These Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun mix of juicy steak and tasty shrimp, all packed on easy-to-handle skewers. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy dinner!
Who doesn’t love a good skewer? I always say it’s like a food party on a stick. Just grill them up and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce—so good!
Making these skewers is easy! I just marinate the meat, stick everything on skewers, and let the grill do its magic. Dinner is served without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using beef tenderloin for its tenderness, but sirloin is a great choice too. It’s more budget-friendly and still flavorful. If you’re looking for a beef alternative, consider using tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for skewers because they cook quickly. If shrimp isn’t your thing, try scallops or even pieces of fish like salmon! Just keep an eye on cooking times for each protein.
Olive Oil: Your oil of choice matters! I recommend sticking with olive oil for its taste, but avocado oil or sesame oil can be fun alternatives depending on the flavor you’re going for.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch. If you’re avoiding garlic, try shallots for a milder taste or omit it entirely for a cleaner flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Skewers Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the meat and shrimp just right on the grill can be tricky. Pay attention to both cooking times and techniques to avoid overcooking or undercooking. Here’s how:
- For beef, aim for medium-rare to medium; that’s about 7-10 minutes on the grill, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer if you can — 130°F for medium-rare.
- Shrimp cooks quickly, usually around 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque — overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps juices distribute and keeps everything moist.
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Skewers:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
For the Shrimp Skewers:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation, plus 30 minutes to marinate the beef and 15-20 minutes for the shrimp. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour or so before you can dig into these delicious skewers. Perfect for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the minced garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Add the beef cubes to the marinade and mix well. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got time, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In another bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp, making sure they’re nicely coated with the mixture. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb all that yummy flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers for your meat and shrimp, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. This will help prevent them from burning while grilling.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, it’s time to put the skewers together! Start with the beef skewers by threading the marinated beef cubes onto the skewers. For the shrimp, carefully thread them onto separate skewers. Make sure they’re close together for even cooking, but don’t overcrowd them!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers on the grill. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they reach your desired doneness (usually, medium-rare takes about 7-8 minutes). For the shrimp, grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink and opaque color.
6. Serve:
Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Before serving, sprinkle the skewers with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
7. Enjoy:
Place your grilled surf and turf skewers on a nice platter, and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes. Bon appétit!
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, lamb, or even a plant-based alternative like tofu, feel free to swap out the beef. Just adjust the marinating time and cooking time accordingly—chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour and grill for about 10-12 minutes, while tofu may only need 30 minutes in the marinade.
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp Don’t Overcook?
Keep an eye on the shrimp while grilling, as they cook very quickly. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. If you notice they look ready after just 2 minutes, go ahead and take them off to avoid overcooking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the grill for a few minutes to warm through without drying out, or microwave them briefly at low power, checking often to prevent overheating.
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp will still only need a few minutes, so add them in halfway through if necessary to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
