Surf & Turf is a luxurious meal that pairs juicy, perfectly cooked steak with succulent seafood, typically shrimp or lobster. This dish offers the best of both worlds—rich, beefy flavors complemented by tender, buttery seafood. Whether for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or an elevated weeknight meal, this restaurant-quality recipe is easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic & Elegant: A timeless steakhouse favorite.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of smoky, seared steak and tender seafood is unbeatable.
- Versatile: Works with different cuts of steak and types of seafood.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Steak:
- Ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip steak
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- Butter
For the Seafood:
- Large shrimp or lobster tail
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Steak
- Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time for preferred doneness). Add butter and herbs, basting the steak for extra flavor.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Seafood
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp (or lobster) and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the seafood and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Serve
- Plate the steak and top with garlic butter shrimp or lobster.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 to 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Grilled Surf & Turf: Grill the steak and shrimp for a smoky flavor.
- Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning on both steak and shrimp.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: Make extra sauce to drizzle over the dish.
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the shrimp.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as steak and seafood lose texture when frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or use a low-temperature oven.
FAQs
1. What’s the best steak cut for Surf & Turf?
Filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip are the best choices.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
3. How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Well-Done: 160°F
4. Can I grill the steak and shrimp instead?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for steak and 2 minutes per side for shrimp.
5. What side dishes pair well?
Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad are great options.
6. How do I prevent shrimp from being rubbery?
Cook just until pink and opaque—overcooking makes shrimp tough.
7. Can I add a sauce?
Yes, Béarnaise, garlic butter, or a creamy white wine sauce work well.
8. Should I use lobster tail or whole lobster?
Lobster tail is easier to prepare and works best for Surf & Turf.
9. Can I cook this dish in the oven?
Yes, reverse-sear the steak in the oven and broil the seafood.
10. What’s the best wine pairing?
A bold red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) complements the steak, while a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with seafood.
Conclusion
Surf & Turf is a delicious and indulgent dish that brings together the best of land and sea. With perfectly cooked steak and buttery garlic seafood, this meal is sure to impress. Whether grilled or pan-seared, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a steakhouse classic at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared, sautéed
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This Surf & Turf recipe combines a juicy, seared steak with succulent shrimp, all served over a creamy pasta. Perfect for a special dinner!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
For the Shrimp:
- 12 large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steaks with salt and pepper.
- Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (or to desired doneness).
- Add butter, garlic, and herbs, then baste the steak for another minute.
- Remove from heat and let it rest.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic, then shrimp.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Plate the pasta, then top with steak and shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Add a dash of white wine to the Alfredo sauce for extra richness.
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