Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are the ultimate answer to summer grilling that satisfies both steak and seafood lovers. Imagine juicy, marinated sirloin steak and tender shrimp, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. This recipe is a go-to for cookouts, family dinners, or when you’re simply craving a gourmet-style meal without the restaurant price tag. Balanced in protein, simple to prepare, and visually impressive, these skewers make grilling exciting again. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, these surf and turf skewers will become a new favorite. Fire up the grill—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Favorites in One: Steak and shrimp deliver a flavorful punch, catering to land and sea cravings.
- Quick and Easy: Simple marinades and fast cooking times make this dish achievable even on busy nights.
- Showstopping Presentation: Beautifully charred skewers look amazing served straight from the grill.
- Nutritious and Balanced: High-protein, low-carb, and filled with healthy fats, this dish fits most dietary goals.
- Versatile Options: Easily adapt the recipe by changing the seasonings or swapping in different proteins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 24 medium-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 1 hour to prevent burning. Metal skewers are a reusable, convenient option.
- Prep Protein: Cube the sirloin steak and defrost the shrimp if needed. Pat both dry with paper towels.
- Marinate Separately:
- In one bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss in the steak cubes and marinate for 1 hour.
- In another bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 1 hour.
- Skewer Separately: Thread steak pieces on one set of skewers and shrimp on another. This ensures proper cooking.
- Grill:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Place shrimp skewers on the grill. Grill for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are no longer translucent. Remove and cover loosely.
- Place steak skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes. Keep the grill lid closed between turns.
- Rest and Serve: Let steak rest for 10 minutes. Serve skewers hot with your favorite sides.
Helpful Tips
- Uniform Cuts: Evenly sized steak pieces cook more consistently.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Space out the ingredients on the skewer slightly to promote even cooking on all sides.
- Separate Cook Times: Shrimp and steak have different doneness points—grill them separately to avoid overcooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect steak, aim for 135°F (medium rare) to 145°F (medium).
- Keep Grill Clean: A clean grill prevents sticking and flare-ups.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute steak with chicken, lamb, or tofu. Try scallops or lobster instead of shrimp.
- Flavor Boosters: Add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or a touch of honey to your marinades.
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers to the skewers for extra sweetness and color.
- Sauce Pairings: Serve with garlic butter, chimichurri, or teriyaki dipping sauces for added flair.
- Keto/Paleo Versions: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and avocado oil instead of olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the proteins and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Assemble skewers just before grilling.
Q: What type of shrimp works best?
Use medium-large shrimp (21-25 count) for the best size-to-cook ratio. They stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
Q: Can I use frozen steak or shrimp?
Absolutely, just ensure they’re completely thawed and thoroughly dried before adding the marinade.
Q: Do I need to use skewers?
Skewers are great for presentation and ease of flipping, but you can grill pieces directly or use a grill basket.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Properly: Use a skillet or microwave on low heat. Avoid overcooking shrimp during reheating.
- Smart Freezing Tip: Store marinated but uncooked steak and shrimp in separate freezer-safe bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight before use.
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Conclusion
Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are a game-changer for any backyard BBQ or weeknight dinner. With a bold blend of steak and shrimp, they deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Marinated to perfection and charred over a hot grill, these skewers will quickly become your go-to for entertaining or indulging.
Print
Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers are the ultimate combo of juicy steak and tender shrimp, marinated and grilled to perfection. Perfect for summer BBQs, weeknight dinners, or entertaining guests. Try this high-protein, low-carb favorite today!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1 lb sirloin steak, cubed
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
24 medium-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Soak wooden skewers in water for 1 hour or use metal skewers.
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Pat steak and shrimp dry. Cube steak and place in a bowl. Add marinade ingredients and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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In a separate bowl, combine shrimp with its marinade. Chill for 1 hour.
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Thread steak and shrimp onto separate skewers.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
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Grill steak for about 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes.
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Let steak rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep steak and shrimp on separate skewers to prevent overcooking.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or pineapple for a colorful twist.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect steak doneness (135°F–145°F).
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer combo
- Calories: 459
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 33g