Surf & Turf Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter

Every time I fire up the grill for friends or family, I want something that feels a little indulgent but still simple to make.

These Surf & Turf Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter deliver big flavor with juicy steak and plump shrimp grilled to perfection.

Brushed with sizzling garlic butter right before serving, they’re an unforgettable dish that hits all the right notes—savory, buttery, smoky, and a little fancy without trying too hard.

Perfect for grilling, these skewers are a great choice for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve them with lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Highlights

This is a fantastic dish for when you want to impress without overcomplicating things. Steak and shrimp cook quickly on the grill and absorb tons of flavor from a simple garlic herb butter.

It’s ideal for summer nights or casual dinner parties where the food looks restaurant-worthy but comes together easily.

Why you’ll love this:

• Perfect balance of land and sea flavors
  .
• Brushed with aromatic garlic herb butter
  .
• Quick cook time on the grill
  .
• Elegant presentation, easy prep
  .
• Delicious texture contrast: tender steak + juicy shrimp

Ingredients That Shine

The heart of these surf & turf skewers lies in the quality of the ingredients.

Start with tender sirloin steak cut into chunks, which provides a rich and juicy flavor. Pair this with large shrimp peeled and deveined, ensuring a delightful seafood experience.

To enhance the dish, olive oil is used to coat the meat and seafood, adding moisture and flavor.

The unsalted butter, when melted, becomes the base for a luscious garlic herb butter that ties everything together.

Minced garlic cloves bring a robust aroma, while chopped fresh parsley and either rosemary or thyme introduce a fresh herbal note that elevates the dish.

Finally, lemon wedges serve as a zesty garnish, adding brightness to each bite.

• Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye)
  Use a tender cut that grills well and stays juicy. Sirloin is budget-friendly and flavorful; ribeye is extra rich.
  .
• Large Shrimp (16–20 count)
  Tail-on, peeled, and deveined shrimp are best for skewers. They cook quickly and pair beautifully with garlic butter.
  .
• Garlic Herb Butter
  A mix of butter, garlic, parsley, and herbs—melted and brushed over skewers for flavor and shine.
  .
• Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper
  Simple seasoning that brings out the natural taste of both proteins.
  .
• Fresh Herbs (Optional)
  Use thyme, rosemary, or chives for added depth.
  .
• Wood or Metal Skewers
  If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prep the Skewers
   Cut steak into 1.5-inch chunks. Pat shrimp dry. Thread alternating pieces of steak and shrimp onto skewers,
   ,
2. Season
   Brush with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
   ,
3. Make Garlic Herb Butter
   In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and any other herbs you like. Keep warm.
   ,
4. Grill
   Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until shrimp is opaque and steak is browned to desired doneness.
   ,
5. Finish with Butter
   Brush hot skewers with garlic herb butter right off the grill. Serve immediately.

Preparation Steps

Preparing these skewers is straightforward and quick.

Begin by soaking 8 skewers in water if they are wooden, which prevents burning on the grill.

Next, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and your choice of rosemary or thyme. Stir until fragrant, then remove from heat.

In a bowl, toss the sirloin chunks and shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated, ensuring that every piece is flavorful.

Assembling the Skewers

Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the skewers.

Thread the sirloin chunks and shrimp onto the soaked skewers, alternating between the two for a balanced presentation.

This not only looks appealing but also allows the flavors to meld during cooking.

Grilling to Perfection

Grilling is where the magic happens.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the meat and shrimp.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

During the last minute of cooking, brush the skewers with the garlic herb butter, allowing it to create a glossy finish that enhances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill and prepare to serve.

These skewers are best enjoyed immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by lemon wedges.

The lemon adds a refreshing touch, cutting through the richness of the butter and meat.

Set against a rustic wooden table, this dish evokes a warm and inviting outdoor dining experience, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

• Pair with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or garlic bread
  .
• Serve over rice pilaf, couscous, or a fresh green salad
  .
• For a full spread, offer with chimichurri, lemon wedges, or aioli

Nutrition and Enjoyment

These surf & turf skewers not only taste great but are also a satisfying meal option.

With approximately 596 calories per serving, they provide a balanced mix of protein from the sirloin steak and shrimp, along with healthy fats from the olive oil and butter.

Enjoy these skewers as a main course, and relish the delightful combination of flavors that make each bite memorable.

Tips for the Best Surf & Turf Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter

Cut your steak and shrimp to similar sizes for even cooking. Use metal skewers or well-soaked wooden ones to prevent burning.

Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove the skewers from the heat as soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Finish with garlic herb butter while hot so it melts right into the meat and seafood.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to avoid drying out the shrimp.

Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.