These grilled steak and shrimp kabobs are a fun dinner option! Juicy pieces of steak and shrimp are paired with colorful veggies on skewers, bringing taste and excitement to your plate.
I love how easy they are to make! Just marinate, skewer, and grill. Perfect for summer barbecues, and you can mix up the veggies. Who doesn’t love a tasty twirl on a stick? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sirloin Steak: This cut is great for kabobs as it’s tender and flavorful. You can substitute with flank steak or ribeye if you prefer a richer taste. Using a lean cut helps prevent the kabobs from becoming greasy.
Shrimp: Large shrimp work well here, but feel free to use scallops or veggie alternatives like mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed for other proteins.
Vegetables: Zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion not only add flavor but color too! You can swap zucchini with yellow squash or past their prime bell peppers with any other firmer colorful veggies like cherry tomatoes or asparagus.
Marinade: Olive oil is essential, but grapeseed or avocado oil can substitute well for a different flavor profile. If gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is tamari-based!
How Do I Get My Kabobs Just Right on the Grill?
Cooking kabobs can be tricky if you want everything evenly cooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Pre-soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Marinate your proteins separate from the veggies, as they’ll cook differently. Steak needs longer, while shrimp needs less.
- Leave space between the pieces on the skewer. This ensures heat circulates well and cooks everything evenly.
- Keep a close eye on the grill! Rotate kabobs for even cooking. Medium-high heat is perfect for browning while keeping them juicy.
By keeping an eye on cooking times for the steak (8-10 minutes) and shrimp (4-6 minutes), you’ll nail it every time!
How to Make Grilled Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into squares
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the steak and shrimp. If you use wooden skewers, plan for an additional 30-minute soaking time. Total time including grilling is about 1 hour, making it a perfect choice for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning while you grill your kabobs. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This flavorful marinade will add great taste to your kabobs!
3. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed sirloin steak to the bowl with the marinade. Stir well to coat all the pieces evenly. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for even more flavor!
4. Marinate the Shrimp:
In another bowl, place the shrimp and pour half of the remaining marinade over them. Toss to coat the shrimp nicely. Let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes while the steak is soaking up the flavors.
5. Preheat the Grill:
While everything is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your kabobs cook perfectly!
6. Assemble the Kabobs:
Once the steak is marinated, take it out and thread the steak cubes onto skewers, alternating with slices of zucchini, squares of bell pepper, and wedges of onion. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly. On separate skewers, thread the marinated shrimp.
7. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook the steak kabobs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked to your liking. For the shrimp kabobs, grill them for about 4-6 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Watch closely so they don’t overcook!
8. Let Them Rest:
Once the kabobs are done cooking, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making them more tasty!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled steak and shrimp kabobs warm. You can garnish them with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. If you choose denser veggies, like carrots, pre-cook them slightly to ensure they cook through on the grill.
Can I Marinate the Meat and Shrimp Together?
It’s not recommended to marinate the steak and shrimp together because they have different marination times. The steak benefits from a longer soak, while shrimp only need about 30 minutes. To avoid over-marinating the shrimp, keep them separate until just before grilling.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a grill or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also enjoy them cold in salads or wraps!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, try using coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a sodium-reduced option, look for low-sodium soy sauce. These alternatives will work well with the other flavors in your marinade!
