SpanishMedium · Hot
Tender bite-sized beef cubes marinated in a smoky paprika blend, threaded on skewers with colorful peppers and served alongside creamy avocado slices. A warm, generous plate that carries Valentina's Venezuelan soul into a Spanish傍晚.
20 min
12 min
32 min
Method
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until fully combined into a fragrant marinade.
Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss thoroughly, coating every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
While the beef marinates, cut the yellow onion into roughly 2cm chunks and the bell peppers into similar-sized pieces. Thread the beef cubes onto small metal or soaked wooden skewers, alternating with the onion and bell pepper pieces. Set aside on a tray.
Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Place the skewers in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without moving, until a deep sear forms on the first side.
Flip the skewers carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes. Use tongs to check the internal temperature — the beef should reach 63°C (145°F) at the center for medium doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for a minimum of 3 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side if you like.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -4
Calories
559
per serving
Protein
34g
Carbs
16g
Fat
42g
Sat. fat
6g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
325mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
13
per serving
Water
2.9m³
Land
252Pt
Runoff
0.2g P
Beef steak, cut into 3cm cubes drives 98% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
Grill PanSafety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cook beef skewers to internal temperature of 63°C at the center to ensure safe doneness. Use a calibrated meat thermometer to verify.
Cross Contamination
Keep raw beef separate from ready-to-eat items like avocado slices. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat preparation.
Handling
Marinade that has contacted raw beef must not be used as a sauce or for basting unless it is first brought to a boil to eliminate potential bacteria.
Storage
Refrigerate beef at 4°C or below within 2 hours of purchase. If marinating longer than 2 hours, keep in the refrigerator at safe temperatures.
Equipment Safety
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent fire hazard and splintering.
Heat the grill pan or cast iron skillet gradually over medium-high heat to prevent thermal shock and cracking.
Serve avocado immediately after slicing to prevent browning and minimize bacterial growth on the cut surface.
Pro Tips
Technique
Let the beef marinate for the full two hours if you can — the acid from the lemon juice tenderizes the steak while the paprika deepens into something almost haunting. And when you sear, resist the urge to move the skewers. That first 3-4 minutes of stillness is what creates the crust that holds all that flavor inside.
Substitution
{"classification":"substitution","text":{"instruction":"Consider substituting smoked paprika with cumin and regular paprika if desired."}}
From the chef
In Caracas, we never thought of skewers as something special — just a way to feed a crowd when the afternoon stretched into evening and everyone gathered around the courtyard. This recipe is my bridge between those warm nights and my new life in Barcelona, where the Spanish evenings call for something simple but deeply seasoned. The smoked paprika reminds me that some flavors travel well, and the avocado — always avocado — keeps my grandmother's kitchen alive in every bite.
Source: generated · June 13, 2026