If you are craving a perfect blend of juicy steak and succulent shrimp combined into one irresistible dish, you have to try this Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe. This dish brings together tender sirloin and plump shrimp, perfectly marinated and grilled to smoky perfection. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that feels special enough for any occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. With every bite, the luscious combination of surf and turf will keep you coming back for more, making it a true crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a key role—ghee adds a rich buttery flavor, super garlic brings bold punch, and fresh lemon juice lifts the entire dish with bright citrus notes. Together, they create a marinade that really lets the natural flavors of the shrimp and sirloin shine.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh, plump shrimp for the best texture and flavor contrast against the beef.
- 1/4 cup ghee: This clarified butter adds a nutty richness that complements both surf and turf perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon super garlic (or flake garlic + sea salt): Garlic infuses the marinade with vibrant savory notes essential for grilling.
- 2 pounds sirloin: Go for top-quality sirloin for tender, juicy beef that grills beautifully alongside the shrimp.
- 1 lemon (juiced): Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the ghee and meat.
How to Make Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp and Beef
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp together with the sirloin cubes in a large bowl. Pour over the ghee, sprinkle in the super garlic, and drizzle the fresh lemon juice on top. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated with the flavorful marinade. Let it sit for 15 minutes—this quick marinating time is just enough to infuse the kabobs with that mouthwatering garlicky, buttery zest.
Step 2: Skewer the Ingredients
Once marinated, thread the shrimp and beef pieces evenly onto skewers. Alternating between meat and seafood not only helps with even cooking but also presents a beautiful contrast of colors and textures when grilling.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and start cooking the kabobs. Grill the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. The sirloin needs a bit more time—cook it for 4 to 5 minutes per side to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Keep a close eye so nothing overcooks and dries out!
Step 4: Serve with Extra Ghee
To finish, brush the kabobs lightly with some additional melted ghee to add an extra touch of richness and gloss. Serve them hot off the grill and get ready for a delicious meal that combines the best worlds of land and sea!
How to Serve Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your kabobs with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to add a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness. Thin lemon slices or wedges on the side allow your guests to squeeze extra citrus over the meat and shrimp, enhancing the zesty notes from the marinade.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair beautifully with light and fresh sides like a crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. For something hearty, try garlic butter rice or grilled vegetables such as asparagus and bell peppers, which echo the smoky flavors of the kabobs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, lay the kabobs over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a colorful, textured plate. Another idea is to serve the kabobs with warm pita bread and a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, turning this into a delightful surf and turf kebab wrap experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, promptly store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cabinets of your fridge will keep them fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure to separate the kabobs from any moist ingredients to preserve texture.
Freezing
While freshly grilled kabobs are always best, you can freeze uncooked marinated shrimp and beef skewers separately before grilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Avoid freezing after cooking, as the texture may suffer upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat cooked Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an oven set to 300°F (150°C) to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave to keep the kabobs juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of sirloin?
Absolutely! You can swap sirloin for ribeye, filet mignon, or even chicken breast if you prefer. Just adjust grilling times accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Peeling and deveining shrimp improves both texture and taste, removing the tougher shell and any grit from the vein. It makes the kabob experience much more enjoyable.
Can I prepare the kabobs without a grill?
Yes, you can cook these kabobs on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just watch the cooking times closely to avoid overcooking the shrimp or beef.
What if I don’t have ghee; can I use butter?
Butter can be used in place of ghee, but ghee’s higher smoke point makes it better suited for grilling. If you use butter, grill at a lower temperature and watch for any burning.
How important is the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice is key to balancing the richness of the ghee and the meats with bright acidity. Without it, the kabobs might taste a bit heavy or flat, so try not to skip it!
Final Thoughts
This Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe is a true celebration of flavors that will quickly become one of your favorites. The harmony between juicy sirloin and tender shrimp, kissed by garlic, ghee, and lemon, makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re cooking for friends or simply treating yourself, these kabobs promise an easy, delicious meal with a wow factor that’s sure to impress. Go ahead and fire up the grill—you won’t regret it!
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Surf and Turf Kabobs Recipe
Savor the perfect balance of land and sea with these flavorful Surf and Turf Kabobs. Juicy sirloin and succulent shrimp are marinated in ghee, garlic, and lemon, then grilled to perfection for a quick and satisfying meal ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 pounds sirloin
Marinade
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1 tablespoon super garlic (or flake garlic mixed with sea salt)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Marinate the proteins: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with sirloin pieces. Drizzle the ghee, sprinkle the super garlic or garlic-salt mixture, and pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the selection. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat all pieces, then let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Skewer the kabobs: Thread the marinated shrimp and sirloin pieces alternately onto skewers, ensuring an even distribution for balanced grilling and visual appeal.
- Grill the kabobs: Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Grill the beef for 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for a nice sear and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the kabobs from the grill, serve immediately with extra melted ghee brushed on top for enhanced richness, and enjoy your delicious surf and turf meal.
Notes
- To prevent shrimp from overcooking, keep a close watch on grilling time since they cook faster than beef.
- Using ghee enhances the smokiness and adds a rich buttery flavor that complements both protein types.
- For easier grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use.
- You can substitute sirloin with other tender cuts of beef like ribeye or tenderloin if preferred.
- This recipe can be adapted for indoor grilling with a grill pan or broiler if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
