Recipe Highlights: 

• Ready in 5 minutes with pantry staples 
• Soy-free marinade (great for allergies/sensitivities) 
• Works on beef, chicken, or pork 
• Marinate 1-4 hours for best results 
• Perfect for grilling or oven cooking

This marinade for shish kabobs combines honey and balsamic vinegar for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor. It's soy-free, takes just 5 minutes to make, and tenderizes beef beautifully.

Originally published on February 23, 2025, this article was updated and republished on November 15, 2025.

How to make it:

1. In a small bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Place the Seven Sons Kabobs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, coating each kabob thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
3. If adding veggies or fruit, chop them into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers alongside the marinated beef kabobs.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the kabobs from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
6. Grill the kabobs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness, and the veggies or fruit are tender and slightly charred.
7. Serve the kabobs hot, and enjoy!

This marinade for shish kabobs combines honey and balsamic vinegar for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor. It's soy-free, takes just 5 minutes to make, and tenderizes beef beautifully.

Tips for the Best Shish Kabobs

Marinating Time: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate your beef kabobs for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. You can marinate up to 4 hours, but avoid going longer as the acid in the balsamic vinegar can start to break down the meat's texture.

Choose the Right Cut: Seven Sons filet mignon tips are perfect for this beef kabob marinade because they're already tender and cut to the ideal size. The quality of grass-fed beef makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture. Our Bison Premium Steak tips are another great alternative.

Cut Evenly: If you're cutting your own meat, aim for 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. Uniform sizing ensures everything cooks evenly on the grill.

Room Temperature Matters: Don't skip bringing your meat to room temperature before grilling. Take the marinated kabobs out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking results.

Skewer Prep: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

FAQs

How long should I marinate shish kabobs?

Marinate for at least 1 hour for good flavor, or up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness. Any longer than 4 hours, and the acid in this beef kabob marinade can make the meat mushy.

Can I use this marinade for chicken kabobs?

Yes! This steak kabob marinade works beautifully on chicken (or fish!). Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours maximum, then grill until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What's the best beef for shish kabobs?

Tender cuts work best for shish kabobs since they cook quickly over high heat. Filet mignon tips are ideal because they're naturally tender, well-marbled, and don't require much work. Look for cuts that are already portioned for kabobs to make prep even easier.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. Whisk the ingredients together and store the kabob marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before using.

Do I need to use soy sauce in kabob marinade?

Not at all. This honey balsamic version is completely soy-free and delivers incredible flavor without it. The balsamic vinegar provides the umami depth you'd typically get from soy sauce.

Can I cook kabobs in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F, then place the kabobs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the beef reaches your desired doneness.

Ready to Try This Recipe?

This honey balsamic shish kabob marinade transforms simple beef kabobs into something special. The best part? It starts with high-quality, ethically raised meat.

Our grass-fed beef filet mignon tips are already cut and ready for your skewers, making this shish kabob recipe even easier. Raised on regenerative pastures without antibiotics or hormones, our beef delivers exceptional flavor and tenderness in every bite.

Order online today to get your order sent directly to your door. We're excited to receive your order! Don't forget to Subscribe & Save for 5% off + a FREE item with every order.