Recipe: Citrus-Marinated Beef and Fruit Kabobs with Cilantro-Orange Marinade

CITRUS-MARINATED BEEF AND FRUIT KABOBS
"Cubes of Top Sirloin are marinated for flavor in a mixture of orange peel, cilantro and smoked paprika. They are then grilled alongside skewers of watermelon, peaches, and mango."

1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut 1-inch thick
1 medium orange
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground red (cayenne) pepper (optional)
4 cups cubed mango, watermelon, peaches and/or plums
Salt (for serving)

Grate peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice from orange; reserve juice. Combine orange peel, cilantro, paprika, and ground red pepper, if desired, in small bowl.

Cut beef Steak into 1 1/4-inch pieces. Place beef and 2 1/2 tablespoons cilantro mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Place remaining cilantro mixture and fruit in separate food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bags securely. Marinate beef and fruit in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Soak eight 9-inch bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes; drain. Thread beef evenly onto four skewers leaving small space between pieces. Thread fruit onto remaining four separate skewers.

Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill beef kabobs, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 11 minutes) for medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 degrees F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill fruit kabobs 5 to 7 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown, turning once.

Season beef with salt, as desired. Drizzle reserved orange juice over fruit kabobs.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Cattlemen's Beef Board