Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs
I’m Linda Sandra — a Charleston home chef who believes grilling should feel like a celebration, not a chore. These Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs are my go-to when I want something that looks impressive but comes together faster than you can say “fire up the grill.”
Here’s the thing about surf and turf kebabs: they sound fancy, but they’re ridiculously forgiving. You get juicy sirloin, plump shrimp, and a garlic butter sauce that’ll have everyone scraping their plates clean.
I started making these last summer when my sister challenged me to create something “restaurant-worthy” for her birthday. Spoiler alert: she now requests these every single time she visits.
Table of Contents
Little Snapshot: What This Recipe Delivers
These Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs combine tender sirloin steak and succulent shrimp on skewers, grilled to perfection and topped with a luscious garlic butter sauce. Ready in under an hour with just 30 minutes of marinating, they’re an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🌸
- These Grilled Beef Skewers Dinner ideas are perfect when you want to impress without the stress — they look gourmet but take less time than folding laundry.
- Surf and turf on a stick means everyone gets a little bit of everything, and there’s zero fighting over who gets the last shrimp.
- The garlic butter sauce is so good you’ll want to drink it with a straw (but please use it on the kebabs instead).
- According to Serious Eats’ comprehensive grilling guide, marinating steak helps tenderize and infuse flavor — and this recipe proves exactly why.
Quick Facts ⚡
Here’s the quick scoop on this Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs recipe.
- CourseMain Dish
- Prep Time40 minutes (including marinating)
- Cook Time8 minutes
- Total Time48 minutes
- Servings4 servings
- DifficultyEasy
Nutritional Peek
Here’s what you’re working with per serving — enough to keep you satisfied without the guilt trip.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes these Kabobs With Potatoes alternatives so dang delicious (spoiler: it’s the butter).
For the protein lineup — sirloin steak and large shrimp — you’ll want fresh, quality cuts that’ll hold up on the grill. For the marinade base — olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder — you’re building layers of flavor that’ll make every bite sing.
And for that knockout garlic butter sauce — unsalted butter, fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice — you’re creating liquid gold that ties everything together.
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| For the Skewers | |
| 1 pound | Sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| 1 pound | Large shrimp, peeled and deveined |
| 2 tablespoons | Olive oil (for marinating) |
| 1 teaspoon | Smoked paprika |
| 1 teaspoon | Garlic powder |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
| For the Garlic Butter Sauce | |
| 1/2 cup | Unsalted butter |
| 4 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 tablespoon | Lemon juice |
| To taste | Salt |
Tools You’ll Actually Use
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these kebabs happen:
- Metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak them for 30 minutes so they don’t turn into kindling)
- Large mixing bowls (at least two — one for steak, one for shrimp)
- Small saucepan (for that dreamy garlic butter)
- Grill or grill pan (medium-high heat is your friend)
- Basting brush (optional, but makes you feel like a pro)
- Tongs (for flipping without drama)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs is easier than parallel parking, I promise.

Step 1: Marinate the steak In a large bowl, toss those cubed sirloin steak pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 2 hours if you’re meal-prepping like a boss.
Step 2: Season the shrimp In a separate bowl, give your peeled and deveined large shrimp a quick toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shrimp cook fast, so they don’t need a long marinate — just a quick flavor hug.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter magic In a small saucepan over low heat, melt that unsalted butter until it’s liquid sunshine. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells like heaven. Pull it off the heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Thread those skewers Alternate marinated steak cubes and seasoned shrimp on your skewers — think steak, shrimp, steak, shrimp. This isn’t just pretty; it helps everything cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve had their 30-minute soak first.
Step 5: Grill time Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F if you’ve got a thermometer). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the steak hits your preferred doneness (I like medium-rare) and the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 6: Finish with flair Pull those gorgeous skewers off the grill and immediately drizzle that warm garlic butter sauce all over them. Watch it pool into every little crevice. This is what joy looks like.

