Have a fun cookout with these tasty grilled steak and shrimp kabobs! Juicy steak and plump shrimp come together on skewers, bursting with flavor from your favorite seasonings.
Nothing beats that smoky taste from the grill. I love popping these kabobs off the skewer and onto my plate. You might have a hard time sharing, though! 😄
These kabobs are super easy to put together. Just marinate, skewer, and grill. Perfect for any gathering, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is great for kabobs because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked correctly. If you’re looking for alternatives, flank steak or tenderloin can work well too, but they might need different cooking times.
Shrimp: For the best results, use large, wild-caught shrimp. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with chicken breast cut into cubes or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: I love using both red and green peppers for color and taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for yellow or orange bell peppers instead. You can even use mushrooms or cherry tomatoes as tasty alternatives.
Zucchini: This adds nice texture to your kabobs. If you’re not a fan, eggplant or squash are good substitutes. You can also skip it altogether if you prefer.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite because of its great flavor. You could also opt for avocado oil or melted butter if you want a different taste or are looking for a higher smoke point.
How Do You Perfectly Marinate Meat and Seafood?
Marinating is key to flavor! Let’s make sure you get it right. First, always combine your marinade ingredients in a bowl before adding the meat or shrimp. This ensures everything is evenly blended.
- For steak, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and let the steak cubes soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For even more flavor, consider marinating overnight in the fridge.
- For shrimp, the marination time can be shorter – 15-20 minutes is ideal. The lemon zest will give them a fresh flavor, so don’t skip it!
Lastly, ensure the meat and shrimp are fully coated in the marinade. This creates a great flavor base when you grill. Enjoy your kabobs!
Delicious Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Kabobs:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, cut into thick slices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp Kabobs:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, with an additional 30-40 minutes for marinating and grilling. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make these tasty kabobs. Perfect for a fun dinner or summer gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
Start by marinating the steak to make it flavorful and tender. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sirloin steak, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything well to coat the steak evenly, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
While the steak marinates, it’s time to get the shrimp ready! In a separate bowl, mix together the peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will make the shrimp nice and zesty!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time for some fun! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Take some skewers and thread the marinated steak onto them, alternating with the red and green bell pepper chunks, onion pieces, and zucchini slices. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. For the shrimp, thread them onto separate skewers.
4. Grill the Kabobs:
With the grill hot and ready, place the steak skewers on the grill first. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they reach your desired doneness. In the last 4-5 minutes of grilling, add the shrimp skewers to the grill. They will cook quickly—grill them until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in. To add a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled steak and shrimp kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. You may want to adjust the grilling time slightly depending on the type of vegetable you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the steak and shrimp directly on the grill or use a grill basket for the veggies. Just make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or quickly sauté them in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist!
Can I Prep the Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the kabobs and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just be sure to add the shrimp marinade shortly before grilling for the best flavor and texture.
