Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt Garlic Sauce

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

Tender beef skewers coated in a fragrant sumac and spice rub, served with a cooling garlic yogurt dipping sauce. This Middle Eastern-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, ground sumac, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground sumac, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil to create a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb 1-inch cubed beef sirloin in the rub, coating all pieces evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread beef cubes onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot beef skewers with the yogurt garlic sauce on the side for dipping, balancing the smoky sumac flavors with creamy tang.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt Garlic Sauce?

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 sumac from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt 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 Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt 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 Sumac-Rubbed Beef Skewers with Yogurt Garlic Sauce?

Middle Eastern 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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