Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun mix of tender beef and juicy shrimp, all cooked on the grill. They’re perfect for a summer barbecue and simple to make!
What I love most is how the smoky flavor brings everything together. Pop them in your mouth with a smile, and remember, the grill is your best friend! 😄
These skewers are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Just marinate and grill—we’re talking quick and tasty bites that wake up your taste buds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: This cut is great for skewers because it’s tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for alternatives, flank steak or tenderloin can work as well. Both give a delicious result, just keep an eye on cooking times as they might vary.
Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp for this recipe so they hold up on the grill. If shrimp aren’t available, you can use scallops or even chunks of firm fish like salmon or swordfish as a substitution. They’ll bring a different, but tasty flavor!
Olive Oil: This oil adds richness to the beef marinade. If you want a different taste profile, avocado oil or canola oil are great substitutes, providing a similar cooking quality without overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to both the beef and the shrimp. If you don’t have fresh cloves, garlic powder can replace it, but start with less since it’s more concentrated. Two teaspoons might be a good starting point.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient brightens the shrimp marinade. If you want a substitute, lime juice works well too, or even vinegar for an acidic kick, though the flavor will be a little different.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp and Beef?
Grilling can be tricky, but following these steps can help you get it just right! For both the beef and shrimp, proper marinating and grilling times are key.
- For beef, let it marinate longer when possible—2 hours or more helps the flavors soak in. Make sure the grill is hot before adding the skewers to get that lovely sear.
- For shrimp, just a quick 15-20 minutes of marinating is enough to let the butter and spices work their magic. Shrimp cook super quickly; you only need 2-3 minutes per side on a hot grill.
- Rotate the skewers during cooking. Turning helps them cook evenly and develop a nice char. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; beef is typically medium at 145°F (63°C).
Remember to let everything rest a bit off the grill before serving. This helps lock in all those juices, and you won’t burn yourself with hot skewers! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Grilled Surf And Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating time of at least 30 minutes for the beef and 15-20 minutes for the shrimp. Add about 15 minutes for grilling, so you’ll need around 1 hour total. Perfect for a delicious barbecue meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Then, add the beef cubes and toss everything together until the beef is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a few hours will make it even tastier!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this mix and toss until they’re coated. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes to soak up all those yummy flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the meat and shrimp are marinating, heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean for the best cooking results!
4. Skewer the Meat and Shellfish:
Now it’s time to assemble! Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece to cook evenly. For the shrimp, use separate skewers and arrange them neatly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers on the grill first and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally so they can cook evenly. For the shrimp skewers, grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Serve:
Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
7. Enjoy:
These grilled surf and turf skewers are so versatile! They can be served as a main dish or as part of a fun barbecue spread. Dig in and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for skewers, you can also use filet mignon, flank steak, or ribeye. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut’s thickness and fat content—marble cuts might need a bit more time to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, you can substitute with scallops, cubes of firm fish like salmon or tuna, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just remember that cooking times will vary, so watch closely to prevent overcooking!
How Can I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold, or reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet to preserve flavor and texture. Just add a dash of water or oil to the skillet to help keep them moist!
Can I Grill These Skewers on a Grill Pan?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan works great. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it before adding the skewers. You may need to cook in batches depending on your pan size, so ensure not to crowd them for even cooking.