Michigan Maple-Bourbon Glazed Beef Kabobs

Introduction

Nothing beats the rich caramelized flavor of these Michigan Maple-Bourbon Glazed Beef Kabobs. Perfectly seared on the Arteflame grill, these skewers lock in their juices with a high-heat sear, followed by a gentle reverse sear on the cooktop griddle. The glaze, made with pure Michigan maple syrup and bourbon, creates a sticky, smoky sweetness that complements the beef beautifully. Grill everything on the large Arteflame surface for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1/3 cup Michigan maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1 large onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place inside the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins, light them, and let the grill heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set half the glaze aside for basting.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

1. Thread the beef, onion, and bell peppers onto skewers.
2. Brush with a light coating of the glaze.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

1. Place skewers on the center grill grate and sear at 1,000°F for 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 5: Reverse Sear

1. Move the skewers to the flat cooktop and cook until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below the final desired doneness.

Step 6: Baste and Finish

1. Brush skewers with remaining glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Remove and Rest

1. Remove skewers from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• For medium-rare beef, remove it from the grill at 125°F as it will rise to 135°F while resting.
• Use thick-cut beef to prevent overcooking.
• Let meat rest before serving for juicier bites.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple-Bourbon Kabobs: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
2. Garlic Herb Kabobs: Replace smoked paprika with 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary and thyme.
3. Asian-Inspired Kabobs: Swap Worcestershire for soy sauce and add 1 tbsp grated ginger.
4. Honey-Balsamic Kabobs: Replace maple syrup with honey and bourbon with balsamic vinegar.
5. Pineapple-Teriyaki Kabobs: Add fresh pineapple chunks and use teriyaki sauce instead of maple-bourbon glaze.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with butter
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
• A glass of bold Michigan red wine or a craft bourbon cocktail

Conclusion

These Michigan Maple-Bourbon Glazed Beef Kabobs take your grilling game to the next level with Arteflame’s high-heat searing and even cooktop. The sweet and smoky glaze combined with perfectly grilled toppings makes this an irresistible dish for any outdoor cookout.