Name: Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds sirloin steak, cubed into large bite-size pieces; ½ teaspoon ground white pepper; 6 cloves garlic, grated; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 1/3 cup dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2/3 cup low-sodium tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce); ¼ cup toasted sesame oil; ¼ cup light olive oil; 1½ tablespoons sesame seeds; 1 large red onion, diced into large pieces; 1½ tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 1½ tablespoons cold water to form slurry); Sliced green onions, for serving; Chopped cilantro, for serving

If you’re on the hunt for a bold, flavorful grilling recipe that’s going to impress without piling on a million complicated steps, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe because it’s sticky, savory, and perfectly caramelized every time — plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Once I tried this, it quickly became a go-to for weekend BBQs and even weekday dinners when I want to mix things up with something a little special. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so your skewers come out juicy, tender, and bursting with that irresistible sesame-ginger flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed marinade: The combination of toasted sesame oil, ginger, and tamari creates a beautifully balanced glaze that clings to every bite.
Easy to prep and grill: With just a few simple ingredients and quick marinating time, you get restaurant-quality skewers that are perfect for any grill.
Versatile for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special gathering, these steak skewers hit all the right notes.

Three metal skewers lie on a long white plate, each filled with layers of dark brown grilled meat cubes and pieces of purple onion, glazed with a shiny sauce that has sesame seeds sprinkled on it. Bright green chopped herbs and small green onion slices are scattered across the top of the skewers and plate. Around the plate, there are some green herbs and chopped green onions in a gray bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. The scene looks fresh and inviting, with a close-up focus on the rich colors and textures of the grilled food photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s great about the ingredients here is how well they complement each other — the savory, sweet, and umami notes work together like a charm. Plus, finding good quality sirloin and toasted sesame oil can really up your game.

Sirloin steak: Choose a nice lean cut, cubed into large bite-size pieces; great choice for grilling as it stays tender and juicy.
Ground white pepper: Adds a subtle kick that’s less harsh than black pepper and blends smoothly with the marinade.
Garlic (grated): Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch — avoid pre-minced jarred garlic if you can for best flavor.
Ginger paste: Fresh ginger paste brightens the marinade with a little zing and warmth.
Dark brown sugar: Helps create that sticky, caramelized crust when grilling.
Oyster sauce: Adds deep umami richness that’s hard to replicate; a secret weapon!
Low-sodium tamari or soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option; it balances saltiness without overpowering.
Toasted sesame oil: This is the star for the signature nutty sesame flavor.
Light olive oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and helps with grilling without burning.
Sesame seeds: Tossed right in the marinade for extra texture and crunch.
Red onion (diced): Chunks provide sweetness and a pop of color on the skewers.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the leftover marinade into a luscious glaze.
Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs to sprinkle over for brightness and color when serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this grilled sesame steak skewers recipe is—so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few easy twists I’ve tried or have in mind to customize your skewers based on what you love.

Vegetable twists: I often swap the red onions with colorful bell peppers or mushrooms for a fun veggie variation that adds extra texture.
Spice it up: Feeling bold? Add a pinch of chili flakes or some sriracha to the marinade for a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sesame.
Different meats: I sometimes use flank steak or even chicken thighs instead of sirloin—just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Gluten-free substitution: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Steak with a Simple Seasoning

Start by tossing your cubed sirloin steak in ground white pepper. This little seasoning step seems simple, but it really helps the steak develop a subtle peppery base flavor beneath the marinade. Set it aside while you mix up your marinade ingredients—it helps build those layers of flavor!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Magical Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk grated garlic, ginger paste, dark brown sugar, oyster sauce, tamari, toasted sesame oil, light olive oil, and sesame seeds until everything’s well combined. The incredible aroma will hit you right away. Add the seasoned steak cubes into this mixture, give it a good stir, cover, and pop it in the fridge. I’ve found marinating for at least 3 to 4 hours really lets those flavors fully soak in, but if you’re pressed for time, an hour will still boost taste wonderfully.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Grill and Prepare Skewers

Preheat your grill to a nice, hot 450℉ (or 230℃). While it’s warming, thread your marinated steak cubes alternately with large red onion pieces onto metal skewers—this combo not only looks vibrant but also adds a great flavor contrast as the onions soften and char.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Glaze

Pour your leftover marinade into a skillet over high heat and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors and ensure any raw meat juices cook off. Then whisk together your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the sauce—keep stirring until it thickens to a perfect glaze consistency. Remove from heat and measure out about half a cup for basting later, reserving any extra to serve on the side.

