Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

Looking for a dish that’s a showstopper at your next barbecue or dinner gathering? Well, look no further! These Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri are everything you want in a summer meal: juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night with loved ones, these skewers offer a mouthwatering combination of succulent shrimp and tender steak, all charred to perfection and drizzled with a zesty chimichurri sauce.

The chimichurri sauce takes these skewers to the next level, offering a fresh, herbaceous punch that’s just the right complement to the richness of the steak and the delicate shrimp. Trust me, this combination will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

• Perfectly Balanced: The surf (shrimp) and turf (steak) combination is the ultimate pairing. You get the savory, tender steak and the sweet, juicy shrimp with every bite.
• Flavorful Chimichurri: The tangy, garlicky, herby chimichurri sauce adds a fresh pop of flavor that brightens up the grilled meats, making each bite burst with goodness.
• Easy and Fun: Skewers make everything easier to cook and serve! They’re simple to prep, and grilling them gives them that smoky, charred flavor that everyone loves.
• Impressive and Beautiful: These skewers are just as stunning as they are tasty. The colorful shrimp and steak look gorgeous on a platter, making them perfect for impressing guests at any party or gathering.
• Customizable: You can swap the steak and shrimp with other proteins like chicken or fish if that suits your preference or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

For the Skewers:

• 1 lb. steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work great): You’ll want a tender cut of beef that grills up juicy and flavorful.
• 1 lb. shrimp (peeled and deveined): Large shrimp with their tails on add a nice presentation and are perfect for skewering.
• Olive oil: For marinating and grilling the meat and shrimp, helping to get that beautiful caramelization on the grill.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the steak and shrimp to bring out their natural flavors.
• Lemon wedges (optional): For squeezing over the skewers just before serving, adding a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the meats.

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped): Parsley is the backbone of chimichurri and gives the sauce its fresh, herby flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano (finely chopped): Oregano adds depth and a slightly peppery flavor to the sauce.
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds the bold, savory kick that makes chimichurri so irresistible.
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: The acidity of the vinegar cuts through the richness of the steak and shrimp, adding brightness.
• 1/2 cup olive oil: To bring everything together into a smooth, pourable sauce that coats the meat beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes will give the chimichurri a spicy kick.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring all the flavors are balanced perfectly.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions for Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside. Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re making it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. Cut the steak: Cut the steak into 1.5-2 inch cubes. Season the cubes with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, do that first. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. You can leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation, or remove them if you prefer.
3. Skewer the steak and shrimp: Thread the steak cubes and shrimp alternately onto skewers, making sure not to overcrowd the pieces so they cook evenly. Depending on the size of your skewers, you can add 2-3 pieces of steak and 2-3 shrimp per skewer.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare steak, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—grill them just until they turn pink, as they will continue to cook slightly once off the grill.
3. Char the meat: Give the skewers a slight twist on the grill to ensure a beautiful char on all sides. You want that smoky grilled flavor, but also ensure that the steak stays juicy and the shrimp remains tender.

Step 4: Serve and Drizzle with Chimichurri

1. Plate the skewers: Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with chimichurri: Generously drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the skewers just before serving. This will infuse the skewers with that bright, garlicky, herbaceous flavor.
3. Garnish: For an extra touch, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus, and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color.

Step 5: Enjoy!

1. Dig in: These skewers are best served immediately while hot off the grill. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a light salad, or even a bed of rice to complete the meal.

How to Serve Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri

• With a salad: A fresh arugula salad with a tangy lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with these skewers, balancing the richness of the steak and shrimp.
• Grilled vegetables: Serve with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a complete summer feast.
• On a bed of rice: Serve these skewers over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or cilantro lime rice to soak up the delicious chimichurri sauce.

Additional Tips

• Resting time: After grilling, let the skewers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute in the steak.
• Adjust seasoning: If you like more spice, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes to the chimichurri or season the steak and shrimp with a little extra cayenne pepper before grilling.
• Make it your own: Swap out the steak for chicken or pork if you prefer, or use a different protein like scallops for a more luxurious twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Skewer (steak + shrimp)

• Calories: 270
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 25g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before grilling.

Q2: Can I prepare the chimichurri ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the chimichurri sauce up to 1 day in advance. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Q3: Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

A3: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Preheat it well before adding the skewers for that nice charred flavor.

Q4: Can I substitute the steak for chicken?

A4: Yes, chicken breast or thigh meat works great in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since chicken will take a bit longer to cook through than steak.

Q5: Can I make this recipe in the oven?

A5: Yes, you can roast the skewers in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Just make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even grilling.

Q6: Can I use other herbs in the chimichurri?

A6:

Yes! While parsley and oregano are traditional, you can add or substitute other fresh herbs like cilantro or thyme for a personalized touch.

Conclusion

These Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Chimichurri are the perfect way to elevate your summer meals. The combination of tender steak and juicy shrimp, all charred to perfection, creates a deliciously balanced dish. With the bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce, these skewers are bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy these skewers with family and friends, and savor the smoky, zesty goodness!

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