Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Asian Beef Skewers?
They are a flavorful fusion dish featuring tender top sirloin steak marinated in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then grilled or broiled with green onions.
What cut of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for beef top sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/4-inch thick strips.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of packed brown sugar, dry sherry, soy sauce, dark sesame oil, crushed garlic cloves, and ground ginger.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Why do the bamboo skewers need to be soaked?
Soaking bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes prevents them from burning while they are under the broiler or on the grill.
How should the green onions be prepared?
Green onions should be cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces to be threaded onto the skewers between the beef strips.
How should the beef be threaded onto the skewers?
The beef strips should be woven back and forth on the skewer, alternating with pieces of green onion for optimal flavor and presentation.
What is the best way to cook these skewers?
They can be prepared easily on a grill or under the broiler.
What are the broiler settings for this recipe?
Preheat the broiler and position the kabobs on a broiler pan rack about 3 to 4 inches away from the heat source.
How long do the beef skewers take to broil?
They take approximately 5 to 6 minutes in total, turning once halfway through.
When should I brush the skewers with extra marinade?
Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes of broiling to add extra flavor.
Should I use the same marinade that the raw meat sat in for brushing?
No, you should use the clean marinade that was reserved separately before adding the beef to the bag.
How many appetizer servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe can serve up to 16 people when offered as an appetizer.
How many main course servings does this recipe provide?
It provides approximately 4 hearty servings if served as a main dish.
What size skewers are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 16 bamboo skewers that are 6 inches in length.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a delightful balance of sweet from the brown sugar and savory from the soy and sesame oil.
Is this recipe good for outdoor events?
Yes, these skewers are ideal for summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings.
How thick should the beef strips be sliced?
The steak should be sliced crosswise into strips approximately 1/4-inch thick for even and fast cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: beef, green onions, brown sugar, dry sherry, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ground ginger.
Can I use dry ginger instead of ground ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for the marinade blend.
What type of sesame oil is best?
The recipe recommends dark sesame oil for a richer, more toasted flavor.
Is there a specific preparation for the garlic?
Yes, the 2 garlic cloves should be crushed before being whisked into the marinade.
Do I need to trim the steak?
Yes, you should begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef top sirloin steak before slicing.
Can these skewers be part of a cozy family dinner?
Absolutely, they are versatile enough for both party appetizers and simple family weeknight meals.
What should I do with the marinade after the beef is finished marinating?
The marinade used for soaking the raw beef should be discarded after use.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 6 green onions, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
While the instructions start with immediate preparation, you can whisk the marinade together ahead of time.
What kind of sherry is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dry sherry.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, but specific nutritional values for fiber are not provided.
How do I ensure the meat stays tender?
Slicing the meat thinly and marinating it ensures the top sirloin stays tender and absorbs the maximum amount of flavor.