Looking for a quick and delicious keto-friendly appetizer or dinner option? These Keto Beef Caprese Skewers are the perfect choice! Combining the savory richness of tender beef sirloin with the fresh flavors of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, these skewers offer a satisfying bite without compromising on flavor. The recipe is easy to make, low in carbs, and full of healthy fats and protein, making it a great fit for those following a ketogenic diet. Whether you’re grilling up some skewers for a summer barbecue or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, these Caprese skewers are sure to be a hit.
What makes these beef Caprese skewers even better is how quickly they come together. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the balance of flavors from the juicy beef, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze will leave your taste buds craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Keto Beef Caprese Skewers are the ultimate combination of savory and fresh. With tender beef sirloin, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, they deliver a perfect bite in every skewer. The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality status. This recipe is not only keto-friendly but also gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for casual dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
Variations
- Add Veggies: You can include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for additional flavor and texture.
- Use Different Meat: If you prefer, you can swap the beef sirloin with chicken breast, turkey, or lamb for a different take on the skewers.
- Spicy Kick: Add a touch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze or sprinkle some on the skewers for a little heat.
- Herb Variations: If you don’t have basil on hand, you can substitute with mint or oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Season the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed on each cube.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Take your wooden skewers and thread the ingredients onto them. Alternate between the beef cubes, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. Be sure to pack them tightly, but don’t overcrowd the skewers.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, you can lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness. The beef should have a nice sear on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.
Step 5: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Once the skewers are grilled, remove them from the heat and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Keto Beef Caprese Skewers warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Beef sirloin is best when cooked to medium or medium-rare for maximum tenderness. Use a meat thermometer if you want to check the internal temperature (130-135°F for medium).
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresh basil and mozzarella really elevate this dish, so try to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Marinate the Beef: For an added depth of flavor, you can marinate the beef cubes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling.
How to Serve
These Keto Beef Caprese Skewers are perfect served as an appetizer or as a light main course. They pair wonderfully with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of cauliflower rice for a complete meal. You can also serve them as part of a keto-friendly appetizer spread, alongside other low-carb snacks such as guacamole or cheese platters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze these skewers after grilling, you can freeze the ungrilled assembled skewers before cooking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the skewers in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side or pop them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can dry out the beef.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken breast or thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Can I grill these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can broil these skewers in the oven if you don’t have a grill. Place them on a baking sheet and broil for about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Can I use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette instead of balsamic glaze?
While balsamic vinaigrette can be used, balsamic glaze has a thicker, sweeter consistency that complements the skewers better. Consider reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan to make your own glaze.
4. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil works best for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use dried basil. Just reduce the amount by about half, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
5. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare the skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Just drizzle the balsamic glaze on after grilling.
6. How can I make these skewers spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze or sprinkle some on the skewers before grilling to give them a spicy kick.
7. Can I use other vegetables on the skewers?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Just make sure they cook at the same rate as the beef.
8. Can I use a grill pan instead of a traditional grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure to heat the pan to medium-high and follow the same cooking instructions.
9. Can I prepare these skewers without a skewer?
If you don’t have skewers, you can also serve the ingredients as a salad. Simply combine the beef, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a bowl, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and serve.
10. Are these Keto Beef Caprese Skewers gluten-free?
Yes, these skewers are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
These Keto Beef Caprese Skewers are a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender beef, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, they provide a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. Easy to prepare, customizable, and low-carb, these skewers are the ideal choice for anyone following a keto or gluten-free diet. Whether you’re grilling for a party or making a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
PrintKeto Beef Caprese Skewers
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Keto Beef Caprese Skewers combine tender beef sirloin, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. A deliciously low-carb and flavorful dish perfect for grilling season or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
Instructions
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Thread the beef, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto the wooden skewers.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until beef is cooked to desired doneness.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Enjoy your Keto Beef Caprese Skewers!
Notes
- You can substitute the beef with chicken if you prefer.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the beef in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, these skewers can also be cooked in a grill pan or broiled in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes