Moroccan-ish Beef Skewers with Lemony Yogurt Sauce

A quick marinade with plenty of garlic make these Moroccan inspired beef skewers full of flavor! To cool things down and add a lovely tang, we're serving these skewers with a simple yet divine Lemony Yogurt Sauce. Get ready for a grilling (or pan-searing) sensation!

Ingredients

• Beef Skewers:

  • 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, flank steak, or other suitable cut for grilling, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoon "Zara's Salt" (or your favorite seasoned salt blend)

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

  • Olive oil, for grilling or pan-searing

  • Wooden or metal skewers

  Ingredients for the Lemony Yogurt Sauce:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Optional: grated garlic (a tiny bit!), za'atar spice blend, chopped fresh dill, or chopped fresh mint

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed beef, "Zara's Salt" (or seasoned salt), black pepper, and chopped garlic. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the beef is evenly coated.

   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the beef, resulting in more tender and flavorful skewers.

2. Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the beef. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

3. Grill or Pan-Sear:

   Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness.

   Pan-Searing: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef skewers (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 6-10 minutes, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through.

4. Make the Lemony Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.

   If desired, stir in a tiny amount of grated garlic (be careful, a little goes a long way!), a sprinkle of za'atar, or some finely chopped fresh dill or mint for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

   Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can prepare this sauce while the beef is marinating or cooking. Chill until ready to serve.