These Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun mix of shrimp and beef, all nicely grilled together. They look great on a plate and taste even better!
Who doesn’t love a good skewer? They are perfect for those summer barbecues! I love serving them with a side of fresh veggies. It feels fancy, but it’s easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef (Sirloin or Ribeye): I love using ribeye for its marbling, which adds great flavor! If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin works just as well. You can also use chicken pieces, tofu, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Olive Oil: This is key for flavor and moisture. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives. Just ensure it can handle grilling heat!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp really makes a difference in taste, but frozen shrimp work too! Just make sure they’re fully thawed. For a different protein, try scallops or even fish fillets if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used—about 1/4 tsp per clove. I personally think fresh is best, though!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder works as a substitute. I enjoy the depth that smoked paprika adds to the beef, so I recommend using it if you can!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Skewers?
Grilling skewers can be tricky, so let’s break it down! The key is to give both the beef and shrimp enough time on the grill but not overcook them. Here’s how to get great results:
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps sear the meat and shrimp quickly. A hot grill creates nice grill marks!
- Space the Pieces: When threading your skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate and cook everything evenly.
- Cook Times: Grill beef for 8-10 minutes, turning often. Shrimp needs less time—2-3 minutes per side. Watch for shrimp to turn pink and opaque; it’s a sign they’re done.
- Let Rest: Give your skewers a few minutes to rest after grilling before serving. This helps the juices settle, making them tastier!
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Additional:
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 1 hour to prepare and marinate. You’ll spend around 30 minutes marinating the beef and shrimp, and then about 15 minutes grilling. It’s perfect for a fun outdoor meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sirloin cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped rosemary. Mix everything well to ensure the beef is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours if you have time.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
In another bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the mixture well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Let this marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Skewers:
Once the marinade time is up, take the beef out of the fridge. Thread the beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. Do the same with the shrimp, using separate skewers.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This helps achieve a nice sear on the meat and shrimp.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Start by placing the beef skewers on the grill. Grill them for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and reach your desired doneness. Near the end of the beef cooking time, add the shrimp skewers to the grill. Grill the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Serve:
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve your delicious skewers hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes. Enjoy your feast!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any tender cut of beef, such as filet mignon or flat iron steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the cubes. Make sure to adjust the grilling time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Shrimp?
No problem! You can substitute the shrimp with another protein, such as chicken breast or scallops. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted accordingly—the chicken will likely need about 10-12 minutes, while scallops take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook.
How Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their flavor and texture.
Can I Prep the Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the beef and shrimp a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to thread them onto skewers right before grilling to ensure they remain fresh and flavorful.
