Mediterranean Grilled Surf & Turf Skewers with Fresh Chimichurri
These skewers bring the best of both land and sea with tender beef cubes, juicy shrimp, and colorful vegetables grilled to perfection. Brushed with olive oil and seasoned simply, they’re paired with a vibrant chimichurri sauce full of parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar. It’s a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean-style dish that’s perfect for summer grilling or a fun dinner party spread.
Total Time: 35 minutes (including prep)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 lb beef steak (sirloin or your choice), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, chopped into chunks
1 green bell pepper, chopped into chunks
1 onion, cut into chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Chimichurri:
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri:
In a bowl, combine parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the skewers.
Prepare the Skewers:
In a large bowl, toss shrimp and beef cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Thread beef, shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating for color and balance.
Grill the Skewers:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill skewers for about 8–10 minutes total, turning occasionally, until shrimp are pink and opaque and beef is cooked to desired doneness.
Brush lightly with some chimichurri while grilling for extra flavor.
Serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter and drizzle generously with chimichurri.
Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Even cooking: Cut beef into equal-sized cubes and use large shrimp so everything cooks evenly.
Marinate for flavor: Let the beef and shrimp sit in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a spoonful of chimichurri for 15–20 minutes before grilling.
Don’t overcook shrimp: They only need a few minutes per side—remove them once they turn pink and opaque.
Rest the beef: Allow the skewers to rest a couple of minutes after grilling to keep the beef juicy.
Variations
Protein swaps: Use chicken, lamb, or salmon chunks in place of beef or shrimp.
Veggie add-ins: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for more Mediterranean flair.
Spicy chimichurri: Mix in chopped chili peppers or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Herb twist: Add fresh oregano, cilantro, or mint to the chimichurri for a unique flavor blend.
Citrus boost: Squeeze fresh lemon over the skewers right before serving for brightness.
Grain bowl style: Serve the skewers over couscous, quinoa, or farro with extra chimichurri drizzled on top.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these skewers without a grill?
A: Yes, you can cook them on a grill pan or under the oven broiler. Just turn them halfway through for even cooking.
Q: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before grilling. Keep the chimichurri separate until serving.
Q: What’s the best steak cut to use?
A: Sirloin is a great balance of tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or strip steak works well too.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes. Keep cooked skewers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently so the shrimp don’t overcook.
Q: What pairs well with these skewers?
A: Serve with warm pita bread, a simple couscous salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 4 servings total)
Calories: ~420–450
Protein: ~36g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fat: ~28g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~480mg
(Approximate values; will vary with steak cut and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean surf & turf skewers deliver the perfect balance of smoky grilled shrimp, tender beef, and colorful vegetables. The chimichurri adds freshness and zing, tying everything together with bold flavor. Whether you serve them as a backyard grill centerpiece or part of a Mediterranean spread, they’re guaranteed to impress while staying simple and easy to prepare.