If you’re craving a surf-and-turf feast that’s equal parts juicy and zesty, Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce has your name on it. Juicy sirloin and tender shrimp thread onto skewers, kissed by paprika and lemon zest, then seared over hot coals until perfectly charred. A luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with lemon juice and fresh parsley, clings to every bite. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for summer grilling and backyard barbecues—get ready to fire up the grill!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these skewers to life:
- 1 pound sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes: Tender beef that soaks up the smoky grill flavors.
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined: Plump seafood that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with steak.
- 8 bamboo skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes: Prevents the wood from burning as you grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the steak and shrimp moist and helps the spices adhere.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Contributes a smoky, slightly sweet depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory garlic notes in the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens with citrusy freshness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the rich base of the garlic butter sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Imparts bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: Adds a pop of color and herbal freshness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings tangy acidity to cut through the richness.
How To Make Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce
Grilling these skewers is easier than you might think—and the result is worth every second. You’ll start by prepping your proteins and marinating them with a simple spice blend, then threading them onto skewers before hitting the hot grill. While those sizzle, you’ll whisk up a quick garlic butter sauce to brush on just before serving. Ready your tongs and thermometer, and let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Pat the steak cubes and shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon zest to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Add steak and shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Let them rest for 15 minutes to absorb all the spices.
4. Thread steak and shrimp alternately onto the well-soaked bamboo skewers, leaving a bit of space to promote even cooking.
5. Grill the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until the steak reaches medium doneness (140°F–145°F) and the shrimp turn opaque and firm.
6. While the skewers cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, then immediately remove the sauce from heat to preserve the fresh flavors.
8. Brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the hot skewers right off the grill, and serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
These skewers shine when presented with simple, vibrant sides that complement their smoky, garlicky goodness. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal in style:
- Herb-Steamed Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions drizzled with olive oil and seared alongside your skewers.
- Crisp Green Salad: Mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Warm Pita Bread: Soft pockets perfect for wrapping pieces of steak and shrimp, plus extra garlic butter for dipping.
Tips For Perfect Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend warrior, these friendly pointers will help you achieve skewer success every time:
- To prevent skewers from burning, wrap the ends in aluminum foil before grilling.
- For deeper flavor, marinate steak and shrimp for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Serve skewers alongside rice, grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Store leftover garlic butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How To Store It
Leftovers are a gift—especially when you know how to keep them tasting fresh. Follow these methods to preserve both your skewers and that irresistible garlic butter sauce:
- Refrigerate cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the oven or on the grill.
- Store sauce separately in a small airtight jar for up to 3 days to maintain the best texture.
- Freeze skewers (no sauce) on a lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat sauce slowly over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals to prevent separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about these skewers:
- Q: How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
A: Active preparation takes about 30 minutes, including soaking the bamboo skewers for 30 minutes, patting the steak and shrimp dry, mixing and tossing them in the marinade, and threading them onto the skewers. Marinate for 15 minutes, grill for 6 to 8 minutes, and whisk together the garlic butter sauce in about 5 minutes.
- Q: Why do I need to soak the bamboo skewers and can I skip this step?
A: Soaking the bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill. Skipping this step can cause the ends to char and weaken, risking splintering or breaking while cooking.
- Q: What internal temperature should I aim for to achieve medium doneness on the steak?
A: For medium doneness, grill the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a steak cube. The shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch.
- Q: How can I prevent the ends of the skewers from burning during grilling?
A: After threading the steak and shrimp, wrap the exposed ends of the skewers in aluminum foil. This shields the wood from direct flame and reduces the risk of charring while you rotate the skewers.
- Q: Can I marinate the steak and shrimp for longer than 15 minutes?
A: Yes, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor without compromising texture. Avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the acidity from the lemon zest breaking down the proteins too much.
- Q: How should I store any leftover garlic butter sauce and how long will it keep?
A: Store leftover garlic butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, before serving.
- Q: What side dishes pair best with these grilled steak and shrimp skewers?
A: These skewers pair beautifully with steamed rice, grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve warm pita bread or herb-roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
What Makes This Special
What really sets these skewers apart is the perfect balance of smoky, savory steak and tender shrimp drenched in a tangy garlic butter sauce that clings to every charred bite. It’s a playful spin on surf-and-turf that’s lively enough for summer cookouts and cozy enough for a weeknight treat. Feel free to print and save this recipe—then swing by the comments if you have questions, crazy ideas, or just want to brag about your grill skills!
Grilled Steak and Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter Sauce
Description
Tender cubes of sirloin and plump shrimp sear over hot coals, kissed by paprika and lemon zest. A sizzling brush of garlic butter adds rich, tangy goodness that clings to every charred edge.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Pat steak cubes and shrimp dry with paper towels.
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In a bowl combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder and lemon zest.
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Add steak and shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and let rest for 15 minutes.
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Thread steak and shrimp alternately onto the soaked skewers.
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Grill skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side until steak reaches medium doneness and shrimp turn opaque.
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While skewers cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley, then remove sauce from heat.
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Brush garlic butter sauce over grilled skewers and serve with any remaining sauce on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 138kcal
Note
- To prevent skewers from burning, wrap the ends in aluminum foil before grilling.
- For deeper flavor, marinate steak and shrimp for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Serve skewers alongside rice, grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Store leftover garlic butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
