These grilled steak and shrimp kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy pieces of steak paired with tender shrimp and colorful veggies make each bite a delight.
You can easily whip these up for a weekend BBQ or a quick dinner. I love how everyone can customize their kabob with their favorite veggies. Dinner just got a lot more exciting! đźŚđźŤ¤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Sirloin or ribeye works great here. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak is a good substitute. For a budget-friendly choice, try using chuck steak. Just remember, different cuts may alter the cooking time.
Shrimp: Large shrimp is preferred for kabobs. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for chicken pieces or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust marination times accordingly.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor and helps with cooking. You can use avocado oil or any other cooking oil with a high smoke point if desired. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion bring color and nutrition. Feel free to replace these with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even corn for variety. Just make sure they can grill well.
What’s the Best Way to Marinate and Grill So Everything Cooks Evenly?
Marinating adds flavor, but it’s also important for ensuring even cooking. For steak, marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to really let the spices soak in. The shrimp takes less time—about 15-20 minutes is perfect. This way, both proteins won’t overcook while grilling.
- Keep the steak and shrimp on separate skewers; each cooks differently.
- Space out the pieces on skewers to ensure even heat distribution.
- Turn them occasionally while grilling for an even char.
When grilling, keep an eye on the shrimp—they cook quickly! Aim to pull them off once they’re pink and opaque. Enjoy the process and savor those grilling aromas!
How to Make Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating time: 30 minutes for the steak and 15-20 minutes for the shrimp. Total cooking time on the grill is about 15 minutes. Altogether, you’ll spend around 1 hour making these delicious kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a mixing bowl, combine the steak cubes with half of the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure all the steak pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
In another bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. The shrimp will soak up all those flavors!
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
Grab your skewers and start threading the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions onto them. Feel free to mix and match the vegetables as you like, creating a colorful kabob!
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Thread the marinated steak cubes onto skewers, ensuring there’s some space between each piece for even cooking. Next, add the vegetable skewers, and then create separate skewers for the marinated shrimp.
5. Preheat the Grill:
Take a moment to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets a nice char.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the steak and vegetable kabobs on the grill. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the steak is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender. For the shrimp kabobs, grill for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
7. Serve:
Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill. Sprinkle them with the chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, or over a bed of rice or salad. Enjoy your delicious grilled steak and shrimp kabobs!
Can I Substitute Different Proteins?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of steak or shrimp, you can easily substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time—chicken may need a bit longer, while tofu can marinate as little as 15 minutes.
How Do I Prevent Wooden Skewers from Burning?
To prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This will help keep them from catching fire and make grilling your kabobs easier.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a grill or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a splash of olive oil to keep them moist.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
You can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
