Take your grilling game to the next level with these Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers with Chimichurri — a restaurant-quality dish that combines the best of land and sea. Tender steak cubes and juicy shrimp are marinated to perfection, grilled over an open flame, and finished with a vibrant homemade chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic.
This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering an irresistible blend of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, a romantic dinner, or a weekend feast, these skewers deliver gourmet results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
For the Skewers
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or tenderloin steak, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes
- Grilling time: 10–12 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Divide the mixture in half — one portion for the steak and one for the shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Proteins
- Place the steak cubes in one bowl and shrimp in another.
- Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
Step 3: Prepare the Chimichurri
- In a small bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and let it sit at room temperature while you grill to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread alternating pieces of steak and shrimp onto the skewers.
- Make sure to keep similar-sized pieces together for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Skewers
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the skewers for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning until the steak is charred on the outside and the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the skewers from the grill and drizzle generously with chimichurri sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, garlic butter rice, or roasted potatoes.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light red like Pinot Noir for balance.
- For a fresh contrast, add a small side salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 2 skewers) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 35 grams |
| Total Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 4 grams |
| Sugars | 1 gram |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 310 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- High in protein from both shrimp and steak, supporting muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in healthy fats from olive oil in the chimichurri.
- Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
- Packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs and garlic.
Tips for Perfect Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly, so remove as soon as they’re opaque.
- Rest the steak for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
- Make extra chimichurri — it keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge and goes great with grilled veggies, chicken, or bread.
Variations to Try
- Replace shrimp with scallops or lobster chunks for an elevated version.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions between meat and shrimp for extra flavor.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty tropical twist.
- Spice it up with extra chili flakes or jalapeño in the chimichurri.
These Grilled Surf and Turf Skewers with Chimichurri are the perfect way to bring bold, balanced flavors to your dinner table. The combination of juicy steak, tender shrimp, and vibrant chimichurri creates a dish that’s elegant yet approachable, ideal for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.
Fire up the grill, make a batch of this zesty sauce, and savor every bite of this unforgettable surf-and-turf experience!