Grilled Steak And Potato Kabobs: Easy Summer Skewers for Dinner

Ruby Bennett Avatar
By:
Ruby Bennett
Published:

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

There’s something magical about pulling a perfectly charred skewer off the grill and seeing the steam rise from a tender piece of steak nestled next a golden potato. This recipe for Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs solves the two biggest kabob problems: dry, overcooked steak and raw, crunchy potatoes. By treating each ingredient with the care it deserves, you get juicy, flavorful meat and creamy, smoky potatoes in every single bite.

The secret starts with a savory marinade made from soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and garlic powder that tenderizes the ribeye and infuses it with umami depth. Baby Yukon Gold potatoes get a quick par-boil before hitting the flames, so they cook through without burning. Baby bella mushrooms join the party for just the right amount of time, soaking up flavor without turning mushy. The result is a balanced, colorful skewer that looks as good as it tastes. One thing I love about this recipe is how the simple marinade turns basic ingredients into something truly memorable.

These kabobs are perfect for summer BBQs, camping trips, or a quick weeknight dinner when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. They come together in about 37 minutes from start to finish, and they always earn rave reviews. Ready to fire up the grill? Let’s get started!

Jump to:

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you need to make four generous skewers (serves 4):

Ingredients Needed
  • 1 lb ribeye steak, cut into 16 uniform bite-sized pieces
  • 8 baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed
  • 8 baby Yukon Gold potatoes
  • For the marinade: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

You’ll also need four skewers (wooden or metal), a grill, and a meat thermometer for best results.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Steak: Ribeye is my top pick for its marbling and tenderness, but sirloin works beautifully if you’re watching your budget, and filet mignon is a luxurious option. Look for bright red meat with good fat streaks running through it. Potatoes: Baby Yukon Golds have a waxy texture that holds up after par-boiling and grilling. You could substitute small red potatoes or fingerlings, but par-boiling is non-negotiable if you want a creamy interior. Mushrooms: Baby bellas offer earthy flavor and a sturdy cap that won’t fall apart on the grill. White button mushrooms work too. Marinade: If you need to reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free version, swap in tamari or coconut aminos. The brown sugar helps create that beautiful caramelized crust, so don’t skip it.

How to Make Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked kabobs every time.

How to Make Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

The key is handling each component separately before they meet on the skewer.

Prepare and Marinate the Steak and Mushrooms

Cut the ribeye into 16 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches each. Place the steak cubes and the 8 baby bella mushrooms into a gallon-size zip-top bag. This allows the marinade to coat every surface evenly.

Whisk the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, white vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic powder until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture over the steak and mushrooms in the bag. Seal the bag, then gently massage it to distribute the marinade. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Why not longer? Any more than 2 hours and the mushrooms can turn soft and waterlogged.

Par-Boil the Potatoes

While the steak marinates, place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork-tender. They should yield to gentle pressure but not be fully soft. Drain them immediately and let them cool slightly. This step is crucial: it ensures the potatoes finish cooking on the grill without drying out or staying raw in the center.

Assemble the Kabobs

Thread the ingredients onto your skewers in this repeating order: steak, potato, steak, mushroom. Repeat once more on each skewer so you end up with two pieces of steak, two potato halves (or one whole depending on size), and two mushrooms per skewer. This specific pattern promotes even cooking and makes every bite a mix of textures. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece for heat to circulate.

Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping every 3 minutes. You’re looking for a nice char and an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare. Total grill time is about 10 to 12 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once done, transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and juicy.

Master Your Grill & Kabob Creations

Now that you’ve got the basic method down, let’s fine-tune your technique so you can adapt this recipe to any grill or occasion.

Achieving Perfect Steak Doneness & Grilling Tips

A meat thermometer is your best friend for consistent results. Here’s a handy table with target internal temperatures:

DonenessInternal Temp (°F)
Rare125-130
Medium-Rare130-135
Medium135-140
Medium-Well140-145
Well-Done150+

Remember carryover cooking: the steak’s temperature will rise another 5°F after you take it off the heat, so pull it a few degrees early. For extra smoky flavor, toss a handful of soaked wood chips onto the coals or into a smoker box.

Choosing & Prepping Skewers

Wooden skewers are affordable and disposable, but you must soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent charring. Metal skewers conduct heat for more even cooking and don’t burn, but they get very hot; use heat-resistant gloves or tongs when handling. Flat metal skewers also stop food from spinning when you turn them.

Grill Setup

For the best control, create a two-zone fire: keep one side of the grill on medium-high direct heat for searing, and the other side on indirect heat for finishing. If something starts to char too quickly, move it to the cooler side. If you’re using a gas grill, keep the lid closed to maintain steady heat.

Expanding Your Kabob Horizons

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers (any color), zucchini slices, red onion wedges, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks. Keep pieces uniform in size, and remember that denser veggies like onion may need a quick pre-cook. No grill? No problem. Bake assembled kabobs on a lined baking sheet at 350°F for about 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, until the steak reaches your desired doneness and the potatoes are fork-tender. Always practice food safety: wash hands after handling raw meat, use separate cutting boards, and cook steak to a safe internal temperature. For more details, refer to the USDA’s guide to grilling food safely.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Perfect Kabobs

Even experienced cooks can run into a few hiccups. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls and ensure every skewer comes out beautifully.

