Skewers: Surf and Turf with Chimichurri

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Why You’ll Love This Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

Picture this: juicy sirloin steak cubes and plump jumbo shrimp grilling together on skewers, then drizzled with vibrant chimichurri sauce. This surf and turf meets chimichurri recipe turns any barbecue or weeknight meal into a flavor-packed hit. Home cooks rave about its simple steps that deliver restaurant-quality results fast.

  • Ease of preparation: Whip up this surf and turf meets chimichurri in just 20 minutes prep and 10 minutes cook time, making it one of the best quick recipes for busy evenings. The sauce needs 2 hours to meld flavors, but you can make it ahead while soaking skewers. Perfect for healthy dinners ready in 30 minutes of active time, ideal for working professionals or parents juggling schedules.
  • Health benefits: Lean sirloin provides protein and iron, while jumbo shrimp adds omega-3s and low-cal goodness. Fresh herbs in the chimichurri boost antioxidants for healthy meal ideas. This dish fits easy healthy recipes under 30 minutes grill time, supporting diet-conscious eaters with balanced, nutrient-rich bites.
  • Versatility: Adapt this surf and turf meets chimichurri for various needs, from vegetarian swaps to spice tweaks. Grill it for parties or scale down for quick healthy dinner recipes. Suits students, travelers, or seniors seeking 30 minute healthy meal ideas without fuss.
  • Distinctive flavor: The smoky grill char pairs with zesty, garlicky chimichurri for a land-and-sea explosion. Basil, thyme, and jalapeño create layers that outshine plain healthy weeknight dinners fast. Food enthusiasts love how it blends bold tastes into easy meals everyone craves.

Grab your grill and try this surf and turf meets chimichurri tonight. Share your grilled masterpieces in the comments and subscribe for more healthy dinners!

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Essential Ingredients for Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

Stock your kitchen with these straightforward items for success. This surf and turf meets chimichurri relies on fresh basics that pack punch without complexity. Below, find precise measurements for chimichurri sauce and surf and turf components.

Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup olive oil – Forms the rich base, carrying herb flavors beautifully.
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar – Adds tangy brightness to balance richness.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Delivers sharp, savory depth.
  • ⅔ cup minced shallot – Provides mild onion sweetness.
  • ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley – Brings fresh, green earthiness.
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh basil – Infuses sweet, peppery notes.
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme – Offers woody, lemony aroma.
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano – Contributes bold, slightly bitter punch.
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro – Adds citrusy, fresh twist.
  • 1 jalapeño (finely chopped) – Brings heat and crispness.
  • 1 tsp sea salt – Enhances all flavors.
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste) – Builds adjustable spice.

Surf and Turf Ingredients

  • 3 lbs sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes) – Lean, flavorful protein for grilling.
  • 1 package (16 ounces) jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on) – Succulent seafood that cooks quick. Check out these shrimp health benefits for why they shine in healthy dinners.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Lightly coats for searing.
  • salt and pepper to taste – Seasons simply and effectively.

Equipment includes wooden or metal skewers, grill (charcoal or gas), mixing bowls, basting brush, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons.

Special Dietary Options

  • Vegan: Skip steak and shrimp; use bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on skewers.
  • Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm vinegar label.
  • Low-calorie: Reduce olive oil to ¾ cup in sauce; choose smaller steak portions.
This lineup makes surf and turf meets chimichurri a go-to for quick healthy dinner recipes that fit any pantry.

How to Prepare the Perfect Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these clear steps for mouthwatering results. Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes sauce melding). Serves 6-8. This guide keeps things simple for home cooks aiming for healthy weeknight dinners fast.

First Step: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Combine 1 cup olive oil, ½ cup red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, ⅔ cup minced shallot, ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley, 2 tsp each chopped basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 1 tsp sea salt, and ⅛ tsp cayenne in a bowl. Stir well and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Flavors deepen beautifully. For vegan or low-cal adaptations, this sauce works perfectly as is.

Second Step: Prep the Skewers and Proteins
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 1 hour to prevent burning. Cut 3 lbs sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry the 16 oz jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on). This mise en place speeds up assembly for 30 minute dinners.

Third Step: Assemble the Skewers
Preheat grill to medium-high (425°F). Thread alternating steak cubes and shrimp onto skewers. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. For gluten-free or diet-conscious tweaks, skip extra oil if needed. Tip: Marinate steak in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.

