Creating Skewers Surf & Turf with Chimichurri brings together the succulent flavors of seafood and meat, complemented by the vibrant and tangy chimichurri sauce. This dish is perfect for grilling, and here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making it:
Ingredients:
For the Surf (Shrimp Skewers):
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Turf (Steak Skewers):
1 lb steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden or metal skewers
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp Skewers:
Marinate Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving space between each shrimp. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
2. Prepare the Steak Skewers:
Marinate Steak: In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed steak to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Skewer the Steak: Thread the marinated steak cubes onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water as well.
3. Make the Chimichurri Sauce:
Prepare Herbs and Garlic: In a medium bowl, combine finely chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Stir in red wine vinegar, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
Season: Season the chimichurri sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning and consistency by adding more olive oil or vinegar if desired.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Cook Skewers: Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Grill the steak skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare to medium is recommended).
5. Serve:
Arrange and Serve: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce generously over the surf & turf skewers or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips for Success:
Marinating Time: Allow enough time for the shrimp and steak to marinate to absorb the flavors.
Grilling: Ensure your grill is preheated properly to achieve nice grill marks and cook the seafood and meat evenly.
Chimichurri Consistency: Adjust the amount of olive oil and vinegar in the chimichurri sauce to achieve your preferred consistency—some prefer it thicker, while others prefer it more liquid.
Variations
Seafood Options: Substitute shrimp with scallops, lobster tail, or chunks of firm fish like swordfish.
Meat Options: Instead of steak, use chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Chimichurri: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicier chimichurri sauce.
Conclusion:
Skewers Surf & Turf with Chimichurri brings together the best of both worlds—succulent shrimp and tender steak, enhanced by the zesty freshness of chimichurri sauce. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard barbecue or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its flavors and presentation. Enjoy the smoky charred goodness of the surf & turf skewers alongside the bright and tangy chimichurri sauce for a memorable dining experience!