While your ingredients are prepped, you can begin making the chimichurri sauce:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, combine the chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chimichurri to sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. You can also make the chimichurri ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 3: Assembling the Skewers 🍢
Now that your ingredients and chimichurri sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your skewers:
- Thread the Ingredients onto the Skewers: Alternate between threading the steak, shrimp, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers. For best results, try to place the vegetables between the pieces of meat and seafood. This allows for even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out while the vegetables cook.
- Arrange the Skewers: Make sure the items are tightly packed together but not overcrowded. This ensures proper heat circulation and even grilling.
Step 4: Grilling the Surf & Turf Skewers 🔥
Grilling is where the magic happens, bringing out the best flavors from both the steak and shrimp. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked skewers:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F). If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals have reached a nice, even heat. If you’re using a gas grill, ensure the burners are heated and ready for cooking.
- Oil the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for shrimp, and 4-5 minutes per side for steak. Rotate the skewers to ensure that all sides are cooked evenly. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque and the steak to be cooked to your desired doneness.
- Check the Temperature: For steak, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
- Well-done: 160°F
- Finish and Remove from the Grill: Once the steak and shrimp are cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices within the steak and shrimp.
Step 5: Serving the Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri 🥩🦐
Now that your skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them!
- Serve with Chimichurri Sauce: Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the skewers, or serve it on the side for dipping. The tangy, herby sauce adds a fresh and zesty contrast to the smoky grilled meats and shrimp.
- Pair with Side Dishes: Serve your grilled surf & turf skewers with a variety of sides such as grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. You could also enjoy them with some rice or quinoa for a well-rounded meal.
- Garnish: For a little extra touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro over the skewers before serving. This adds an additional layer of freshness and color to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers 🦐🥩
- Use Fresh Shrimp: If possible, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp will work, but fresh shrimp have a better texture and flavor.
- Resting the Meat: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling to ensure the juices are locked in.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to switch up the flavors, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chimichurri for a unique twist.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to enhance the skewers.
Conclusion
Grilled surf & turf skewers with chimichurri are a show-stopping dish that perfectly balances the
rich flavors of steak and the delicate sweetness of shrimp. With a simple yet flavorful chimichurri sauce to tie it all together, these skewers make for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just craving a delicious dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the delicious taste of the grill with these easy-to-make skewers and a zesty chimichurri sauce!