Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Skewers of juicy marinated beef grilled over high heat and served with a bold, spicy garlic sauce inspired by Amarillo’s popular BBQ restaurants. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes, soy sauce, brown sugar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb sirloin steak cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Brush grill grates with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until beef is nicely charred on the outside but still juicy inside.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions. Serve immediately with extra spicy garlic sauce from the marinade.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled VolKano BBQ Beef Skewers with Spicy Garlic Sauce?

Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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