These grilled steak and shrimp kabobs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy dinner! With juicy pieces of steak and succulent shrimp, they are packed with flavor and easy to make.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I like to pair them with colorful veggies for a burst of color and taste. They’re great for a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: For these kabobs, sirloin or ribeye works best due to their flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for something leaner, try flank steak or even chicken for a different twist.
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If you’re allergic or prefer another protein, feel free to substitute with scallops or chunks of firm white fish like mahi-mahi.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion add color and crunch. You can easily swap these for mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even asparagus based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Marinade: Olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice create a great flavor base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is ideal for the marinade. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
How Do I Make Sure My Kabobs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking kabobs can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the timing for different ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure everything is cooked just right:
- **Marinating**: Always marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes; up to 2 hours is even better for flavor.
- **Skewering**: Alternate steak, shrimp, and veggies on the skewers. This ensures even cooking and makes them visually appealing.
- **Grilling**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Shrimp should be pink and opaque, while steak can be cooked to your liking.
- **Resting**: Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes off the grill. This helps keep them juicy.
Enjoy your kabobs with sides like rice or a salad to balance the meal!
How to Make Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 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 quarters
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) for marinating the steak. Cooking the kabobs on the grill takes about 10-15 minutes. So, plan for a total of around 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This flavorful marinade will make your steak juicy and tasty!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed steak to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can let it marinate up to 2 hours.
3. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables:
While the steak is marinating, prepare the shrimp. Place them in a separate bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them gently to coat. For the vegetables, toss the zucchini rounds, bell peppers, and red onion quarters in a bit more olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on your kabobs!
5. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to thread your ingredients onto the skewers! Start with a piece of marinated steak, then add a piece of zucchini, followed by a shrimp, and continue alternating the ingredients. This makes the kabobs colorful and appealing!
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye out for the steak reaching your desired doneness and the shrimp turning pink and opaque. That’s when they’re perfectly cooked!
7. Let Them Rest:
Once grilled to perfection, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep everything juicy and delicious.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the kabobs for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat or Seafood?
Absolutely! You can substitute the steak with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. As for seafood, salmon or scallops would also work great in this recipe!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the marinade or brushing the kabobs with a spicy sauce before grilling. You can also use spicy shrimp seasoning on the shrimp for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
Can I Make the Kabobs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the kabobs a few hours in advance! Just marinate the steak and toss the shrimp and veggies with their seasonings, then assemble the kabobs right before grilling. If they’re assembled ahead of time, keep them covered in the fridge and grill them within 24 hours for best results.
