Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a fun mix of juicy steak and tasty shrimp all cooked on a stick! Perfect for summer BBQs, they are packed with flavor and look fantastic on the grill.
I love how easy they are to make. Just thread the meat and shrimp onto skewers, season them up, and toss them on the grill. Who can resist a delicious bite of surf and turf? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: This cut is great for skewers because it’s tender and flavorful. If you want to lighten things up, consider using chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect here. If you can’t find them, scallops or even fish chunks can work. Just adjust cooking times as needed since some seafood may cook faster.
Olive Oil: While I love using olive oil, avocado oil is a great substitute if you prefer a higher smoke point. You can even use sesame oil for a nutty flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the beef. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to use soy sauce combined with a little balsamic vinegar for a similar tang.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder works fine. Just remember to use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Marinate Beef and Shrimp for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor into your surf and turf. For the beef, mix everything in a bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 4 hours is better. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Be sure to coat all beef cubes evenly to ensure they soak up the marinade.
- For shrimp, a shorter marinade time is fine. Just 15-20 minutes works because shrimp absorbs flavors quickly.
- Don’t forget to keep them in the fridge during marinating, especially if you’re letting them sit longer!
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Skewers:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Wooden or metal skewers
For The Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus marinating time. You can marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes and the shrimp for about 15-20 minutes. Cooking on the grill will take an additional 10-15 minutes. So, in total, plan for around 1 to 4 hours depending on how long you choose to marinate the beef!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, add the beef sirloin cubes. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well so the beef is nicely coated. Cover and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating it for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator will make it even tastier!
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the beef is marinating, take another bowl and combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together so the shrimp are coated. Let this mix sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high heat. This should take a few minutes. Make sure it’s nice and hot for cooking the skewers!
4. Skewer the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to assemble your skewers! Take the marinated beef cubes and carefully thread them onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Once the beef skewers are ready, do the same with the marinated shrimp, spacing them out on another skewer for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the beef skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare to medium is great!). At the same time, grill the shrimp skewers for about 5-6 minutes, turning them once until they are opaque and slightly charred. They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
6. Serve:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy! Serve them hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your delicious grilled surf and turf skewers!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin is great for skewers due to its tenderness, you can also use ribeye or tenderloin for a richer flavor. Just be aware that cooking times might vary depending on the cut, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Shrimp?
No problem! You can substitute the shrimp with other seafood like scallops or even chicken pieces if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the marinating time and cooking duration accordingly. Chicken will need more time on the grill to cook through!
How to Keep the Skewers from Sticking to the Grill?
To prevent sticking, make sure to oil the grill grates before heating it up. You can also brush a little oil on the skewers themselves. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to help them hold up better and reduce sticking.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or you can use the microwave, covered, to warm them gently. Enjoy them cold in a salad or a wrap, too!
