Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Smoky Paprika Glaze

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

Tender beef skewers marinated with whiskey and a smoky paprika glaze, perfect for grilling or broiling. This beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, whiskey, smoked paprika 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup whiskey, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves and marinade is fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or broiler to high heat (about 450°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill or broil skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the beef is browned with slightly charred edges and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Let skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Smoky Paprika Glaze 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 Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Smoky Paprika 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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Infused Beef Skewers with Smoky Paprika 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 Smoky Paprika 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 Smoky Paprika Glaze?

BBQ & Smoked 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.