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Colombian Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Colombian Beef Skewers

Colombian Beef Skewers, or 'pinchos de res', are a beloved staple of Colombian home cooking, often enjoyed during weekend gatherings or casual meals shared with family and friends. This dish captures the essence of Colombian culinary tradition, with its roots in home kitchens where the balance of flavors is perfected through intuitive cooking rather than precise measurements.

These skewers are all about simplicity and bold flavors. Juicy cubes of beef are marinated with cumin and black pepper, then grilled to perfection, delivering a satisfying bite with every mouthful. The onions add a sweet contrast, while generous hand-sprinkled salt enhances the savory richness. Serve them hot off the grill for an authentic taste of Colombian home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by placing 800 g of beef cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 tsp of cumin, fine sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss the beef cubes thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step infuses the meat with flavor and prepares it for cooking.
  2. Peel and finely chop 1 onion. In a large skillet or grill pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the skewers.
  3. Add the seasoned beef cubes to the pan with the onions. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Allow the beef to brown on all sides, turning occasionally, until each piece develops a deep, rich color. This browning process enhances the meat's flavor through caramelization.
  4. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Thread the browned beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If using the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and cover with a lid to allow the beef to cook through. Cook until the beef is tender and juicy, with a slight char on the edges, indicating it's done.
  5. Once the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the skewers from the grill or skillet. Taste a piece of beef and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Serve the skewers immediately with rice, bread, or a fresh salad, allowing the flavors to shine in a communal setting.
Cover of Authentic Colombian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Colombian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Colombian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Colombian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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