Pro Tips

  • Cut uniformly: Keep steak and potato pieces the same size so they cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Leave a little space between pieces on the skewer for even cooking and good char.
  • Pat steak dry before marinating: Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling and improves searing.
  • Stick to the 2-hour max: Marinating longer may turn your mushrooms mushy.
  • Rest after grilling: Let kabobs sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving to keep them juicy.
  • Clean and oil your grates: A clean, lightly oiled grate prevents sticking and ensures nice grill marks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mushy vegetables: Par-boil potatoes and limit mushroom marination to avoid sogginess.
  • Uneven cooking: Caused by inconsistent cutting or packing ingredients too tightly.
  • Burned wooden skewers: Always soak for 30 minutes if using wood.
  • Overcooked steak: Guessing doneness leads to dry meat. Use a thermometer every time.
  • Sticking to the grate: Happens when grates aren’t oiled or you flip too early. Let the kabobs sear undisturbed for a few minutes before turning.

Serving & Storage

These kabobs are a complete meal on a stick, but they also pair wonderfully with simple sides. Here’s how to serve them and what to do with leftovers.

Serving Ideas

For a full spread, serve the kabobs with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, fluffy rice or quinoa, or grilled corn on the cob slathered with herb butter. A cool cucumber-dill yogurt sauce adds a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky, savory meat. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little heat.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Cool any leftover kabobs completely, then remove the ingredients from the skewers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use a low oven (300°F) or an air fryer; both methods keep the steak from drying out. For make-ahead prep, marinate the steak and mushrooms up to 2 hours ahead, and par-boil the potatoes the day before. Keep everything chilled separately, then assemble and grill when you’re ready.

Conclusion

These Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs are a summer classic that never disappoints. With a little planning and the right technique, you can serve tender, juicy steak and perfectly cooked potatoes every time. Feel free to play with the vegetables and garnishes to make the recipe your own. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Save it, print it, and get ready to be the grill hero at your next backyard gathering!

FAQ

What is the best cut of steak for kabobs?

Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are excellent choices. Sirloin offers good flavor and tenderness when sliced into even cubes. Choose well-marbled meat for juicier kabobs.

How long should I marinate steak for kabobs?

Marinate steak cubes for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating can break down the meat too much, so avoid overnight. A simple blend of olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs works well.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading and grilling. This prevents them from burning or charring on the grill. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Should I parboil potatoes before making kabobs?

Parboiling potatoes for 5-7 minutes helps them cook through on the grill without becoming too hard or underdone. Cut them into 1-inch cubes, boil until slightly tender, then drain and pat dry before skewering.

How do you keep vegetables from getting mushy on kabobs?

Keep vegetable pieces similar in size to the steak cubes (about 1 inch) and avoid overcrowding on the skewer. Grill over medium-high heat (375-400°F) and turn occasionally. For mushrooms, brush with oil and grill just until tender, about 6-8 minutes.

What internal temperature should grilled steak kabobs reach?

For food safety, grill steak kabobs to at least 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, or 170°F for well-done, as recommended by the USDA. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest cube.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Steak And Potato Kabobs

Grilled Steak and Potato Kabobs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🥩 Tender marinated ribeye and creamy par-boiled potatoes come together on one skewer for a perfectly balanced, smoky grilled dinner.
🍄 Baby bella mushrooms add earthy flavor while a savory soy-brown sugar marinade creates a caramelized crust on every bite.

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 4 skewers 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ribeye steak, cut into 16 uniform bite-sized pieces

8 baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and stems trimmed

8 baby Yukon Gold potatoes

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1-Prepare and marinate the steak and mushrooms: Cut ribeye into 16 equal 1.5-inch pieces, place steak and 8 baby bella mushrooms in a gallon zip-top bag.

2-Whisk the marinade: Whisk soy sauce, ketchup, vegetable oil, white vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic powder until sugar dissolves; pour over steak and mushrooms, seal, massage, and let sit at room temperature 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

3-Par-boil the potatoes: Boil potatoes covered with cold water for 5–7 minutes until just fork-tender; drain and cool slightly.

4-Assemble the kabobs: Thread skewers in repeating order: steak, potato, steak, mushroom, leaving space between pieces; each skewer gets two pieces of each.

5-Grill to perfection: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F), oil grates, grill 5–6 minutes per side, flipping every 3 minutes, until internal temp 135°F (medium-rare), about 10–12 minutes total; rest 5 minutes.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🔥 Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and pull the steak a few degrees early, as carryover cooking will raise the temperature about 5°F.
🥔 Do not skip par-boiling the potatoes; it ensures they finish cooking on the grill with a creamy interior and no raw centers.
🍄 Avoid marinating the mushrooms longer than 2 hours, or they will become soft and waterlogged.

  • Author: Ruby Bennett
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • marinate: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star