Get ready for a delicious treat with these Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers! They combine juicy steak and tender shrimp on skewers, perfect for summer cookouts.
The best part? You can easily switch up the veggies to match what you love or have on hand. I add bell peppers and onions for a colorful bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin and ribeye are both great choices for skewers due to their tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, consider using flank steak or tenderloin. They work well too but don’t forget to watch the cooking time!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for their size and meaty texture. If shrimp isn’t available, feel free to use scallops or cubed firm fish like salmon or swordfish. They’ll grill nicely and soak up flavors well!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you want a different taste, avocado oil or melted butter can be good substitutes. They also handle high heat well, perfect for grilling.
Paprika: I love using smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor! If you prefer something milder, sweet paprika is a good alternative, or you can even use chili powder for a bit of heat.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Grill Marks and Doneness?
Getting perfect grill marks and doneness requires a bit of technique. For beef, start by making sure your grill is preheated to medium-high before adding the skewers. Here’s a quick guide:
- Place skewers on the grill at a 45-degree angle for that restaurant-style grill mark.
- Cook beef for 10-12 minutes, turning every few minutes. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (130°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium).
- For shrimp, they cook fast! Add them halfway through the beef cooking time and grill until they’re pink, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Let everything rest for a couple of minutes before serving so juices redistribute and flavors deepen.
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep time plus marinating time. You should marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for more flavor) and the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. Grilling will take around 15-20 minutes. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour to enjoy these flavorful skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by making the marinade for the beef. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss them well to ensure they are coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, leaving it overnight will make the beef even tastier!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the beef is marinating, move on to the shrimp. In another bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp to this mixture and toss to coat them evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. This will add a lovely flavor to your skewers!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Next, you’ll want to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will get it nice and hot for grilling your skewers.
4. Assemble Skewers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take the marinated beef and thread the cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Do the same with the marinated shrimp on their own separate skewers. Once you’ve assembled all the skewers, you’re ready to grill!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers directly on the grill. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve even cooking. After about 5 minutes, add the shrimp skewers to the grill. Cook the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Just keep an eye on them so that they don’t overcook!
6. Serve:
Once everything is nicely cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor!
7. Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your delicious grilled surf and turf skewers!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat For the Skewers?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken or pork, those will work well too. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time accordingly: chicken should marinate for about 1-2 hours, while pork can be marinated for at least 30 minutes up to overnight for more flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Just be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef and shrimp in advance and store them in the fridge for several hours or even overnight. Just assemble and grill them when you’re ready to serve for fresh, juicy skewers!
What Should I Serve With Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers?
These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes! Consider serving them with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or over a bed of rice or quinoa. A light dipping sauce or garlic butter also complements the flavors wonderfully!