Step 5: Grill those Skewers to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill grates, cover, and let them cook untouched for about 6 to 8 minutes. You’re looking for gorgeous grill marks and that satisfying sound of caramelization happening—plus, the meat should release fairly easily from the grates. Flip the skewers, brush the tops with your sticky glaze, then flip again and baste the other side. I like to repeat this a couple of times to build up that irresistible sticky crust. Grill for another 4 minutes or until the steak reaches your preferred doneness.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Herbs and Extra Sauce

Once done, take the skewers off the grill and sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped cilantro over the top. This fresh finish lifts the rich flavors and adds a lovely crunch and color. Serve your skewers with the reserved glaze on the side for dipping. Trust me, it’s addictive.

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Pro Tips for Making Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe

Choose the right cut: Sirloin works wonders here because it’s tender but flavorful; avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate longer.
Don’t rush the marinade: I learned the hard way that shorter marinating means less flavor penetration—at least 3 hours is ideal.
High heat grilling: A hot grill creates that beautiful sear and caramelization, locking in juices and flavor.
Baste repeatedly: Brushing the glaze multiple times builds layers of sticky goodness and stops the meat from drying out.

How to Serve Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe

Four metal skewers lie across a long white plate, each threaded with dark brown grilled meat chunks that have charred edges, alternating with pieces of purple-red onion. The skewers are sprinkled with small green onion pieces and sesame seeds. To the side on the white marbled surface, there is a small metal cup filled with dark brown sauce with visible chili flakes and a clear glass of light yellow beer. Fresh green cilantro leaves are in the lower right corner, adding a fresh touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I swear by fresh sliced green onions and chopped cilantro as garnish — they bring a fresh, herbaceous contrast that lightens up those rich, sticky skewers perfectly. Sometimes I throw on a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds for crunch and extra nuttiness.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these skewers with steamed jasmine rice or a simple coconut rice for soaking up the glaze. A crisp Asian slaw or cucumber salad on the side adds the perfect refreshing bite to complement the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love arranging the skewers on a long wooden board sprinkled with extra herbs and toasted sesame seeds for a rustic, shareable vibe. You could also serve them over individual mini rice bowls with a drizzle of the reserved glaze for a fun and elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled sesame steak skewers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the meat from any leftover onions to prevent sogginess, then reheat gently to keep that perfect texture.

Freezing

Though I don’t freeze the cooked skewers often, the marinated raw steak cubes freeze beautifully before grilling. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then grill fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I prefer searing the skewers quickly in a hot skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes to revive that caramelized glaze without drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers for the Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe?

Yes, you can use wooden skewers, but make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill. That said, metal skewers tend to be more durable and heat evenly, which helps with consistent cooking.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe?

If you want to keep it vegetarian or avoid shellfish, you can use mushroom soy sauce or a blend of soy sauce with a bit of hoisin sauce for a similar umami depth, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
How do I know when the steak skewers are done?

Look for a nice crust with grill marks, and the meat should be slightly firm but still juicy. If you have a meat thermometer, medium-rare steak reaches about 135℉ (57℃). Keep in mind carryover cooking after removing from heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the steak the night before, which actually enhances the flavor depth. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Grilled Sesame Steak Skewers Recipe feels like a little culinary celebration every time I make it. The sticky-sweet glaze, the fresh herb finish, and those satisfying grill marks just make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something delicious for yourself, these skewers deliver big on flavor without stress. So go ahead, try this recipe out — I bet your grill will thank you and your taste buds will too!