Recipe: Thai beef skewers

I've already started thinking about what I'm going to bring to the Super Bowl party we go to every year. I figure I can't go wrong with food on a stick: It makes the kids happy and saves the grownups the trouble of finding room for their plates on the coffee table.

I made these Asian-inspired beef skewers for my 10-year-old's birthday party. The guests (of all ages) gobbled them down. I think they'll be a hit for the big game. I adapted the recipe from one of my son's favorite cookbooks, Small Bites: Tapas, Sushi, Mezze, Antipasti, and Other Finger Foods by Jennifer Joyce.

Wondering what wine to serve with this dish? See the glamorous dinner party menu created by the Chicago Wine Pairing Examiner!

Thai beef skewers

• 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin slices
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 Tbsp fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• 2 Tbsp honey
• handful of cilantro, chopped
• wooden skewers (soak for an hour before using so they won't burn)

Combine the garlic, fish sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, pepper, honey and cilantro in a bowl or plastic container. Whisk to combine. Add the beef, stir to coat it with the marinade, and let it sit one hour at room temperature, or up to two days in the refrigerator.

Preheat the broiler on high.

Remove the beef strips one by one from the marinade and thread them on the skewers. Place the skewers on a metal sheet pan or broiler pan. Broil the skewers 3-4 minutes total, turning once. Serve immediately.

Makes about 25 skewers.