
Grilled Beef Skewers with Red Cabbage, Charred Pineapple and Coffee-Ancho Lime Marinade
Original grilled beef skewers marinated with coffee, ancho chile and lime, threaded with wedges of red cabbage and fresh pineapple for a smoky, sweet and tangy contrast. Perfect for a colorful and distinctive cookout.
Ingredients
- 700 g beef sirloin, cubed (1.5-inch cubes)
- 300 g red cabbage (cut in wedges small firmes)
- 250 g fresh pineapple (diced large)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 60 ml brewed espresso (cold)
- 8 g ancho chili powder
- 12 g garlic (finely chopped)
- 4 g lime zest
- 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 21 g honey
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 8 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped, for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cold espresso, 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), ancho chili powder, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, honey, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- 3
Add the beef sirloin cubes to the marinade and toss to coat completely. Marinate for 15 minutes under refrigeration.
- 4
Meanwhile, place the red cabbage and pineapple in another bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml) and an extra pinch of salt, then toss gently to coat.
- 5
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 450 °F / 230 °C. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- 6
Thread the skewers, alternating beef sirloin, red cabbage wedges, and pineapple chunks until all ingredients are used. Discard any marinade that touched the raw meat.
- 7
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 12 to 14 minutes at 450 °F / 230 °C, turning every 3 to 4 minutes so the beef browns and the cabbage and pineapple lightly char.
- 8
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 minutes. Finish with the chopped fresh cilantro and, if desired, a few extra drops of lime juice before serving.
Chef tips
To keep the red cabbage from falling apart, cut compact wedges leaving a bit of the core attached. For medium doneness, remove the skewers around 12 minutes; for more well done, cook closer to 14 minutes.
Substitutions
You can substitute the beef sirloin with picanha or top sirloin. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup. If you do not have lime, use regular lime or lemon, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
Illustrative imageTeakhaus Teak Cutting Board
Stable base for chopping
- Stable surface for chopping
- Gentle on your knife edge
- Hand-wash and let it dry
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