Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun and tasty meal, packed with juicy steak and delicious shrimp, all on a stick! Perfect for a sunny day on the grill.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? These skewers make it easy to eat and share. I love pairing them with a fresh salad for a light and happy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both are great choices. Flank steak is lean and flavorful, while sirloin is tender and juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, try skirt steak or even chicken breast for a lighter option.
Shrimp: Large shrimp is best, but if you’re in a pinch, medium-sized will work too. For a non-seafood version, consider using chunks of zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian skewers.
Olive Oil: This is essential for marination. You can swap it for avocado oil or vegetable oil. If you’re in the mood for something different, sesame oil adds a nice twist.
Marinade Ingredients: Soy sauce gives depth, but for a gluten-free option, use tamari. Balsamic vinegar can be swapped with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Perfectly Grill Skewers Without Overcooking Them?
Grilling skewers can be tricky, especially with different proteins. Here are some steps to ensure they turn out great:
- Marinate your beef for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours is even better for more flavor.
- Make sure to preheat the grill well. Medium-high heat is ideal for getting a nice char.
- Leave space between the beef cubes and shrimp on the skewers. This helps them cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer! For beef, 135°F is medium-rare; for shrimp, cook until they are opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes post-grill. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping everything juicy.
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires a total of about 1 hour (30 minutes for marinating the beef and 15-20 minutes for shrimp, plus grilling time). The actual grilling will take around 15 minutes, so it’s a great meal option for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinade the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Add the cut beef cubes to the bowl, ensuring they’re covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (feel free to let it marinate for up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Marinade the Shrimp:
In another mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Allow this to marinate for about 15-20 minutes while the beef is soaking up those tasty flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the meats are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure it’s hot and ready for grilling the skewers.
4. Prepare the Skewers:
Take the marinated beef out of the refrigerator and thread the beef cubes onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly. Then, take your shrimp and thread them onto separate skewers as well, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they reach your desired doneness. For the shrimp skewers, grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and have a lovely char. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps retain the juices. Serve the grilled surf and turf skewers on a platter with lemon wedges on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
## FAQ Section for Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Steak?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak or sirloin with other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and type of steak, so keep an eye on it while grilling!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! You can use garlic powder instead. For each clove of garlic, substitute with about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just mix it in with the other marinade ingredients for the beef and shrimp!
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat them, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This will help prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, simply add your beef or shrimp and marinate as directed. This can save you time on a busy day!
