If you love the flavors of a classic pizza but want a fun, protein-packed twist, this Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy cubes of marinated steak grilled to perfection, topped with tangy marinara and gooey melted mozzarella, all finished off with fresh basil for that authentic Italian touch. It’s everything you adore about pizza combined with the satisfying heartiness of steak, all served in an easy-to-eat skewer form that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the backbone of this recipe. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, from the rich and savory marinade to the classic Italian herbs that bring it all together beautifully.
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, flank, or sirloin): Choose a tender cut for juicy and flavorful bites perfect for grilling.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Acts as the marinade base, adding richness and helping flavors seep into the meat.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle sweetness and acidic brightness to balance the steak.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances umami depth and adds a touch of saltiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant pungency that pairs perfectly with steak.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic Italian herb that brings warmth and earthiness.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds fresh, sweet herbaceous notes reminiscent of pizza seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: The pizza flavor punch—tomato-based, tangy, and fragrant.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to creamy perfection, creating a delicious topping.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh aroma to finish the dish beautifully.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading and grilling the steak pieces with ease.
How to Make Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade combines acidity, umami, and herbs to infuse the steak with incredible flavor as it rests.
Step 2: Marinate the steak cubes
Add your steak cubes to the bowl and toss them well to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can wait up to 2 hours, the flavors will penetrate even deeper, resulting in a more delicious skewer.
Step 3: Preheat the grill and thread steak onto skewers
While your steak marinates, get your grill or grill pan heating up over medium-high. Thread the marinated steak cubes carefully onto the skewers, spacing them slightly to ensure even cooking and maximum char.
Step 4: Grill the steak skewers
Place the skewers on the hot grill, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes. This timing should give you a medium-rare to medium doneness, but feel free to adjust depending on your preference for steak. The goal is a nicely seared outside with tender inside.
Step 5: Add marinara and mozzarella
In the final minute of grilling, generously spoon marinara sauce over the top of each steak skewer and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Close the grill lid or cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt to gooey, bubbly perfection—this is where your pizza flavors really shine.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove the skewers from heat and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves to introduce a fresh, aromatic note. Serve them hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a beautiful finishing touch that adds bright color and a burst of herbal freshness. If you want more pizzazz, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp Caesar salad, garlic butter roasted potatoes, or even a bowl of pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. Since the skewers are rich and flavorful, complementing them with fresh or simple sides balances out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these skewers on a rustic wooden board alongside miniature bowls of marinara for dipping to replicate the communal feel of sharing pizza. You can also place the skewers on a bed of arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a vibrant and colorful plate that looks as great as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Steak Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the marinara and cheese toppings on the skewers for best flavor retention — just reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the skewers, it’s best to do so before adding the sauce and cheese. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling and adding toppings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers in an oven or on the grill at medium heat to avoid drying out the meat. You can add extra marinara sauce and cheese during reheating if you want to restore that fresh-from-the-grill taste and gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While steak is classic, chicken or even pork tenderloin cut into cubes can work wonderfully if you adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just make sure to marinate the meat well.
What kind of cheese works best for melting on these skewers?
Fresh shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the classic pizza texture. You could also experiment with provolone or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a sharper twist.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 30 minutes is necessary to get some flavor inside the meat, but up to 2 hours is ideal for more intense taste. Avoid marinating too long as the acidity might break down the meat’s texture.
Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or broiler works great indoors. Just keep an eye on the cooking to achieve a good sear without overcooking the steak.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe reheats well, making it a fantastic option for preparing meals ahead of time for lunches or quick dinners.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about combining the irresistible flavors of pizza with the juicy, smoky goodness of grilled steak. This Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe brings together the best of both worlds in a fun and flavorful way that’s perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll find yourself reaching for these skewers again and again!
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Pizza Steak Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pizza Steak Skewers combine tender, marinated steak cubes grilled to perfection with a delicious topping of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Garnished with fresh basil leaves, they offer an easy and flavorful twist on traditional pizza flavors perfect for grilling season.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- 1 lb steak (ribeye, flank, or sirloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended.
- Marinate the steak: Add the steak cubes to the marinade and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before cooking.
- Skewer the steak: Thread the marinated steak cubes onto the skewers, spacing them slightly for even cooking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Add toppings and melt cheese: In the final minute of grilling, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over each steak skewer. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use a tender cut of steak such as ribeye, flank, or sirloin.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling prevents them from burning.
- You can adjust the grilling time depending on how well done you prefer your steak.
- These skewers can also be cooked on a grill pan indoors if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Leftover skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
