Surf and Turf Kabobs Chimichurri – Easy Delicious

Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce are an absolute showstopper, and for good reason! Who can resist the irresistible combination of succulent steak and plump, juicy shrimp, all grilled to perfection and infused with vibrant flavor? This dish captures the essence of celebration and delicious indulgence, making it a beloved choice for everything from backyard barbecues to special occasion dinners. What truly elevates these Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce from merely good to utterly unforgettable is the bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Its zesty kick cuts through the richness of the meat and seafood, creating a perfectly balanced bite that will have you reaching for skewer after skewer. I love how simple yet sophisticated this meal feels, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

The Ultimate Flavor Fusion

Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce

There’s something undeniably special about a perfectly grilled kabob. The smoky char, the tender morsels of meat and seafood, all infused with vibrant flavors – it’s a culinary experience that sings of summer. And when you elevate that experience with a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. This surf and turf kabob recipe brings together the rich decadence of sirloin steak and the sweet, succulent bite of jumbo shrimp, all unified by a bright, garlicky chimichurri that will have your taste buds dancing.

The magic of chimichurri lies in its simplicity and its incredible freshness. It’s a classic Argentinian sauce, traditionally served with grilled meats, and it’s the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the steak and shrimp. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and a hint of spice creates a flavor explosion that cuts through the richness and elevates every bite. Making it yourself is incredibly easy and infinitely better than anything store-bought.

Let’s get started with what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

Chimichurri Sauce Preparation

First, let’s focus on our star sauce. This chimichurri is where all the vibrant, herbaceous goodness comes from. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the key is to use the freshest ingredients you can find.

1. Combine the Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of olive oil and the ½ cup of red grape juice vinegar. This forms the flavorful base of our chimichurri.
2. Add Aromatics and Herbs: To this mixture, add the minced garlic, minced shallot, minced fresh parsley, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh oregano, chopped cilantro, and the finely chopped jalapeno. Don’t be shy with the herbs – they are the heart and soul of this sauce!
3. Season and Spice: Stir in the sea salt and the cayenne pepper. The cayenne adds a gentle warmth, but feel free to adjust it to your preferred level of heat. If you love a bit of a kick, add a little more.
4. Let Flavors Mingle: Once everything is thoroughly combined, cover the bowl and let the chimichurri sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or ideally, refrigerate it for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. You can even make this sauce a day in advance; it tastes even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving.

Kabob Assembly and Grilling

Now that our vibrant chimichurri is ready to shine, let’s move on to the main event: the surf and turf kabobs.

1. Prepare the Steak: Ensure your sirloin steak is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. If your steak is a little uneven, trim it so the pieces are as close in size as possible. We’re aiming for tender, juicy bites, and consistent sizing is key to achieving that.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure your jumbo shrimp are peeled and deveined, and if you like, leave the tails on for visual appeal and easier handling on the grill. Gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better rather than steam.
3. Marinate (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary due to the vibrant sauce, a quick marinade can add another layer of flavor and tenderness to the steak. You can toss the steak cubes with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, then let it sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare your skewers.
4. Assemble the Kabobs: This is where the fun begin extracts! If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. Thread the steak cubes and shrimp onto the skewers, alternating between them. You can also add colorful vegetables like bell pepper chunks, red onion wedges, or cherry tomatoes if you like for extra flavor and visual appeal. Aim for a balanced distribution of steak and shrimp on each skewer so that they cook evenly. Don’t pack the ingredients too tightly; leave a little space between them to allow the heat to circulate and create those lovely char marks.
5. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the assembled kabobs on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side for the shrimp, and 4-6 minutes per side for the steak, depending on your desired level of doneness for the steak (rare, medium-rare, or medium). The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the steak should have a nice sear on the outside and be cooked to your liking on the inside. Be careful not to overcook, especially the shrimp, as they can become tough. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak if you’re unsure; aim for around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
6. Rest and Serve: Once grilled to perfection, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes on a platter. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Serve the hot kabobs immediately, generously drizzled with your fresh, homemade chimichurri sauce. This dish is fantastic on its own or served alongside some grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce! This recipe truly hits all the right notes – it’s elegant enough for a special occasion but surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend barbecue. The delightful combination of tender steak and succulent shrimp, perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor, is elevated by the vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri. It’s a culinary adventure that’s both impressive and incredibly satisfying. Imagin extracte the smoky char of the kabobs mingling with the zesty, garlicky goodness of the sauce – it’s pure deliciousness on a stick!

These kabobs are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. For a more casual affair, they’re fantastic on their own with some crusty bread for dipping into any extra chimichurri. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your protein and veggie choices too! Swap the steak for lamb or beef tenderloin, or try different types of firm fish like cod or halibut. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent additions to the skewers.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on this flavorful journey. I’m confident these Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce will become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chimichurri sauce is even better when made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What’s the best way to prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

The key is to add the shrimp to the kabobs during the last few minutes of grilling. They cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them until they turn pink and opaque.

Surf and Turf Kabobs with Chimichurri Sauce

Juicy sirloin steak and plump shrimp marinated and grilled to perfection, served with a vibrant and herby chimichurri sauce.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
12 Minutes

Total Time
32 Minutes

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup olive oil
• ½ cup red grape juice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ⅔ cup minced shallot
• ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
• 1 medium jalapeno, (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ((or more to taste))
• 3 pounds sirloin steak, (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 package (16 ounces) jumbo shrimp, (peeled and deveined, tail-on)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1
   For the chimichurri sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 cup olive oil, ½ cup red grape juice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic minced, ⅔ cup minced shallot, ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro, 1 medium jalapeno (finely chopped), 1 teaspoon sea salt, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine and set aside.
2. Step 2
   For the kabobs: In a large bowl, toss the 3 pounds sirloin steak cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the 1 package jumbo shrimp to the bowl with the steak.
3. Step 3
   Thread the marinated sirloin steak cubes and jumbo shrimp onto skewers, alternating between them.
4. Step 4
   Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
5. Step 5
   Grill the kabobs for 8-12 minutes, or until the steak is cooked to your desired doneness and the shrimp are pink and opaque, turning occasionally.
6. Step 6
   Serve the surf and turf kabobs immediately with the prepared chimichurri sauce for dipping.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.