Tex Mex BBQ skewers with smoky barbecue marinade

Prep: 30 mins & 1 hr chilling

Cook: 20 mins

Makes 20: serves 6

Ingredients

700g skirt steak (see Tips, below)

Olive oil, for grilling

Thinly sliced green chilli and oregano leaves, to serve 

Smoky barbecue marinade

1 cup dark beer or ale

1/3 cup barbecue sauce

2 tbsp dark coconut syrup or molasses

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

¼ cup lime juice

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tsp ground chipotle or chipotle sauce

Method

1. To make the smoky barbecue marinade, combine the beer, barbecue sauce, syrup, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, garlic and chipotle in a pan on medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Boil for 12 minutes or until thickened slightly. Pour into a heatproof jug; allow to cool.

2. Cut the steak, against the grain, into 5mm slices. Add 2/3 cup of the smoky barbecue marinade to the steak and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

3. Soak 40 x 16cm wooden skewers in cold water for 10 minutes. Thread the meat onto a skewer, then thread another skewer at a slight angle to secure any loose pieces. Repeat with the remaining meat. (Or just use single skewers if preferred.)

4. Heat an oiled barbecue to medium-high. Cook the skewers for 5 minutes with the lid down, turning halfway and brushing with more oil until meat is lightly charred and just cooked through. Transfer the BBQ skewers to a clean plate.

5. Drizzle the BBQ skewers with the remaining smoky barbecue marinade and turn until coated. Arrange BBQ skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with chilli and oregano leaves and serve with the remaining smoky barbecue marinade on the side. 

Tip: You can also use rump, sirloin, porterhouse or eye fillet to make these Tex Mex BBQ skewers. Unused smoky barbecue marinade can be stored in a jar in the fridge for up to one month.

Keep in mind...

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your Bunnings barbecue. Position your barbecue on a flat and clear, well-ventilated space outdoors and never leave a lit barbecue unattended.
• Before using a gas barbecue, check the gas hose – do not use if it is crushed, kinked or cracked – and also that your LPG cylinder is in date.
• Check with your local fire service about using barbecues during restrictions such as fire bans.
• Keep children and pets away from barbecues and gas cylinders and put matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Looking for more recipes for BBQ skewers?

Check out how to make smoky lamb and peach kebabs.

Photo Credit: Brigid Arnott