Kabobs are such fun because they allow you to get really creative on the grill.

For me, beef is always a part of a kabob. It’s just the other elements that change.

I like to use sirloin steak (Top Sirloin, to be exact) or beef tenderloin tips. They really work well on a skewer. Filet mignon cut into bite-sized pieces also works beautifully.

Want some extra flavor on your beef kabobs? Try this recipe for Pistachio Crusted Steak Kabobs, then add whatever veggies you like to your skewers – corn, onions, peppers, anything!

Have fun kabobing! Kabobling? Kabobicizing…

Pistachio Crusted Steak Kabobs

Ingredients:
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup finely crushed pistachios
4 Top Sirloin Steaks, each cut into 8 cubes
16 (10 in.) wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Directions: Place the first 5 ingredients into a ziplock freezer bag. Shake to combine. Place Top Sirloin Steaks cubes into ziplock bag, a few at a time, and shake to coat completely. Thread 4 steak cubes onto each skewer. Grill kabobs over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until done. Remove from grill; quickly roll kabobs into finely crushed pistachios. Serve immediately.

It’s almost Fat Tuesday! Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate and feast before Lent.

Food is such a big part of this fun time and we’ve gotta do it right!

When you think of a traditional Mardi Gras recipe there’s Chicken Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffee, Creole Fried Rice, Muffulettas and King Cake.

But what if, like me, you’re hankering for some beef this Mardi Gras? Well, lucky for us, there’s a recipe for that!

Check out this Mardi Gras steak recipe. You can create this using whichever steak cuts you love: Kobe beef, ribeyes – the choice is yours!

The Original New Orleans Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras Steak

Ingredients:
2 scallions, white and greens, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped red onions
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. grated, peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp. minced, seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tbsp. ground coriander seeds
1/4 tsp. each black and cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. each dried basil and kosher salt
1 packed tbsp. light brown sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup each red wine, the soy sauce and bourbon into the spice mixture, vinegar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey and olive oil
4 (8 oz.) Kansas City Strip Steaks

Directions: In a small bowl, combine the scallions, red onions, garlic, ginger and jalapeno pepper. In a large bowl combine the spices, basil, salt and sugar. Whisk the orange juice, both vinegars, soy sauce and bourbon into the spice mixture. Slowly drizzle the olive oil, whisking constantly. Add the scallion mixture and combine. Add the Kansas City Strip Steaks to the marinade and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight, turning once.

Bring to room temperature before grilling. Grill the steaks over hot coals 3-4 inches from the heat source for about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest for 10 minutes, before slicing against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. To serve, arrange the steaks on a large platter together with sliced tomato, onion, basil and fresh mozzarella salad.

The Salad:
2 large vine ripe tomatoes, sliced thick, 1 red onion, sliced thin, 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 8 oz. sliced fresh mozzarella. Topped with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with white balsamic vinegar.

I like meal ideas that are quick, but don’t cut corners. These full meal pairings help to get the dinner on the table fast without sacrificing quality and flavor. Plus, they’re not the same old same old.

Try ‘em in the new year!

1. 3 Cheese Arancini (can be an appetizer or a side), Chicken Spiedini and Lemon Coconut Cake.
2. Crabcakes, Filet Mignon and Red Velvet Cake.
3. Lobster Flatbread, Veal Cutlets and Hand-Dipped Chocolate Macaroons.

Want more full meal ideas? Create your own customized meals here!

Happy (tasty) New Year!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.