Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings together the juicy, savory flavors of perfectly grilled steak with the tender, succulent sweetness of shrimp, then this Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a lively, colorful skewered feast that bursts with bold spices, fresh veggies, and a marinade that locks in incredible taste. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a sunny weekend or treating loved ones to a special dinner, these kabobs are not just delicious but also a fun way to enjoy surf and turf in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to this Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe. Each component plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making your kabobs not just tasty but visually irresistible.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender chunks that hold up beautifully on the grill.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined to make every bite easy and perfectly cooked in minutes.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweet crunch and a pop of bright red color to the skewers.
- 1 green bell pepper: Offers fresh, slightly bitter contrast that pairs wonderfully with the richness of steak.
- 1 red onion: Sliced into wedges; its mild sharpness mellows on the grill for a smoky sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep everything moist and in sync with the marinade flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a subtle hint of saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky warmth that complements the grill’s char perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat for a little kick.
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers: Essential for threading your kabobs and grilling them evenly.
How to Make Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the heart of the Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe, guaranteeing each bite is packed with vibrant, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Marinate Steak and Shrimp
Add the sirloin steak cubes and peeled shrimp to the marinade and toss everything to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes. This short marinating time is enough for the flavors to soak in deeply, ensuring tender, flavorful kabobs.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill and Skewers
While the steak and shrimp marinate, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. Thread the steak, shrimp, red and green bell peppers, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating ingredients to create a colorful and balanced presentation.
Step 4: Grill the Kabobs
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even charring and cooking. You’re aiming for the steak to be cooked to medium doneness with a nice crust and the shrimp turning opaque and slightly charred—this is where the magic happens, fusing surf and turf into one amazing bite.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once grilled to perfection, remove the kabobs from the heat and serve them right away to enjoy the best texture and juiciness. The juicy steak combined with tender shrimp and smoky veggies makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the kabobs add a burst of green color and freshness. A wedge of lemon served on the side lets diners add an extra splash of citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with the savory grilled flavors.
Side Dishes
Steak and shrimp kabobs shine when paired with simple, fresh sides such as fluffy rice pilaf, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp summer salad. These sides complement the smoky, savory kabobs without overpowering them, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange kabobs on a platter lined with greens and scatter extra bell pepper chunks and onion wedges around. You can also serve them on a wooden board with small dipping bowls filled with extra marinade or a homemade tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the kabobs whole to preserve moisture, and be sure to cool them before refrigerating to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these kabobs fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and shrimp separately. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, especially of the shrimp.
Reheating
Reheat leftover kabobs gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can toughen the steak and rubberize the shrimp. A quick sear on a hot pan also works well to recapture some of the grill’s charred flavor.
FAQs
Can I use wooden skewers instead of metal ones?
Yes! Just remember to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. This is a simple step that makes a big difference when cooking kabobs.
How do I ensure the steak and shrimp cook evenly on the grill?
Because steak and shrimp have different cooking times, threading them on separate skewers is a smart idea. This way, you can remove the shrimp skewers once they turn opaque and cook the steak skewers a bit longer for your preferred doneness.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan or broiler indoors. Just be sure to watch the kabobs closely to replicate the char and cooked-through look, turning as needed to prevent burning.
What can I add to the marinade for extra flavor?
Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of honey for sweetness, some crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or even pineapple juice for a tropical twist. These additions complement the steak and shrimp beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking a high-protein, tasty meal without gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about creating and sharing this Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe. It’s easy, vibrant, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings out the best of summer grilling with surf and turf flavors all in one bite. Next time you want a dish that’s both impressive and simple, these kabobs will become your go-to. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious they are!
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Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 30-60 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Steak and Shrimp Kabobs recipe combines tender sirloin steak and succulent shrimp with colorful bell peppers and red onions, all marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and smoked paprika. Grilled to perfection, these kabobs offer a delicious surf and turf experience that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Metal or soaked wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Steak and Shrimp: Add the sirloin steak cubes and peeled shrimp to the marinade, tossing to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: While marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s ready for cooking the kabobs perfectly.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread the marinated steak, shrimp, red and green bell pepper chunks, and red onion wedges alternately onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, organizing ingredients to maximize even cooking and visual appeal.
- Grill the Kabobs: Place the assembled kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to char all sides evenly, until the steak reaches a medium doneness and the shrimp turn opaque with slight charring.
- Serve: Remove the kabobs from the grill and serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice, grilled corn, or a fresh summer salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more even cooking, consider threading steak and shrimp on separate skewers since they cook at different rates.
- Serve with complementary sides like rice, grilled corn, or a fresh summer salad for a balanced meal.
- Customize the marinade by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American