Grilled Steak Kabobs with Coconut Rice & Curry Sauce
Slide the grilled steak off the skewers and fan the pieces over a mound of jasmine coconut rice for a composed plate that feels far more refined than standard kabobs. Drizzle the warm curry sauce around and over the meat at the very last moment so it pools beautifully against the white rice.
The traditional backyard barbecue, while a beloved staple of summer hosting, occasionally calls for an beautiful elevation—especially when celebrating a guest of honor. Rather than relying on the standard rotation of burgers and predictable sides, true hospitality allows us to reimagine the outdoor grill by introducing a global, highly textured flavor profile.
This menu bridges the comforting, charred appeal of an open flame with the sophisticated depth of international spice. It is a beautiful lesson in balance and preparation, designed to satisfy the love of classic grilled meats while delivering an refined, memorable dining experience.
Building the Plate
The heart of the meal begins with premium tenderloin, seared hot and fast on the grill alongside earthy portobellos, crisp red onions, and vibrant bell peppers. To achieve the perfect cook, we use flat metal skewers, which prevent the ingredients from spinning and ensure an even, gorgeous char on all sides.
The Curry Sauce Finish
The true genius of this recipe lies in the plating and the sauce. By sliding the charred meat and vegetables off the skewer and arranging them over a bed of fluffy, gently sweetened coconut rice, you create a stunning canvas for the meal. The finishing touch is the deeply spiced vegetable curry sauce. Blended until flawlessly smooth, this warm, golden drape of flavor is ladled generously over the steak.

Steak Kabobs with Coconut Rice & Curry
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper assorted colors
- 1 large red onion peeled
- 12 baby portobella mushrooms
- 3 4 to 6-ounce tenderloin steaks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion peeled and chopped
- 6 celery ribs chopped
- 6 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ teaspoon red chili pepper
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1 cup mango chutney
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut shredded
- ¾ cup coconut milk
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Roasted cashews
- Raisins
- Shredded coconut
- Naan bread for serving
Method
- Cut the pepper in half from stem to bottom, and then in half again.
- Remove the stem and seeds, then cut each piece in half.
- Cut the onion in half across the center, leaving the ends in place.
- Cut each half down into 6 wedges, trying to keep the pieces connected by the stem.
- Pull the stems from the mushrooms.
- Cut the steaks into 1-inch pieces.
- Thread the skewers starting with 2 pieces of pepper.
- Thread 1 chunk of beef, followed by a wedge of onion and a mushroom.
- Thread another chunk of beef and repeat with peppers, onion, and mushroom.
- End with another chunk of beef.
- Continue threading skewers until all the ingredients have been used (about 6 skewers).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until the veggies are soft.
- Add the apples and stir.
- Sprinkle in the curry powder, ginger, cardamom, fennel seeds, and red chili pepper.
- Cook for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the top.
- Slowly pour in the chicken stock.
- Stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add the chutney and the shredded coconut and stir for two minutes more.
- Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a blender and pulse to emulsify, working in batches if necessary.
- Return the sauce to the pan and stir in the coconut milk over medium heat.
- Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
- Rinse the jasmine rice and drain in a colander.
- Heat the can of coconut milk with 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the sugar and salt.
- When the liquid comes to a boil, stir in the rice.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice absorbs all the liquid.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice.
- Heat a grill pan over high heat.
- Season the skewers with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Lay the skewers onto the grill.
- Cook for 2 minutes, turn a quarter of a turn, and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Continue until all sides of the beef have been browned, about 6 to 8 minutes total for rare to medium-rare.
- To serve, place the coconut rice onto a large platter.
- Remove the meat and veggies from the skewers and arrange them on top of the rice.
- Pour the warm curry sauce generously over everything.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, roasted cashews, raisins, and coconut.
- Serve immediately with Naan bread for enjoying the extra sauce.
The Heart of the Table
Refining a classic dish for a special occasion is a profound act of neighborly grace. It signals to your guests that they are worth the extra effort, transforming a simple weekend gathering into a restorative, memorable celebration of family and connection.
The Art of the Host
- Heavy-duty flat metal grilling skewers (crucial for preventing ingredients from spinning)
- Large rustic ceramic serving platter (for communal, family-style presentation)
- High-powered blender (essential for emulsifying a velvety smooth curry sauce)
- Cast-iron grill pan or outdoor grill
- Silver ladle and wooden serving spoons
Neighborly Grace
- THE PREPARATION: Assemble the skewers and fully blend the curry sauce early in the day. The sauce can be gently rewarmed on the stove right before serving, allowing the host to remain fully present with guests rather than trapped in the kitchen.
- THE POUR: A robust, peppery Syrah or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine requires enough structure to stand up to the charred beef, yet enough fruit notes to complement the sweet coconut and mango chutney.
- THE VIBE: A relaxed, late-afternoon summer gathering; the nostalgic, smoky scent of a hot grill mingling with the warm, fragrant spices of ginger and cardamom wafting from the kitchen.