If you’re craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances the rich, hearty flavors of steak with the sweet, tender bite of shrimp, this Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of meal that feels both special and effortless, combining colorful vegetables with succulent protein all grilled to perfection on skewers. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue for a summer party or simply want a delicious, wholesome dinner, these kabobs bring bold flavor, eye-catching appeal, and pure joy to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredient list is straightforward yet thoughtfully curated. Each component adds a unique touch – from the juicy steak to the fresh veggies – creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes every bite memorable.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Cut into 1½-inch cubes for tender, juicy bites that grill beautifully.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy eating; tails on or off based on your preference.
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant red color to the skewers.
- 1 green bell pepper: Offers a crisp texture and fresh flavor contrast.
- 1 small red onion: Provides a mild, slightly sweet bite that caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- 1 zucchini: Sliced, for a touch of green and subtle earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep everything moist and infuses rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a hint of umami to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens flavors with refreshing acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to deliver aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings smoky warmth and a dash of color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning for perfectly safe grilling.
How to Make Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, the first step is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple prep keeps them from catching fire or getting too charred on the grill, ensuring your kabobs hold together beautifully and safely during cooking.
Step 2: Mix Marinade and Marinate
Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper together to create a flavorful marinade that perfectly complements both steak and shrimp. Divide this mixture in half, placing the steak cubes in one bowl and the shrimp in another. Let them soak in those flavors for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the meat and seafood to absorb every bit of deliciousness.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Once marinated, it’s time to thread the steak, shrimp, and vibrant vegetables onto your skewers. Alternate pieces of steak, shrimp, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini to create visually stunning kabobs that look as good as they taste. This arrangement also ensures each bite offers a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high, then cook the kabobs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. The goal is to reach medium to medium-well for the steak, while the shrimp should turn pink and opaque without overcooking. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the kabobs with any leftover marinade as they cook to keep them juicy and tasty.
How to Serve Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
Finished kabobs are perfect on their own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a lovely fresh burst. A squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving lifts the flavors and adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the grilled goodness.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy rice, a crisp garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a more vibrant meal, grilled corn on the cob or a tangy coleslaw work beautifully by balancing the smoky, savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a fun twist, serve these kabobs over a bed of couscous or quinoa dressed lightly with lemon and herbs. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy chipotle mayo, or a cool tzatziki to add extra layers of flavor and make the meal interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because they’re packed with protein and veggies, they make a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner. Just make sure to cool them to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the marinated steak and shrimp, separately, before grilling if you want to prep in advance. Place the proteins in freezer-safe bags and use within one month for best flavor. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before threading and grilling.
Reheating
To reheat, place the kabobs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them on a hot grill for a few minutes to revive the smoky flavor and enjoy them almost as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this kabobs recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and flavorful, you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or even tenderloin. Just choose cuts that are firm and not overly fatty.
Do I have to marinate the shrimp and steak separately?
Yes, marinating them separately ensures that the flavors don’t overpower each other and helps keep the delicate shrimp tender while allowing the steak to absorb a robust taste.
What vegetables work best besides bell peppers and zucchini?
Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even chunks of pineapple are fantastic options to add variety, color, and contrasting flavors to your kabobs.
Can these kabobs be cooked indoors?
Definitely! If you don’t have a grill, you can broil them in the oven or use a grill pan on the stove. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking, especially the shrimp.
How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Look for shrimp to turn pink and become opaque throughout, usually warming through in about 3 to 4 minutes on the grill, depending on size. Avoid overcooking as they become rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe is a delightful way to treat yourself and loved ones to a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. The combination of juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and fresh vegetables grilled to perfection creates a symphony of textures and flavors that satisfy any craving. I can’t wait for you to give these kabobs a try and enjoy the vibrant, fresh taste of summer in every bite.
Print
Steak and Shrimp Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Steak and Shrimp Kabobs combine tender sirloin steak and juicy shrimp with colorful bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini, all marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled for a delicious surf and turf experience that’s ideal for summer barbecues or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, or use metal skewers if preferred.
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Divide the marinade evenly into two bowls. Place sirloin steak cubes in one bowl and shrimp in the other, ensuring each is well coated. Let both marinate for 20 to 30 minutes in separate containers.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing for direct grilling of kabobs.
- Assemble Kabobs: Thread pieces of steak, shrimp, red and green bell peppers, red onion chunks, and zucchini slices alternately onto the skewers to create colorful, balanced kabobs.
- Grill Kabobs: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides cook evenly. Grill until steak is cooked to medium or medium-well doneness and shrimp become pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove kabobs from the grill and serve hot. Pair with a side of rice, fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Brush the kabobs with remaining marinade during grilling to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Feel free to substitute or add vegetables such as mushrooms or cherry tomatoes according to preference.
- If you do not have access to a grill, broiling the kabobs in the oven works well as an alternative cooking method.
