Grilled surf and turf skewers are a fun and tasty dish that combines juicy steak and sweet shrimp. They’re perfect for a barbecue, adding a bit of flair to your meal!
Nothing says summer like grilling these delicious bites! I love serving mine with a simple salad or some garlic bread on the side—easy, tasty, and always a hit with friends! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: This part of the cow is quite tender and flavorful when grilled. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute it with flank steak or even chicken breast for a lighter dish.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for skewers as they grill quickly and retain moisture. If you can’t find large shrimp, medium shrimp will work just fine. You can even switch to scallops for a different taste.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the marinade. If you prefer a different flavor, avocado oil is a great substitute, or you can use coconut oil for a slight sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment gives a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding it for dietary reasons, try using soy sauce or a vegan-friendly alternative like tamari.
Honey: This balances the savory flavors. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be a great substitute if you want a vegan option.
How Do You Marinate Beef and Shrimp for the Best Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing your meats with tons of flavor. For beef, the marinade should sit at least 30 minutes; 4 hours is even better. Just remember, don’t go overboard with time as the acid from the marinade can make it mushy.
- Mix olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the beef cubes well and refrigerate.
- For shrimp, a shorter marination is enough. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
Ensure to not crowd the skewers when threading the meat or seafood, so they cook evenly on the grill. Happy grilling!
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinades:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided)
- Juice of 1 lemon (divided)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 1 hour in total. It includes 30-60 minutes for marinating the beef and shrimp, plus around 20 minutes for prep and grilling. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir it well! Add the beef sirloin cubes and toss them gently until they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, allowing it to marinate for up to 4 hours gives more flavor!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In another bowl, mix together the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, juice from half of the lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp. Allow them to marinate for about 15-20 minutes while the beef is marinating.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. Once ready, thread the marinated beef onto the skewers (about 3-4 pieces for each). For the shrimp, thread about 5-6 shrimp per skewer. This will keep everything nicely spaced for grilling!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high heat. It should be hot and ready by the time your skewers are prepared.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the beef skewers on the grill first. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly to your preferred doneness. While the beef is grilling, add the shrimp skewers to the grill. They will cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Watch for them to turn opaque and feel firm to confirm they are fully cooked.
6. Serve:
After removing the skewers from the grill, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps keep everything juicy! Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for extra flavor!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dig in and enjoy your fantastic grilled surf and turf skewers with your favorite dipping sauces or sides. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat or Seafood?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef sirloin with chicken breast or pork tenderloin if you prefer. As for the shrimp, feel free to try scallops or even pieces of firm fish like salmon. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce with a splash of vinegar (like apple cider or red wine vinegar) and a dash of honey or brown sugar. This will give you a similar savory and tangy flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or use a microwave. The shrimp may lose a bit of tenderness, but they should still taste great!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Skewers?
Great question! A garlic aioli or a spicy chipotle mayo would be delicious complements. You could also serve them with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast or a classic barbecue sauce for a sweet kick. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite combination!
