introduction
Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter deliver the perfect surf-and-turf bite: juicy steak, sweet shrimp, and a glossy garlic butter finish. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for weekend cookouts.
If you love bold grilled flavors, try our chicken Philly cheesesteak for another weeknight winner.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter:
- Big, bold surf-and-turf flavor in every skewer.
- Fast prep and quick grill time — dinner in about 30–40 minutes.
- Great for meal prep or entertaining — easy to scale.
- Family-friendly and customizable with spices or citrus.
- Garlic butter adds a rich, restaurant-style finish.
Ingredients Needed
Protein
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Marinade & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinating steak and shrimp)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
If you’d like a playful sweet finish after this savory meal, consider pairing it with a scoop of brown butter ice cream for contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sirloin steak with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper in another bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Thread marinated steak and shrimp onto skewers, alternating between the two. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Grill skewers for about 3–4 minutes on each side until steak is desired doneness and shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from grill and drizzle garlic butter sauce over the skewers before serving.
Serving Suggestions — Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
- Serve over a bed of lemon-herb rice or cilantro-lime quinoa.
- Pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions.
- For an easy platter, add crusty bread to soak up extra garlic butter.
- If you want a heartier side, consider a baked casserole like corned beef and cabbage baked for a comfort-food twist.
Tips for Success — Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
- Cut steak into uniform 1-inch cubes so everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t over-marinate shrimp — 15–30 minutes is enough to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use a hot grill and oil the grates to get good sear marks quickly without sticking.
- Rest skewers 3–5 minutes after grilling so juices redistribute.
- Make the garlic butter ahead and warm it gently before serving for a glossy finish.
- Make skewers ahead and finish on the grill while you warm a simple dessert like chocolate and raisin treats.
Variation
- Swap sirloin for ribeye or skirt steak for more marbling and richer flavor.
- Add vegetables to the skewers — cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or chunks of bell pepper grill beautifully.
- Spice it up: add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or a drizzle of chili oil to the marinade for heat.
- Citrus-herb twist: add orange or lime zest to the garlic butter and finish with extra herbs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes — thaw completely, pat dry, and toss with olive oil and seasoning before assembling to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How do I prevent steak from overcooking while waiting for shrimp?
A: Use larger steak cubes and a hot grill; cook both quickly and aim for medium-rare to medium for the steak so it stays tender.
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Roast at 425°F on a rimmed baking sheet for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until shrimp are opaque and steak reaches desired doneness.
Q: Are wooden skewers okay for the grill?
A: Yes — soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving; add fresh lemon juice and parsley after reheating for brightness.
Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine sirloin steak with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper in another bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Thread marinated steak and shrimp onto skewers, alternating between the two. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if using.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Grill skewers for about 3–4 minutes on each side until steak is desired doneness and shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from grill and drizzle garlic butter sauce over the skewers before serving.
