Juicy Perfection: How Long to Grill Beef Kabobs on a Gas Grill

As a backyard grilling enthusiast, kabobs are one of my absolute favorite things to throw on the grill. The hands-on prep of threading colorful chunks of zesty meat and veggies onto skewers just gets me excited for the upcoming meal.

But to end up with perfectly cooked, juicy and char-kissed kabobs every time you need to know exactly how long to grill them especially when using a gas grill.

In this complete guide I’ll share everything I’ve learned about timing when grilling beef kabobs on a gas grill. You’ll get

• Help picking the best beef cuts for kabobs
• Marinating tips for maximum juiciness
• Step-by-step instructions for prepping and grilling
• The precise times needed for gas grill perfection
• Expert tips for nailing doneness
• Delicious serving suggestions

With my tips, you’ll be an unstoppable kabob grilling machine cranking out the juiciest, most flavorful beef kabobs your neighborhood has ever tasted. So fire up those grills, folks – it’s beef kabob time!

Picking the Right Beef Cuts for Kabobs

The first step to grilling glory is choosing the right cut of beef Here are my favorites

• Tenderloin – Super tender with a delicate beefy flavor

• Sirloin – Budget-friendly with decent tenderness

• Ribeye or strip – Delicious marbled cuts that stay juicy

• Flank or skirt steak – Affordable cuts that absorb marinades well

• Filet mignon – Very tender, lean and indulgent

I don’t recommend tough cuts like chuck or brisket that won’t have time to break down and tenderize before kabobs overcook.

Marinade Wisdom for Beef Kabobs

A good marinade makes beef kabobs pop with flavor and guards against drying out over direct grill heat. Here are my tips:

• Use an acidic ingredient – Lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt or buttermilk all tenderize beef.

• Include oil – Oil coats and bastes meat to prevent sticking and dryness.

• Add seasonings – Garlic, spices, herbs and condiments like soy sauce or mustard amp up flavor.

• Marinate 2-12 hours – Get maximum marinade penetration. Don’t go longer or meat gets mushy.

• Pat dry before grilling – Dab off excess marinade so kabobs sear vs steam. Discard used marinade.

Now it’s time take those juicy marinated cubes from prep to grill.

Step-By-Step Kabob Grilling

Follow these steps for perfectly grilled beef kabobs:

• Prep kabobs ahead – Assemble skewers 12-24 hours before grilling for fullest flavor penetration.

• Preheat grill well – Crank heat for 10-15 minutes to ensure hot grates for searing.

• Brush grates – Use a grill brush to clean grates and prevent sticking.

• Oil the grates – Wipe hot grates with an oil-dipped paper towel held with tongs.

• Sear kabobs 2-3 minutes per side – Get nice char marks rotating kabobs a quarter turn halfway through searing.

• Move kabobs to indirect heat – Once seared, move kabobs to indirect heat away from burners to finish cooking.

• Flip occasionally – Flip every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Now we get to the key question – exactly how long do beef kabobs need to grill to get them perfectly done?

Grilling Times for Beef Kabobs on a Gas Grill

The grill times can vary a bit based on thickness and doneness preferences, but in general:

• Kabobs take 8-12 minutes total – For 1-2 inch chunks grilled over direct then indirect heat.

• Sear just 2-3 minutes per side – Quickly sear to add flavorful browning before moving to indirect heat.

• Finish cooking 5-6 minutes indirect – Gentler indirect heat finishes cooking without burning.

• Target 135°F for medium-rare – Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness.

• Add 2-3 minutes for well-done – Cook to 145°F for well-done beef if desired.

For the juiciest results, I take kabobs to medium rare. But use your thermometer and cook to your taste.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Done Beef Kabobs

Here are expert tips for nailing beef kabob doneness:

• Cut into thickest piece – Inspect doneness by cutting into the largest chunk.

• Check for sear – Properly grilled kabobs will have grill marks on all sides.

• Check firmness – Use tongs to test tenderness. Kabobs should have a little resistance when squeezed.

• Look for juices – Fully cooked kabobs will release clear juices, not red blood.

• Confirm with a thermometer – This failsafes doneness, especially if you want them well-done.

Once you’ve mastered the ideal grilling times and temperatures, it’s time to serve these beauties up.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Beef Kabobs

Take your kabobs to the next level by:

• Serving on greens for a protein-packed salad

• Piling high on flatbread with hummus and veggies

• Layering into a bowl over rice or quinoa

• Adding to a pita with yogurt sauce and fresh herbs

• Topping nachos or tacos for a fun twist

• Pairing with grilled corn, potatoes or plantains

• Garnishing with diced tomatoes, feta and balsamic glaze

However you serve them, your perfectly grilled beef kabobs are sure to be a major hit at any barbecue, potluck or summer dinner. I hope these tips help you nail kabob success each and every time you fire up the gas grill. Now get out there and start grilling!