Grilling season is the perfect time to enjoy flavorful kabobs, combining tender steak and juicy shrimp with a medley of vegetables. This recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, yet satisfying meal that’s great for family dinners, cookouts, or even meal prepping. By threading bite-sized pieces of steak, shrimp, and vegetables onto skewers, you create a beautiful dish that bursts with flavors from a savory marinade. These kabobs are easy to customize, allowing you to use your favorite veggies and seasonings to make the dish your own.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This combination creates a robust, tangy marinade with a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
Add the steak cubes and shrimp into the marinade bowl. Toss everything to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the meat and shrimp to absorb all the rich flavors, making the final dish more flavorful and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the steak and shrimp marinate, prepare the vegetables. Cut the bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, slice the zucchini into rounds, and cut the red onion into wedges. These vegetables not only add color to your kabobs but also provide texture and flavor to complement the savory steak and shrimp.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Once marinated, it’s time to thread the steak, shrimp, and vegetables onto the skewers. Start with a piece of steak, then add shrimp, followed by a piece of bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Continue alternating the ingredients until the skewer is filled. This process ensures that every bite offers a mix of textures and flavors. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the kabobs directly on the grates. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. The steak should reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare, medium, etc.), and the shrimp should turn opaque and lightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful bites. Serve the kabobs immediately for the best taste.
Cooking Note:
- To avoid overcooking the shrimp, keep a close eye on the kabobs while grilling. If necessary, you can cook the steak pieces and shrimp on separate skewers, as steak may take slightly longer to cook.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for ones you prefer, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Steak and shrimp kabobs pair well with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to serve alongside this delightful dish:
- Rice: A light and fluffy rice dish, such as jasmine or basmati, can soak up any leftover juices from the kabobs.
- Grilled Vegetables: Keep the grill hot and toss on some additional vegetables like asparagus, corn, or eggplant.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the steak and shrimp.
- Pita Bread or Naan: These soft, warm breads are perfect for scooping up the kabobs and their flavorful juices.
- Dipping Sauces: Consider serving the kabobs with a variety of sauces like garlic aioli, chimichurri, or tzatziki for added flavor.
Tips:
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the steak and shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, let it sit for up to 2 hours.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Some other great options include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even slices of sweet potato.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Use Metal Skewers: Metal skewers are great for grilling since they don’t burn, and they help to evenly cook the kabobs. If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water beforehand to avoid charring.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use other types of steak?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are popular choices for kabobs, but you can also use tenderloin or flank steak. Just be mindful of the cooking times as leaner cuts may cook faster and require extra care to avoid overcooking.
2. How can I tell when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook very quickly and are done once they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them, especially since they cook faster than the steak.
3. Can I bake these kabobs instead of grilling them?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the kabobs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
4. What other marinades work well with steak and shrimp?
If you want to try different flavors, you can use a teriyaki sauce, a balsamic glaze, or even a Cajun-style marinade to give the kabobs a different twist.
Conclusion:
Steak and shrimp kabobs are a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for grilling. The combination of tender steak, juicy shrimp, and fresh vegetables creates a visually stunning and tasty meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just craving a simple yet flavorful dinner, these kabobs are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetables or seasonings to suit your personal taste preferences, and enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
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Steak and Shrimp Kabobs
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This combination creates a robust, tangy marinade with a hint of smokiness from the paprika.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
Add the steak cubes and shrimp into the marinade bowl. Toss everything to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the meat and shrimp to absorb all the rich flavors, making the final dish more flavorful and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the steak and shrimp marinate, prepare the vegetables. Cut the bell pepper into 1-inch pieces, slice the zucchini into rounds, and cut the red onion into wedges. These vegetables not only add color to your kabobs but also provide texture and flavor to complement the savory steak and shrimp.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Once marinated, it’s time to thread the steak, shrimp, and vegetables onto the skewers. Start with a piece of steak, then add shrimp, followed by a piece of bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Continue alternating the ingredients until the skewer is filled. This process ensures that every bite offers a mix of textures and flavors. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Kabobs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the kabobs directly on the grates. Grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. The steak should reach your desired level of doneness (medium-rare, medium, etc.), and the shrimp should turn opaque and lightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After grilling, remove the kabobs from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful bites. Serve the kabobs immediately for the best taste.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- To avoid overcooking the shrimp, keep a close eye on the kabobs while grilling. If necessary, you can cook the steak pieces and shrimp on separate skewers, as steak may take slightly longer to cook.
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for ones you prefer, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 36g