Fourth Step: Grill the Surf and Turf
Place skewers on the grill. Cook 8-10 minutes, turning every 4 minutes. Shrimp turn pink and opaque; steak hits your doneness. Use a meat thermometer: 130°F medium-rare, 140°F medium, 150°F medium-well. Ensure grill is preheated for searing without sticking. Adapt for busy parents by prepping ahead.

Final Step: Finish and Serve
Remove from grill. Drizzle generously with chimichurri. Rest 5 minutes. Pair with grilled veggies or salad. For party hosts, these skewers shine at gatherings. This surf and turf meets chimichurri delivers easy meals with pro results.

DonenessSteak Internal Temp (°F)Shrimp Cue
Medium-Rare130Pink, opaque
Medium140Curls into C
Medium-Well150Firm, no gray

Customize heat in chimichurri with more jalapeño or cayenne. These steps make healthy dinners ready in 30 minutes a reality.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap 3 lbs sirloin for chicken breast cubes or lamb for variety. Go vegetarian with bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes. These changes keep the surf and turf meets chimichurri spirit in quick recipes.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Add onions or squash to skewers seasonally. Tone down chimichurri spice or swap vinegar for lemon juice. For low-cal, use half oil. These tweaks suit healthy meal ideas across diets.

Mastering Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your dish further with these pro moves.

  • Pro cooking techniques: Preheat grill fully for char. Pat proteins dry. Soak wooden skewers.
  • Flavor variations: Marinate steak in oil, garlic, herbs. Adjust sauce heat.
  • Presentation tips: Garnish with extra parsley. Serve on platters with lime.
  • Make-ahead options: Sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Skewers ready in fridge.

Try chicken or lamb swaps. For dessert, check these magic cookie bars. Pair with black magic sangria for parties. Boost with shrimp health benefits.

Grill masters, these tips turn easy healthy recipes under 30 minutes into showstoppers.

How to Store Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri: Best Practices

  • Refrigeration: Airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Skewers (no sauce) up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Medium grill, 350°F oven 10-15 min, or microwave medium 1-2 min.
  • Meal prep: Batch for healthy weeknight dinners fast.

Store steak/shrimp separate. Revive with fresh sauce.

Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time for surf and turf?

Yes, you can prepare chimichurri sauce up to 24 hours ahead, or even 2-3 days for deeper flavor as the herbs and garlic meld. Finely chop fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, and red onion, then mix with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to loosen up and restore its vibrant taste. Avoid freezing if you want the brightest color, but it freezes well for up to a month in ice cube trays for portioned use. This make-ahead step saves time on grilling day, letting you focus on skewering the steak and shrimp. Always taste and adjust acidity or spice before drizzling over your cooked surf and turf.

What if I don’t have a grill for surf and turf skewers?

No grill? No problem—use a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat for those classic sear marks, or broil in the oven at 450°F. For the grill pan, preheat with a light oil coat, add skewers in a single layer, and cook 2-3 minutes per side, turning frequently for even char. In the oven, place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet close to the broiler; flip every 2 minutes until shrimp pinken and steak reaches your doneness. Indoor methods take about 8-12 minutes total. Pat proteins dry first for better browning, and use metal skewers or soak wooden ones to prevent burning. This keeps the juicy steak-shrimp combo intact with smoky notes, perfect for pairing with fresh chimichurri.

How do I know when shrimp and steak are done in surf and turf?

Check shrimp first—they cook fast and turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape when ready (about 2-3 minutes per side at 400°F). Overcooking makes them rubbery, so pull them off early. For steak cubes (like sirloin), use an instant-read thermometer: aim for 130°F internal for medium-rare (cool red center), 140°F for medium (warm pink), or 150°F for medium-well (slightly pink). Rest skewers 5 minutes post-cook for juices to redistribute. Visual cues: steak firms up and browns deeply. Factors like skewer thickness affect timing—test one piece midway. Pair with chimichurri for a fresh contrast that cuts richness. Always prioritize food safety: shrimp at 145°F minimum.

What ingredients do I need for surf and turf with chimichurri?

