Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled beef skewers with kimchi and sweet soy-glazed onions. This korean-inspired beef (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs beef strips, kimchi, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 500g beef strips with 100g kimchi, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp honey. Use tongs to mix thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated and the kimchi is broken into small pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Thread the marinated beef strips and kimchi pieces onto skewers, alternating between beef and kimchi for even cooking. Leave 1-2 cm of space between each piece to prevent overcrowding on the grill. Tip: Use metal skewers for better heat conductivity, or soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Slice 2 onions into 1.5 cm thick rings. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey until well combined. Brush the glaze evenly over the onion rings, ensuring both sides are coated. Tip: For a richer glaze, add 1 tsp sesame oil to the soy-honey mixture before brushing.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat (around 200°C/400°F). Place the skewers and glazed onions on the grill, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers every 3-4 minutes and flipping the onions halfway through. The beef should be browned on all sides and the onions caramelized with a golden-brown crust. Tip: If the onions begin to char, reduce the heat to medium and cover the grill to trap steam.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skewers and onions from the grill. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The beef should be tender and slightly smoky, while the onions should be sticky from the glaze and slightly softened but still crisp. Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle the remaining soy-honey glaze over the skewers before resting.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions?

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 Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions 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.

Is Korean Kimchi Beef Skewers with Soy-Glazed Onions gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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