The irresistible combination of juicy steak and succulent shrimp gets elevated with a luscious garlic butter glaze in this surf-and-turf favorite. These skewers are quick to prepare and perfect for any summer grill session or weeknight indulgence. Every bite is loaded with bold, savory flavors and finished with a touch of lemon and fresh parsley for a zesty kick. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard BBQ or impressing guests at dinner, these steak and shrimp skewers will become your go-to showstopper.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
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Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water if wooden
Directions:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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In a large bowl, toss steak cubes and shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Thread skewers, alternating between steak and shrimp. Set aside.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Remove from heat.
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Brush half of the garlic butter over the skewers before grilling.
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Place skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until steak is cooked to desired doneness and shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
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Remove from grill and brush with the remaining garlic butter before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Grilled Classic: The Magic of Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
If there’s one dish that brings people together during summer cookouts, weekend dinners, or cozy weeknight meals, it’s a perfectly grilled surf and turf combo. Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter combine the bold richness of tender beef with the delicate sweetness of shrimp—basted in aromatic garlic butter that seals in flavor and moisture with every brushstroke. It’s the kind of dish that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Whether you’re a backyard grill master or someone looking for a quick but impressive dinner option, this dish offers the best of both land and sea in a single bite. But there’s more to it than just taste—this dish tells a story of culinary harmony, balanced nutrition, and versatile cooking.
The Origins of Surf and Turf
The idea of combining red meat with seafood dates back to the 1960s and 70s in North American steakhouse culture. Originally associated with luxury and indulgence, the surf and turf dish was once a menu staple at high-end restaurants. The pairing was designed to offer the best of both worlds—juicy beef and elegant seafood—symbolizing opulence and satisfaction.
Over the years, the concept has evolved. Instead of elaborate plated meals, modern food lovers now enjoy more casual, versatile versions like these skewers. Grilling steak and shrimp on skewers not only simplifies the process but enhances the flavor through caramelization and smokiness. Add garlic butter to the equation, and you’ve got a recipe that pays homage to its roots while embracing modern taste and convenience.
Why Garlic Butter Is the Ultimate Game-Changer
What truly elevates these skewers is the garlic butter glaze. It’s not just a sauce; it’s the secret weapon that transforms good into unforgettable. Butter, with its rich fat content, helps seal in the juices of both steak and shrimp while allowing the garlic and herbs to coat every surface of the protein.
Garlic itself brings its own benefits. It’s known for its heart-healthy properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune-boosting qualities. When gently sautéed in butter, garlic loses its sharpness and becomes sweet and mellow—infusing the entire dish with a balanced, earthy flavor.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice finish the garlic butter, adding a vibrant contrast to the richness of the meat and shrimp. The result? A bright, buttery, herbaceous glaze that complements the grilled skewers perfectly.
Quick to Make, Impressive to Serve
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is its simplicity and speed. You don’t need hours in the kitchen, complicated ingredients, or multiple cooking steps. The steak and shrimp cook evenly and quickly on skewers—usually within 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
It’s perfect for:
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Busy weeknights – Prep and cook in under 30 minutes.
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Entertaining guests – Looks and tastes like something out of a fine dining menu.
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Outdoor grilling sessions – Ideal for barbecues or summer picnics.
Even beginner cooks can feel confident preparing this dish thanks to the straightforward method and flexible ingredient list.
Nutritional Advantages: Protein-Packed and Low Carb
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritionally balanced and fits well with several modern diets. Both steak and shrimp are excellent sources of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, metabolism, and energy levels.
Shrimp is low in calories but high in key nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. Steak, especially lean cuts like sirloin, delivers iron, zinc, and vitamin B6—making this dish incredibly satisfying and nourishing.
For those following low-carb, keto, or paleo lifestyles, this recipe fits beautifully. You won’t find any processed ingredients, grains, or sugars here—just fresh protein, herbs, and healthy fats.
Customization and Versatility
While the original version of the recipe is a showstopper on its own, it’s incredibly easy to customize:
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Spice it up: Add red chili flakes or cayenne to the butter for a spicy kick.
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Use different herbs: Try cilantro, thyme, or rosemary for new flavor profiles.
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Add vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can be added to the skewers for color and extra nutrition.
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Change the protein: Swap out shrimp for scallops or use chicken if you prefer poultry over beef.
This flexibility makes it a go-to option for accommodating different dietary preferences or simply using what’s in your fridge.
Perfect Pairings for a Full Meal
These skewers are flavorful enough to stand alone, but they also shine alongside complementary side dishes. Some excellent pairings include:
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Garlic mashed potatoes or herb butter rice
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Grilled vegetables such as asparagus, corn, or mushrooms
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Fresh summer salads with lemon vinaigrette
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Crusty bread to mop up leftover garlic butter
Add a glass of chilled white wine or a bold red, and you’ve created a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Planning ahead? These skewers can be prepped and stored for quick weekday meals. Simply marinate the steak and shrimp (with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika), thread them on skewers, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Leftovers? They reheat well in a skillet with a touch of butter, or you can slice them off the skewers and toss them into a salad, pasta, or stir-fry for a completely different dish the next day.
Cooking Methods Beyond the Grill
Don’t have access to a grill? No problem.
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Stovetop Grill Pan: Great for indoor grilling, especially during colder months.
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Oven Broiler: Place skewers on a foil-lined tray under a hot broiler for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
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Air Fryer: A modern favorite—air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for juicy, slightly crispy results.
The garlic butter glaze works beautifully in all methods, and the steak and shrimp retain their bold flavor no matter how they’re cooked.
Why This Recipe Always Impresses
There’s something universally appealing about the surf and turf concept. It feels indulgent without being overwhelming, and it appeals to both seafood lovers and meat enthusiasts alike.
What sets this particular version apart is how it balances elegance with ease. The presentation is vibrant and appetizing, the flavors are bold yet well-rounded, and the cook time is fast enough to fit into a busy lifestyle.
Plus, you don’t need expensive ingredients or fancy equipment—just quality proteins, fresh herbs, and a few pantry staples.
Conclusion
Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. From the smoky grill marks on the steak to the juicy tenderness of the shrimp, every element of this dish delivers flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complex cooking skills to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself after a long day, these skewers hit every note. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
