Madeira Beef and Bay Leaf Kebabs Espetada

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked island of Madeira with these irresistible Madeira Beef and Bay Leaf Kebabs, also known as Espetada. This traditional Portuguese recipe features succulent beef sirloin chunks marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and earthy bay leaves. Perfectly threaded onto skewers with aromatic bay leaf pieces, the kebabs are grilled to tender perfection, delivering a smoky char and robust flavor in every bite. Whether cooked on a barbecue or an indoor grill, these easy-to-make skewers require just 20 minutes of prep and deliver restaurant-quality results. Serve them hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your choice of crusty bread or hearty sides for an unforgettable meal. Ideal for gatherings, date nights, or simply upgrading your weeknight dinner, this espetada recipe is a must-try for any grill enthusiast!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef sirloin
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 60 ml olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 6 whole bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons chili flakes (optional)
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Cut the beef sirloin into bite-sized chunks, approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes, and set aside in a mixing bowl.

Step 2

Crush the garlic cloves using the side of a knife or a garlic press and add them to the bowl with the beef.

Step 3

Pour the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the beef, then add the sea salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes for a hint of heat.

Step 4

Tear the bay leaves into halves or thirds (if large) to intensify their aroma, and mix them into the marinade.

Step 5

Gently massage the marinade into the beef cubes using your hands to ensure even coating. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 6

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 7

Thread the marinated beef chunks onto skewers, alternating each piece of beef with a piece of bay leaf to infuse more flavor as it cooks.

Step 8

Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. If grilling indoors, ensure proper ventilation.

Step 9

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slightly charred exterior. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness (e.g., medium-rare or well-done).

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes to retain their juices.

Step 11

Serve the beef and bay leaf kebabs immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrusy kick. Pair with crusty bread, a side salad, or potato wedges for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(642.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1783.7

Total Fat 132.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g
Cholesterol 447.1mg	0%
Sodium 2642.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 11.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g	0%
Total Sugars 1.2g
Protein 135.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 183.1mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 2066.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.0%

Protein: 30.4%

Carbs: 2.5%