Chinese BBQ Beef Skewers (Night Market Style)

If you've ever wandered through a Chinese night market, you'll know the irresistible smell of beef skewers sizzling over hot coals. The combination of smoky beef, earthy cumin and spicy chilli is simple, yet incredibly addictive.

This recipe uses ribeye steak for its natural tenderness and rich flavour. Unlike cheaper cuts of beef, there's no need for velveting with bicarbonate of soda. Just a quick marinade, a hot grill and a generous coating of cumin chilli dipping powder.

Inspired by Chinese Night Market BBQ: These beef skewers are inspired by the smoky, cumin-spiced skewers commonly found at Chinese night markets and street BBQ stalls. The combination of beef, chilli and cumin is simple but incredibly satisfying.

Ribeye Keeps Things Simple: Using ribeye means there's no need for velveting or tenderising. The natural marbling keeps the beef juicy and tender while adding plenty of flavour.

The Secret Is the Seasoning Mix: Rather than using a dipping sauce, Chinese BBQ skewers are often seasoned directly on the grill. The combination of oil, heat and spices creates a deeper flavour and aroma than seasoning after cooking.

Chinese BBQ Beef Skewers (Night Market Style)
Serves: 2
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 3-10 mins | Total: 13-20 mins
Ingredients	Instructions
Beef 390g ribeye steak, cut into 2–3cm cubes OR 390g thin lean beef steak (such as rump, sirloin or frying steak) ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda (for tenderising lean beef only) Marinade 1 tbsp light soy sauce ½ tsp salt ½ tsp white pepper 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chilli powder (optional) 1 tbsp neutral oil 1 tbsp egg white ¼ onion, sliced Chinese BBQ Seasoning Mix 1 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp chilli flakes 1 tsp chilli powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp sugar ¼ tsp MSG (optional but recommended) 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds Sesame Lemon Dip 1 tbsp sesame oil ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp lemon juice	1. Prepare the Beef If using ribeye:Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes and proceed directly to the marinade. If using lean beef:Mix the beef with ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, pat dry, then continue with the marinade. 2. Marinate the Beef In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, salt, white pepper, cumin, optional chilli powder, oil, egg white and sliced onion. If using lean beef, add ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda to the marinade. Add the beef and mix well until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge. 3. Thread the Skewers Remove and discard the onion slices from the marinade. Thread the beef snugly onto the skewers without leaving gaps between the pieces, as this traditional method helps create the authentic texture and appearance of classic beef skewers. 4. Prepare the Chinese BBQ Seasoning Mix Mix all the seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. 5. Prepare the Sesame Lemon Dip In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, black pepper and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside until ready to serve. 6. Cook the Skewers Cook the skewers over a hot BBQ, grill or air fryer until lightly charred and cooked to your preferred doneness. BBQ or Grill (best result) 2–3 minutes per side Air Fryer 210°C (Max temp.) for 4-5 minutes per side 7. Season the Skewers When the skewers are about 80–90% cooked, lightly brush them with oil and sprinkle generously with the Chinese BBQ Seasoning Mix. Cook for a further 20–30 seconds. Turn the skewers, brush with a little more oil and sprinkle with another layer of seasoning. Cook for another 20–30 seconds until fragrant and lightly charred. 8. Serve Serve immediately while hot. Place any remaining Chinese BBQ Seasoning Mix onto a small plate and serve alongside the skewers for anyone who enjoys extra spice and flavour. Serve the sesame lemon dip on the side. The bright lemon juice, nutty sesame oil and black pepper help balance the saltiness and richness of the seasoned beef skewers.
Nutrition Facts Approx. per serving: 640 kcal, 49g protein, 48g fat, 2g carbs Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.

This is how the beef should look once threaded onto the skewers.

Tips ⭐️

Ribeye is naturally tender and flavourful, making it one of the best cuts for homemade beef skewers.

Bicarbonate of soda helps tenderise leaner cuts but is unnecessary for ribeye.

Many Chinese BBQ stalls use a little MSG in their seasoning mix to enhance the savoury flavour.

For extra heat, increase the chilli powder in the marinade or dipping powder.

For the best aroma, brush the skewers lightly with oil before serving and dip generously into the seasoning.

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