Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers With Chimichurri Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers With Chimichurri Recipe

Backyard barbecues reach new heights with these mouthwatering grilled surf & turf skewers that combine tender beef and succulent shrimp.

Juicy chunks of marinated steak intermingle with plump seafood on each wooden stick.

Salt and pepper provide a classic seasoning foundation for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Chimichurri sauce adds a zesty Argentine-inspired punch that makes every bite sing with fresh herb complexity.

Colorful bell peppers and red onions provide additional texture and visual appeal to the skewers.

Weekend grill masters will appreciate how quickly these skewers come together with minimal preparation.

Let’s fire up the grill and create a memorable meal that sparks conversation and delights every palate.

How to Grill Surf & Turf Skewers Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat, creating the perfect cooking zone for your delicious skewers.

Step 2: Prep Protein And Veggies

Lovingly coat beef cubes with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
Grab your skewers and create a mouth-watering pattern by threading:
  • Beef cubes
  • Succulent shrimp
  • Colorful bell peppers
  • Zesty onion slices

Alternate ingredients for a stunning visual and flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sear And Grill

Place skewers on the hot grill, letting them cook for 8-10 minutes. Rotate occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Watch for beef to reach your preferred doneness and shrimp to turn beautifully opaque.

Step 4: Whip Up Vibrant Chimichurri

In a mixing bowl, combine fresh ingredients:
  • Chopped parsley
  • Robust olive oil
  • Tangy red wine vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Spicy red pepper flakes
  • Pinch of salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Stir everything together to create a zesty sauce that will elevate your skewers.

Step 5: Plate And Devour

Drizzle the bright chimichurri sauce generously over your hot-off-the-grill skewers. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips for Flavorful Surf & Turf Skewers

  • Soak beef cubes in chimichurri sauce for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance tenderness and taste.
  • Place shrimp on cooler parts of the grill or use separate skewers to avoid becoming rubbery.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and charring.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure beef reaches your preferred doneness – medium-rare at 135°F or medium at 145°F.
  • Replace bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Variations of Surf & Turf Skewers to Try

  • Spicy Southwest Skewers: Replace chimichurri with a zesty jalapeño-lime marinade using fresh cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños, and olive oil for a bold Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap chimichurri for a Greek-style sauce with tzatziki ingredients like yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, and garlic, adding a creamy and refreshing touch to the skewers.
  • Asian Ginger Marinade: Transform the recipe with a soy-ginger glaze using soy sauce, fresh ginger, honey, sesame oil, and green onions, creating an umami-rich Asian-inspired version of the original skewers.

Pairings That Complement Surf & Turf Skewers

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a bold Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and zesty chimichurri sauce, enhancing the grilled flavors with its robust character.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the meat's richness while matching the skewers' charred intensity and herbal chimichurri notes.
  • Refreshing Side Kick: Prepare a crisp cucumber-mint mojito that provides a cool, bright counterpoint to the grilled meat, balancing the dish's smoky and spicy elements.
  • Summer Sangria Boost: Mix a white wine sangria with citrus fruits and a touch of jalapeño to mirror the skewers' vibrant ingredients and add a festive, light-hearted dimension to the meal.

Storing Surf & Turf Skewers Correctly

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating meat and seafood to prevent flavor mixing.

Wrap cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, storing for maximum 2 months to maintain quality.

Warm skewers on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking shrimp and beef.

Place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, preserving moisture and tenderness.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat for the skewers?

Yes, you can substitute beef with sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken for variety while keeping similar cooking times.

  • How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking on the skewer?

Keep shrimp pieces large and thread them loosely on skewers, checking frequently during grilling to ensure they remain tender and don’t become rubbery.

  • Is chimichurri sauce always made the same way?

Chimichurri recipes vary, but the classic Argentine version includes fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil with minor regional adaptations.

  • What's the best way to ensure even cooking on skewers?

Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces and leave a small space between ingredients to allow heat to circulate evenly during grilling.

Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

  • Grill Like a Pro: Master restaurant-quality surf and turf skewers with simple grilling techniques that elevate your backyard cooking game.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily swap proteins or vegetables to match your taste preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer gatherings, these colorful skewers impress guests without requiring complex cooking skills or hours of preparation.
  • Nutrition Packed Meal: Combines lean protein from beef and shrimp with vibrant bell peppers and onions, delivering a balanced and nutritious dinner option that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Ingredients for Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

For the Protein:
  • Beef Cubes: Tender, marbled meat that provides a rich and hearty flavor to the skewers.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a delicate sweetness and oceanic touch to the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Onion: Colorful and crisp vegetables that bring freshness and a slight crunch to the skewers.
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
  • Parsley, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: A vibrant and zesty sauce that enhances the grilled meats with a bright, herbal, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
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Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers With Chimichurri Recipe

Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers With Chimichurri Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling surf & turf skewers deliver Argentine-inspired flavors with perfectly charred shrimp and tender beef. Chimichurri sauce adds zesty green freshness, making you crave each herb-infused, smoky bite from grill to plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) sirloin or ribeye steak, cubed
  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Wood or metal skewers

Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the outdoor grill to a robust medium-high temperature around 400-450°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.
  2. Carefully massage beef cubes with extra virgin olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  3. Construct skewers by threading alternating pieces of marinated beef, succulent shrimp, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet red onions to create visually appealing and balanced presentation.
  4. Position skewers on preheated grill, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent burning.
  5. Monitor protein doneness – beef should reach medium rare (135°F) and shrimp should turn completely opaque with slight char marks.
  6. While skewers grill, rapidly whisk fresh parsley, robust olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, minced garlic, zesty red pepper flakes, and complementary seasonings in mixing bowl.
  7. Remove skewers from grill, allowing momentary resting period to redistribute internal juices.
  8. Generously drizzle prepared chimichurri sauce over hot skewers, ensuring each component receives aromatic herbal coating.
  9. Serve immediately for optimal temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Prevent Shrimp Overcooking by threading them near skewer ends where heat is less intense, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
  • Soak Wooden Skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential flame flare-ups during cooking.
  • Create Gluten-Free Version by using tamari instead of traditional sauces and confirming all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion by marinating beef cubes for 30 minutes before grilling, allowing seasoning to deeply penetrate the meat.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 468 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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