Beef & Zucchini Skewers with Sweet Potato 'Fries'
Grilled (or oven-baked) beef and zucchini skewers served with crispy sweet potato fries.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
Substitute: Ground lamb
- 1 medium sweet potato
Substitute: Regular potato
- 1/2 medium zucchini
Substitute: Bell pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Substitute: None
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Substitute: None
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Substitute: Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Substitute: Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (optional) cayenne pepper
Substitute: Red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Substitute: Vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- • Mixing bowl
- • Cutting board
- • Chef's knife
- • Skewers (metal or wooden)
- • Baking sheet (if baking) or Grill
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
600
Protein
40g
Carbs
45g
Fat
30g
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sweet potato fries: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) (or preheat grill). Cut the sweet potato into 1/2-inch thick fries (long, rectangular pieces). Toss (gently mix) the fries with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread them in a single layer (not overlapping) on a baking sheet (if baking) or directly on the grill (if grilling).
⏱️ 8 minutes
Technique: baking/grilling
- 2
Bake or Grill the Fries: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender. If grilling, cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes
Technique: baking/grilling
- 3
Prepare the beef mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix well with your hands (ensure the spices are evenly distributed).
⏱️ 5 minutes
Technique: mixing
- 4
Form and skewer the beef: Shape the beef mixture into small, oblong (oval-shaped) patties. Cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch thick slices. Thread (slide) the beef patties and zucchini slices onto the skewers, alternating them.
⏱️ 5 minutes
Technique: assembling
- 5
Grill or Bake the Skewers: Brush (coat lightly) the skewers with the remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. If grilling, grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked through and the zucchini is tender. If baking, place the skewers on the same baking sheet as the fries during the last 10 minutes of the fries baking.
⏱️ 10 minutes
Technique: grilling/baking
- 6
Serve: Serve the beef and zucchini skewers with the sweet potato fries.
⏱️ 2 minutes
Technique: N/A
💡 Chef's Tips
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcrowding the baking sheet or grill, which will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them.
- • Not cooking the beef skewers long enough.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • Simple grilling or baking.
- • Easy assembly.
! What requires attention:
- • Requires monitoring to prevent burning.
