Grilled surf and turf skewers combine the best of both worlds: tender steak and succulent shrimp, all infused with the flavors of the grill and paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce. This dish is an excellent way to enjoy both land and sea in a single, delectable bite. Perfect for a summer barbecue, a special dinner, or even a casual family gathering, these skewers are sure to impress guests with their vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about making these grilled surf and turf skewers, from the ingredients and preparation steps to grilling tips and how to serve them. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers 🦐🥩
For the Skewers:
- 1 lb Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, Cubed 🥩: The choice of steak is essential for the flavor and tenderness of the skewers. Sirloin is lean and slightly firmer, while ribeye has more marbling, making it rich and juicy.
- 1 lb Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined 🦐: Shrimp adds a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the steak. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp to ensure a clean and pleasant eating experience.
- 1 Bell Pepper, Chopped 🌶️: Bell peppers add a slight sweetness and crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the meat and shrimp.
- 1 Red Onion, Chopped 🧅: Red onions provide a slight sharpness and a touch of sweetness when grilled. Their flavor softens and becomes sweeter with heat.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil 🫒: Olive oil helps to keep the ingredients moist while grilling and adds a touch of richness.
- Salt & Pepper to Taste 🧂: Seasoning is critical to bring out the natural flavors of the steak, shrimp, and vegetables.
- Wood or Metal Skewers 🍢: Skewers hold the ingredients together and make grilling much easier. If using wood skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
Chimichurri is an Argentine sauce made with fresh herbs, vinegar, garlic, and oil. It is a flavorful and tangy sauce that adds an extra layer of complexity to the skewers.
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped 🌿: Parsley is the base of chimichurri and provides a fresh, herbal flavor that is bright and vibrant.
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar 🍷: Red wine vinegar adds acidity to the chimichurri, balancing the richness of the grilled steak and shrimp.
- 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced 🧄: Garlic adds depth of flavor to the sauce, giving it a robust taste that complements the grilled ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes 🌶️: For a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are essential in chimichurri. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil 🫒: Olive oil helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky texture that coats the skewers beautifully.
- 1 tsp Oregano 🌿: Oregano gives chimichurri its earthy flavor and pairs wonderfully with both beef and seafood.
- Salt & Pepper to Taste 🧂: Just a pinch of salt and pepper will enhance the flavors of the sauce and the skewers.
Preparation of Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers 🦐🥩
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before you begin grilling, you need to prep all your ingredients. Here’s how:
- Cube the Steak: Begin by cutting the sirloin or ribeye steak into even 1-inch cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly on the skewers. If you’re using ribeye, the marbling in the steak will give you juicy bites of flavor. Season the cubes with a bit of salt and pepper. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the steak pieces to add extra moisture.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t pre-prepared. If you’re using large shrimp, consider cutting them in half so they’re easier to skewer. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. The olive oil will help them stay moist and prevent sticking to the grill.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the bell pepper and red onion into roughly 1-inch pieces. Try to keep them similar in size to the meat cubes and shrimp to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
- Soak the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Step 2: Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
Click page 2 to continue
