What Are Surf And Turf Skewers?
Surf And Turf Skewers with Chimichurri are a modern take on the classic restaurant dish that combines beef and seafood. Traditionally served as steak paired with lobster or shrimp, the concept has evolved into many creative variations.
Instead of plating both proteins separately, they are threaded onto skewers along with vegetables and grilled together. This approach creates a dish that is easy to cook, easy to serve, and visually impressive.
The popularity of steak and shrimp skewers continues to grow because they combine bold flavors and vibrant presentation.
Key characteristics of surf and turf skewers
- Combination of beef and seafood
- Cooked over high heat on a grill
- Often paired with chimichurri herb sauce
- Served on skewers for easy portioning
Why Chimichurri Is the Perfect Sauce
No recipe for grilled surf and turf skewers feels complete without a drizzle of chimichurri sauce.
This vibrant green condiment is famous for complementing grilled meats.
What makes chimichurri special
- Fresh herb flavor
- Garlicky aroma
- Tangy acidity
- Smooth olive oil base
The sauce brings brightness to grilled dishes and balances the smoky flavors created during cooking.
Ingredients for Surf And Turf Skewers with Chimichurri
For the Surf and Turf Skewers
- 500g steak (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon), cut into cubes
- 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ons
- Mushrooms
- Scallops
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro (for variation)
For Skewers
- Metal skewers or
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20–30 minutes)
Equipment Needed for Perfect Skewers
You don’t need complicated equipment to make grilled steak and shrimp skewers, but a few tools make the process easier.
Skewer types
You can choose between:
Metal skewers
- Reusable
- Durable
- Conduct heat efficiently
Bamboo skewers
- Affordable
- Disposable
- Must be soaked before grilling
Soaking bamboo skewers prevents them from burning.
Grill options
You can cook surf and turf skewers using several methods:
- Gas grill
- Charcoal grill
- Grill pan
- Oven broiler
Outdoor grills provide the most authentic smoky flavor.
Helpful tools
Keep these tools nearby:
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Large serving platter
- Sharp knife
These tools simplify preparation and cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Surf & Turf Skewers
Preparing sizzling surf and turf skewers becomes easy when you follow a clear process.
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by prepping everything.
- Cut steak into cubes
- Peel and devein shrimp
- Chop vegetables into bite-size pieces
Uniform sizes help everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Optional marinade
Some cooks prefer to marinate steak before grilling.
A simple marinade may include:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Marinating briefly can add additional flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the skewers
Thread the ingredients in alternating patterns.
Example pattern:
- Steak
- Bell pepper
- Shrimp
- Onion
- Tomato
- Steak
This arrangement ensures each skewer includes a variety of ingredients.
Step 4: Season the skewers
Before grilling, lightly season the skewers.
Use:
- Salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Olive oil drizzle
This step enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step 5: Preheat the grill
High heat is essential for creating the char associated with grilled steak skewers.
Recommended temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Preheating also prevents ingredients from sticking to the grill.
Step 6: Grill the skewers
Place the skewers directly over heat.
Important grilling tips:
- Turn skewers every few minutes
- Avoid overcrowding the grill
- Cook until steak reaches desired doneness
Shrimp should become opaque and slightly firm when cooked.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Allow skewers to rest briefly before serving.
This step helps preserve texture and enhances flavor.
How to Make Authentic Chimichurri Sauce
The finishing touch for surf and turf skewers is fresh chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients
A traditional version uses:
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Oregano
- Chili flakes
Preparation method
Follow these steps:
- Finely chop parsley and garlic
- Combine herbs in a bowl
- Add vinegar and seasonings
- Slowly whisk in olive oil
- Stir until evenly mixed
The sauce should appear loose with visible herb pieces.
Flavor tips
For the best results:
- Use freshly chopped herbs
- Allow the sauce to rest briefly
- Adjust vinegar to taste
Drizzle the sauce over grilled surf and turf skewers just before serving.
Best Steak Cuts for Surf & Turf Skewers
Selecting the right cut of beef can dramatically influence the final dish.
Sirloin
Sirloin steak is popular because it offers balanced flavor and a firm texture.
Ribeye
Ribeye provides bold flavor thanks to its marbling.
Filet mignon
This cut delivers exceptional tenderness and a refined presentation.
Each option works beautifully in steak and shrimp skewers.
Best Seafood Options
While shrimp is most common, other seafood options can elevate the dish.
Shrimp
- Quick cooking time
- Easy to prepare
- Classic pairing with steak
Scallops
Scallops bring a delicate texture and elegant flavor.
Lobster
Lobster chunks create a luxurious version of surf and turf kabobs.
Delicious Variations of Surf & Turf Skewers
One of the best things about surf and turf skewers is how easily they can be customized.
Spicy chimichurri variation
Add extra heat with:
- Jalapeño
- Extra chili flakes
- Fresh cilantro
Mediterranean style
Enhance flavors with:
- Lemon zest
- Oregano
- Crumbled feta
Asian-inspired skewers
Try a marinade featuring:
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
Vegetarian alternative
Vegetarian skewers can include:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Halloumi
- Bell peppers
Serve them with chimichurri herb sauce for bold flavor.
What to Serve With Surf & Turf Skewers
A few well-chosen sides complement the bold flavors of grilled skewers.
Popular side dishes
- Garlic rice
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled corn
Fresh salads
- Mediterranean salad
- Tomato cucumber salad
- Caesar salad
Bread pairings
Bread works well with chimichurri sauce.
Options include:
- Grilled baguette
- Flatbread
- Garlic bread
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, proper storage helps maintain flavor.
Storage tips
- Place skewers in airtight containers
- Refrigerate promptly
Reheating methods
Best options include:
- Oven
- Grill
- Skillet
These methods help retain the grilled texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors when making surf and turf skewers.
Overcooking shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly and should be removed once opaque.
Using uneven ingredient sizes
Different sizes cause uneven cooking.
Skipping skewer soaking
Bamboo skewers should be soaked to prevent burning.
Adding sauce too early
Apply chimichurri sauce after grilling to maintain its fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is surf and turf?
Surf and turf refers to a dish combining seafood and red meat, typically steak paired with shrimp, lobster, or scallops.
What seafood pairs best with steak?
Popular choices include:
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Scallops
These ingredients complement the bold flavor of grilled beef.
Can surf and turf skewers be cooked in the oven?
Yes. Arrange the skewers on a baking tray and cook at high heat while turning halfway through.
Can chimichurri be prepared in advance?
Yes. Chimichurri sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What vegetables work best on skewers?
Vegetables that hold their shape during grilling include:
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
Final Thoughts
Sizzling skewers: surf & turf meets chimichurri is a dish that perfectly combines bold flavors, colorful presentation, and the excitement of grilling. By pairing steak with seafood and finishing everything with vibrant chimichurri sauce, you create a meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.