These Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun dish combining juicy steak and tasty shrimp, all on a stick! Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy dinner.
They’re so easy to make that I feel like a grilling pro! Just season, skewer, and grill! Serve them with a dip, and watch everyone come back for more. Cheers to delicious bites! 🍢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin or ribeye offers great flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, choose filet mignon, or for a budget-friendly choice, flank steak works well too.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star here. To save time, look for pre-peeled and deveined shrimp. If seafood isn’t your thing, try using chicken pieces instead, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: This provides a rich flavor, but avocado oil is a healthy alternative with a high smoke point. You can also opt for vegetable oil if that’s what you have.
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add great depth. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu cubes in place of beef.
How Can You Make Sure Your Skewers Cook Evenly?
To ensure your surf and turf skewers cook evenly, keep a few things in mind:
- **Space It Out:** Leave a little gap between each piece of beef or shrimp on the skewer. This helps the heat circulate.
- **Preheat the Grill:** Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers; this helps with searing and keeps juices inside.
- **Watch the Time:** Beef takes about 8-10 minutes, while shrimp only need 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking!
- **Rest Before Serving:** Let the skewers sit for a few minutes off the grill. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping everything juicy.
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 lemon, juiced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor). Cooking will take about 15 minutes. So, you’re looking at a total of around 1 hour to enjoy delicious grilled skewers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a big bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and lemon juice. This delicious mix is your marinade that will give all the flavor to your beef and shrimp!
2. Marinate the Meat and Shrimp:
After your marinade is ready, divide it into two bowls. Add the cubed beef steak to one bowl and the cleaned shrimp to the other. Make sure to toss both the beef and shrimp well to coat them in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours to really soak in the flavors.
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While the beef and shrimp are marinating, it’s time to preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures your food cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, it’s time for some fun! Thread the marinated beef onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each cube for even cooking. Do the same with the shrimp skewers.
5. Cook the Skewers:
Now it’s grill time! Place the beef skewers on the grill and cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they reach your desired level of doneness. For the shrimp, grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Watch them closely so they don’t overcook!
6. Rest and Serve:
After cooking, carefully remove both the beef and shrimp skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Once rested, arrange the skewers on a platter, and enjoy your delicious grilled surf and turf skewers! Perfect for a barbecue or a cozy gathering!
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Meat or Seafood?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast or pork tenderloin instead of beef steak. For seafood, scallops or firm white fish like swordfish can be a fantastic alternative to shrimp. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different proteins may require adjustments!
How Do I Make These Skewers Spicy?
If you’d like a kick of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha or aioli for an extra layer of flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave briefly or toss them back on the grill for a few minutes to warm them up without drying them out.
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef and shrimp a few hours ahead of time or even the night before for maximum flavor. Just make sure to keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill!
