Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze

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

Tender beef skewers marinated in whiskey and spices, grilled to perfection, and brushed with a smoky charred bell pepper glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes pairs whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup whiskey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds beef sirloin cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: While beef marinates, char 1 large red bell pepper directly over a gas burner flame or under a broiler, turning frequently until skin is blackened and blistered, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to steam for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Peel skin off the bell pepper, remove seeds, and puree the flesh with 2 tbsp olive oil in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  6. Step 6: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until beef is medium-rare and slightly charred. During the last 2 minutes, brush skewers generously with the bell pepper glaze.
  7. Step 7: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze?

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 whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze?

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-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze 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-Infused Beef Skewers with Charred Bell Pepper Glaze?

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.