These Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are the perfect party food! They combine juicy steak and tender shrimp, all cooked to perfection on a stick—talk about easy eating!
Nothing beats biting into a flavorful mix of surf and turf, especially when they’re all chargrilled together. I like to serve them with a tasty dipping sauce. So good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using tender cuts like sirloin or filet mignon for the best flavor. If you’re looking for something leaner, you can also use flank steak. Ground meat isn’t ideal since it won’t stay on the skewer as well.
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp are perfect for these skewers. If they’re not available, frozen shrimp work too—just make sure they’re fully thawed before marinating. For a twist, you could try scallops or even fish cubes!
Olive Oil: This helps to marinate and tenderize the meat. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter can work as substitutes. Both add a nice richness to your dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor, but garlic powder is a good substitute in a pinch. Just use a little less, about half a teaspoon for every clove you replace.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount based on your spice level. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip it or replace it with a sweeter spice like smoked paprika for a different flavor.
How Do I Get the Grilling Just Right?
Grilling the skewers is a key step that can make or break your dish. Following a few tips can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and make sure it’s nice and hot before adding your skewers. This helps with searing and prevents sticking.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand, so they don’t burn on the grill.
- Cook beef skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—145°F is ideal for medium-rare.
- Shrimp cooks quickly! About 2-3 minutes per side is all you need until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
Letting the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them juicy and flavorful. Don’t forget that lemon for a bright finish!
Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or filet mignon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including 1 hour for marinating the beef and 30 minutes for marinating the shrimp. Grill time will be about 15 minutes, making this a great dish for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Add the beef cubes and toss everything together until the beef is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to ensure they’re fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes while the beef is marinating.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to get the grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the beef and thread the cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly. Then, take separate skewers for the shrimp and thread them on as well.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness if you like; 145°F is perfect for medium rare. For the shrimp skewers, grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and become opaque.
6. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve your delicious skewers with lemon wedges on the side for some zesty flavor. Enjoy your Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! Aside from sirloin or filet mignon, you can use ribeye or flank steak for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if using a tougher cut, as it may need to cook longer to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Shrimp?
No problem! You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like scallops, or if you prefer, grill some vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just adjust your grilling time accordingly based on what you’re using!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a frying pan over low heat to avoid drying them out. You can also enjoy them cold in a salad!
Can I Marinate These Skewers Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even more! Just remember to keep them in the fridge while marinating to ensure food safety. If you’re short on time, an hour will still give you good results!
