Surf and Turf Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce: The Ultimate Grilled Duo
Why choose between steak or shrimp when you can have both on the same skewer? These Surf and Turf Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce combine tender, juicy sirloin with succulent grilled shrimp bringing together the best of land and sea in one delicious bite. Finished with a vibrant, herb-packed chimichurri sauce, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues, weekend gatherings, or any night you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just firing up your grill pan indoors, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
🔥 What Makes This Dish a Must-Try?
Picture this: smoky, charred steak cubes that melt in your mouth paired with perfectly grilled shrimp, each bite bursting with juicy flavor. Add to that a drizzle of fresh chimichurri—garlicky, herby, tangy and you’re in for a flavor explosion. It’s elegant yet rustic, fancy but easy, and absolutely unforgettable.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Skewers:
1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika – for that deep, smoky flavor
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
🧄 Instructions: Step-by-Step Perfection
1. Whip Up the Chimichurri Sauce
Start by making the sauce so the flavors have time to meld. In a medium bowl, combine:
Chopped parsley
Minced garlic
Red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper
Red wine vinegar
Next, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, whisking continuously until the mixture is well-emulsified. Set aside at room temperature.
Tip: Chimichurri can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge—it only gets better with time!
2. Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
In two separate bowls:
Steak: Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Shrimp: Do the same with the shrimp—olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a spicy kick).
This short marinade helps build deep flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the proteins.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Grab your skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones) and alternate threading one piece of steak followed by one shrimp. Repeat until each skewer is full. This visual contrast of red meat and white seafood creates a stunning presentation on the grill—and on the plate.
4. Grill to Perfection
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if needed.
Place your skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a medium steak (pink center, slightly charred edges) and shrimp that are opaque and lightly curled.
Keep a close eye—overcooking either protein will make them rubbery or tough.
5. Sauce It Up and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 1–2 minutes.
Generously drizzle chimichurri sauce over the skewers, then serve immediately with a bowl of extra sauce on the side. The fresh garlic and parsley in the chimichurri cut through the richness of the meat and complement the sweetness of the shrimp.
🍽️ Suggested Sides & Serving Ideas
Make it a full meal with any of these simple yet flavorful sides:
Grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
Roasted baby potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa salad
Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus
For drinks, think crisp white wine, citrusy margaritas, or an ice-cold sparkling lemonade.
🔁 Customization Options
Want to make it your own? Here are some tasty twists:
Use filet mignon or ribeye for a more luxurious cut.
Swap shrimp with scallops for a buttery seafood switch.
Add veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to the skewers.
Make it spicy: Blend some jalapeño into the chimichurri.
⏱ Quick Recap
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4 people
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
✨ Final Bite
These Surf and Turf Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce strike the perfect balance between hearty and fresh, smoky and zesty. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a special dinner, this is the kind of dish that earns you compliments, seconds, and maybe even applause.
So fire up that grill and make your next meal something unforgettable. 🌿🔥🍤🥩
