Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers
Cubed beef tenderloin marinated with fresh rosemary and cumin, then grilled to juicy perfection for a flavorful appetizer or main course. This african-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, fresh rosemary, finely chopped, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed beef tenderloin to the marinade, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 4: Thread marinated beef cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until beef reaches desired doneness and edges are nicely charred.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce or side salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (70 min prep + 10 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 Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers?
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 ground cumin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers?
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 Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers 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 Rosemary and Cumin Beef Tenderloin Skewers?
African 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.