Pro Tips & Gentle Guidance
Here’s how to nail these Kabob Ideas Grilled every single time.
Don’t skip the marinating step — even 30 minutes makes a massive difference in how tender and flavorful your steak turns out. The acids and oils break down the meat fibers just enough.
Cut your steak cubes evenly (about 1 inch) so they cook at the same rate. Nothing’s sadder than half your skewer being perfect and the other half being shoe leather.
If you’re new to grilling proteins, Bon Appétit‘s detailed shrimp grilling guide breaks down the timing perfectly. Shrimp go from raw to rubbery fast, so watch them like a hawk.
Leave a little space between each piece on the skewer — they need breathing room to get those beautiful grill marks. Crowded skewers steam instead of sear.
Use metal skewers if you’ve got them. They conduct heat, which means your food cooks from the inside out too. Plus, no soaking required.
Quick Fixes for Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs
Problem: My steak is tough and chewy. You either overcooked it or didn’t marinate long enough. Next time, pull the kebabs off when the steak is just barely done — it’ll keep cooking for a minute after you remove it. Also, make sure you’re cutting against the grain when you cube your sirloin.
Problem: My shrimp are rubbery. Overcooked shrimp are the worst, right? They only need about 2-3 minutes per side max. The second they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Pull them off immediately.
Problem: Everything keeps sticking to the grill. Your grill grates need more oil, friend. Use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to grease those grates right before the skewers go on. Also, make sure your grill is properly preheated — a hot grill creates an instant sear that prevents sticking.
Problem: The garlic butter sauce separated. This happens when the heat’s too high or the butter cools too fast. Keep your saucepan on the absolute lowest heat and whisk constantly. If it does break, add a tiny splash of warm water and whisk like your life depends on it.
Variations & Adaptations
These Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs are crazy versatile once you get the basics down.
Veggie lovers: Thread bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini chunks between the steak and shrimp. They pick up the garlic butter like champs.
Spice enthusiasts: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your marinade for a kick. Or drizzle sriracha into the garlic butter sauce.
Chicken swap: Not a steak fan? Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks. They’re just as juicy and handle the grill beautifully.
Low-carb commitment: These are already naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Serve them over cauliflower rice or alongside this <a href=”https://www.edenplate.com/summer-corn-salad-with-avocado” class=”internal-link”>Summer Corn Salad with Avocado</a> for a lighter plate.
Make it a full meal: Add baby potatoes (parboiled for 10 minutes first) to your skewers for those Kabobs With Potatoes vibes everyone loves.
Serving, Storage & Reheating

Let’s talk about getting these Grilled Beef Skewers Dinner ideas to the table and keeping them fresh.
Serve these kebabs hot off the grill with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping. They’re gorgeous over rice, quinoa, or alongside a simple green salad. I love pairing them with this Garlic Butter Steak with Parmesan Cream Sauce strategy — similar flavors, double the wow factor.
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house), slide the steak and shrimp off the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter sauce separate.
To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of the garlic butter sauce. Don’t microwave — it turns the shrimp rubbery and dries out the steak. You want them tender and juicy, not sad and chewy.
No-Waste Kitchen Magic
Let’s put every bit of these kebabs to good use.
Got leftover steak and shrimp? Chop them up and toss them into a breakfast scramble with eggs, peppers, and cheese. Seriously life-changing.
Extra garlic butter sauce? Freeze it in ice cube trays and pop a cube or two onto steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or pasta whenever you need instant flavor.
Stale bread lying around? Toast it, brush it with leftover garlic butter, and you’ve got instant garlic bread to serve alongside these kebabs.
Leftover marinade (that hasn’t touched raw meat)? Use it as a salad dressing base or drizzle it over roasted vegetables.
FAQs
Can I freeze these Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs?
Yep! Assemble the skewers (raw) and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling — add an extra minute per side to account for any residual chill.
What’s the best way to store leftover garlic butter sauce?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling. It’ll solidify when cold, so don’t panic.
How do I know when the steak is done on the kebabs?
Use an instant-read thermometer if you’ve got one: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well. Or press the steak with your finger — it should feel slightly firm but still have some give.
Why should I use sirloin steak in Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs instead of another cut?
Sirloin is the sweet spot for kebabs — it’s tender enough to stay juicy on the grill but firm enough to hold its shape on a skewer. Cuts like ribeye are too fatty and fall apart, while something like flank steak can get tough if you’re not careful.
Can I make these in the oven instead of on the grill?
Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 425°F and arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching closely so nothing burns. You won’t get the same smoky char, but they’ll still be delicious.
What can I serve with these kebabs for a complete meal?
These pair beautifully with rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, a crisp salad, or these Bang Bang Chicken Sliders if you’re feeding a crowd. Keep it simple and let the kebabs shine.
Closing
So there you go — Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs that look like you spent all day but actually come together faster than an episode of your favorite show.
I’d love to see your spin on these Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs! Drop a comment below with your photos or let me know what variations you tried — I’m always looking for new twists to test in my own kitchen. These kebabs are so versatile; I bet you’ve got amazing ideas already brewing.
Thanks for letting me share this recipe with you. Now go fire up that grill and make some magic happen.
I’m Linda Sandra — a Charleston home chef and comfort-food daydreamer. Around here, cooking’s not about perfection — it’s about cozy vibes, creative twists, and food that feels like love.

Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs
Equipment
- Metal or wooden skewers
- Large mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Grill or grill pan
- Basting brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 1 pound Sirloin steak cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil for marinating
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss those cubed sirloin steak pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 2 hours if you’re meal-prepping like a boss.
- In a separate bowl, give your peeled and deveined large shrimp a quick toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shrimp cook fast, so they don’t need a long marinate — just a quick flavor hug.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt that unsalted butter until it’s liquid sunshine. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells like heaven. Pull it off the heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Alternate marinated steak cubes and seasoned shrimp on your skewers — think steak, shrimp, steak, shrimp. This isn’t just pretty; it helps everything cook evenly. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve had their 30-minute soak first.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F if you’ve got a thermometer). Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the steak hits your preferred doneness (I like medium-rare) and the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Pull those gorgeous skewers off the grill and immediately drizzle that warm garlic butter sauce all over them. Watch it pool into every little crevice. This is what joy looks like.
