizzling sound and the fragrant smoke wafting through the air will fill you with anticipation.
When the beef is ready, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Serve the skewers alongside the fresh avocado salsa. The combination of the spicy, citrus-infused beef and the creamy, cool salsa is nothing short of magical. Gather your friends and family, share stories, and enjoy the flavors of summer in every bite.