Skewers Surf & Turf Meets Chimichurri

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Chop the Herbs:
   • Finely chop the fresh parsley and cilantro. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for a finer texture.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.
   • Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
   • Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Surf & Turf Skewers

1. Marinate the Meat and Shrimp:
   • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the cubed steak and shrimp to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Cut the bell peppers into 1-inch pieces and the red onion into similar-sized chunks. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
   • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
   • Thread the steak, shrimp, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating between ingredients for a colorful and balanced skewer.

Step 3: Grill the Skewers

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat.
2. Grill the Skewers:
   • Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side for the shrimp and 3-4 minutes per side for the steak, or until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
3. Rest the Skewers:
   • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Skewers:
   • Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with some of the chimichurri sauce.
2. Serve the Sauce on the Side:
   • Serve the remaining chimichurri sauce on the side for additional dipping.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh herbs for the chimichurri sauce to ensure a vibrant, flavorful result.
• Even Cooking: Cut the steak and vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking on the grill.
• Resting Time: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute, resulting in more flavorful meat.

Variations

• Different Proteins: Swap the sirloin steak with chicken or pork, and use scallops instead of shrimp for a different surf and turf combination.
• Vegetarian Option: Make a vegetarian version using tofu or paneer, along with an assortment of vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir to complement the flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Skewers Surf & Turf Meets Chimichurri is a delightful dish that brings together the best of land and sea with a burst of herbaceous freshness from the chimichurri sauce. This recipe is perfect for grilling season and will surely impress your family and friends. Follow this detailed guide to create a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion.