Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs are a tasty way to enjoy a meal outdoors! Juicy pieces of steak and shrimp on skewers, cooked to perfection with colorful veggies, make for a fun feast.
Honestly, who doesn’t love food on a stick? 😄 I love to serve these with a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor. They’re super easy to whip up, and perfect for BBQs or family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye work well, but you can also use flank steak or tenderloin for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, chuck eye can be a great substitute.
Shrimp: Make sure to get large shrimp, but medium shrimp could be a good alternative. If you prefer a non-seafood version, cubed chicken breast or tofu can be tasty substitutes.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion are classic choices. Feel free to swap in other veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant, based on your taste or what you have at hand.
Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice form a great base. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari can be used instead of soy sauce. For extra zest, try adding lime juice instead of lemon!
How Do You Get the Perfect Grill Marks on Your Kabobs?
Grilling kabobs can be a bit tricky, but following these tips will help you get those perfect grill marks and a delicious result.
- Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear on the meat and veggies.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil, held with tongs.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave a little space between each piece to allow heat to circulate evenly.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes to get those nice cross-hatch grill marks and prevent burning.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp; they cook quickly! Remove them as soon as they turn opaque to avoid overcooking.
These simple steps will ensure your kabobs turn out beautifully grilled and packed with flavor!
How to Make Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Kabobs:
- 1 lb steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
For The Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Other Supplies:
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 20-25 minutes for cooking, so plan for about 35-40 minutes in total. You can marinate the steak for up to 2 hours for more flavor, while the shrimp only needs about 15-20 minutes. It’s a fun recipe perfect for grilling season!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful marinade for your kabobs. Now, divide the marinade in half, setting aside one half for later use.
2. Marinate the Steak and Shrimp:
Add the steak cubes to one half of the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours. In another bowl, toss the shrimp with the second half of the marinade and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will make the shrimp super tasty!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While your steak and shrimp are marinading, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to get your veggies ready! On wooden or metal skewers, alternate threading the zucchini slices, red bell pepper pieces, yellow bell pepper pieces, and red onion chunks. This creates a colorful and delicious mix for your kabobs!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Start building your kabobs by placing the marinated steak and some of the prepared vegetables on skewers. Remember to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. If you want, you can use separate skewers for the shrimp to keep things organized.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Once your grill is hot, place the steak and vegetable skewers on it. Grill them for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender. In the last 2-3 minutes, add the shrimp skewers to the grill. Cook them until they are opaque and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Finish and Serve:
When all your kabobs are done grilling, remove them from the grill and brush them with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped parsley, and then serve and enjoy your Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just remember to cut the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. If using softer vegetables like tomatoes, consider skewering them separately to prevent them from getting mushy.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Spicier?
If you like a kick in your kabobs, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also choose spicy shrimp by using a Cajun or chili seasoning mix. For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the steak with a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce!
Can I Prepare the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak and shrimp several hours or even overnight. Just keep them separated in the fridge. Assemble the kabobs right before grilling for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Ensure the Shrimp Don’t Overcook?
Great question! Since shrimp cook quickly, make sure to add them to the grill only in the last few minutes of cooking. Grill them just until they turn opaque and curl up—a sign they’re perfectly cooked! If you’re unsure, keep a close eye on them; overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