For 4 servings, gather 1 lb steak (sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1.5-inch cubes), 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined), 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (minced), salt, and pepper for marinating. Chimichurri: 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 1/4 cup oregano, 3 garlic cloves, 1 small red onion, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, salt to taste. You’ll need 8-10 skewers. Optional: lime wedges for squeezing. Marinate steak and shrimp separately 30 minutes in oil, garlic, salt, pepper. Blend or chop sauce finely—no food processor needed for texture. Total prep: 20 minutes. This simple list yields restaurant-quality skewers with herbaceous zing; source fresh herbs for best flavor.

How should I store leftover surf and turf with chimichurri?

Cool cooked skewers completely, then store steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days—keeps textures intact. Chimichurri lasts 5-7 days refrigerated; stir before use as oil separates. Reheat steak gently in a 300°F oven or skillet with a splash of broth to avoid drying (1-2 minutes); shrimp best eaten cold or room temp to prevent toughness. For freezing, skewerless portions in freezer bags last 1 month—thaw overnight. Revive with fresh chimichurri. Pro tip: Layer leftovers in salads or tacos for day 2 meals. Discard if seafood smells off. Proper storage maintains safety and flavor, turning extras into quick lunches without waste.
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Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri 84.png

Surf And Turf Meets Chimichurri

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🍤🥩 Juicy grilled surf and turf skewers alternating tender sirloin steak cubes jumbo shrimp finished zesty herbaceous chimichurri—BBQ land-sea fusion protein powerhouse.
🔥 2.5-hour flavor meld 10-min grill serves 8; impressive easy entertaining grill master essential.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 1 cup olive oil Forms the rich base, carrying herb flavors beautifully.

– ½ cup red wine vinegar Adds tangy brightness to balance richness.

– 2 cloves garlic (minced) Delivers sharp, savory depth.

– ⅔ cup minced shallot Provides mild onion sweetness.

– ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley Brings fresh, green earthiness.

– 2 tsp chopped fresh basil Infuses sweet, peppery notes.

– 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme Offers woody, lemony aroma.

– 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano Contributes bold, slightly bitter punch.

– 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro Adds citrusy, fresh twist.

– 1 jalapeño (finely chopped) Brings heat and crispness.

– 1 tsp sea salt Enhances all flavors.

– ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste) Builds adjustable spice.

– 3 lbs sirloin steak (cut into 1-inch cubes) Lean, flavorful protein for grilling.

– 1 package (16 ounces) jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on) Succulent seafood that cooks quick

– 1 tablespoon olive oil Lightly coats for searing.

– salt and pepper to taste Seasons simply and effectively.

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Combine 1 cup olive oil, ½ cup red wine vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, ⅔ cup minced shallot, ⅔ cup minced fresh parsley, 2 tsp each chopped basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro, 1 finely chopped jalapeño, 1 tsp sea salt, and ⅛ tsp cayenne in a bowl. Stir well and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Flavors deepen beautifully. For vegan or low-cal adaptations, this sauce works perfectly as is.

2-Second Step: Prep the Skewers and Proteins
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 1 hour to prevent burning. Cut 3 lbs sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry the 16 oz jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on). This mise en place speeds up assembly for 30 minute dinners.

3-Third Step: Assemble the Skewers
Preheat grill to medium-high (425°F). Thread alternating steak cubes and shrimp onto skewers. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. For gluten-free or diet-conscious tweaks, skip extra oil if needed. Tip: Marinate steak in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.

4-Fourth Step: Grill the Surf and Turf
Place skewers on the grill. Cook 8-10 minutes, turning every 4 minutes. Shrimp turn pink and opaque; steak hits your doneness. Use a meat thermometer: 130°F medium-rare, 140°F medium, 150°F medium-well. Ensure grill is preheated for searing without sticking. Adapt for busy parents by prepping ahead.

5-Final Step: Finish and Serve
Remove from grill. Drizzle generously with chimichurri. Rest 5 minutes. Pair with grilled veggies or salad. For party hosts, these skewers shine at gatherings. This surf and turf meets chimichurri delivers easy meals with pro results.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧨 Soak wooden skewers water 1 hour avoids burning grill.
🌡️ Meat thermometer steak 130°F medium-rare shrimp opaque done.
🔥 Preheat grill hot sears prevents sticking perfect char.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Sauce Melding: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Argentine
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto-Friendly, High-Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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