Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled beef skewers glazed with a rich whiskey and cherry sauce reflecting local Michigan spirits. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, bourbon whiskey, fresh cherries, pitted 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey, 1 cup pitted fresh cherries, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Thread the beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3 minutes on each side, brushing generously with the whiskey-cherry glaze after flipping. Continue grilling and glazing for a total of 10 minutes or until beef is medium-rare and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with additional warmed whiskey-cherry sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry 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 Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry 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 Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry 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 Whiskey-Glazed Beef Skewers with Michigan Cherry Sauce?

American bbq & smoked 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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