If you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, surf and turf recipe is the perfect choice. This classic combination of seafood and red meat delivers bold flavors, juicy textures, and restaurant-quality satisfaction—right from your kitchen. Whether it’s for a date night, dinner party, or a weekend indulgence, surf and turf has something for everyone.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-quality at home – Recreate steakhouse flavors without stepping out.
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Flavor contrast – The richness of steak paired with the delicate taste of seafood creates a perfect balance.
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Customizable – You can mix and match different meats and seafood.
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Elegant presentation – This dish is visually stunning and great for special occasions.
Ingredients List
Here’s a general ingredient list for a classic surf and turf dinner, which can be adjusted depending on your choice of steak and seafood.
For the Steak:
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2 filet mignon (or ribeye, New York strip)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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2 garlic cloves (crushed)
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Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
For the Seafood:
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8 large shrimp or 2 lobster tails or 2 crab legs
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 garlic clove (minced)
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Lemon juice (from half a lemon)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Sides:
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Mashed potatoes
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Asparagus or green beans
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Garlic bread
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Red wine or garlic butter sauce
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 2
Step-by-Step Instructions for Surf and Turf Recipes
Step 1: Prep the Steak
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Pat your steaks dry with paper towels.
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Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Let the meat rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
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Sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
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Add butter, garlic, and herbs during the last minute and baste the steak.
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Remove from skillet and let rest under foil for 5–10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Seafood
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If using shrimp, peel and devein them.
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If using lobster tails, cut the shell to expose the meat.
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Melt butter in a pan, add garlic, and cook shrimp or lobster for 3–4 minutes until opaque.
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Squeeze lemon juice and garnish with parsley.
Step 4: Plate the Dish
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Place the steak on a plate with your chosen seafood.
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Drizzle garlic butter sauce on top if desired.
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Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Best Steak Options for Surf and Turf
Filet Mignon
Tender and lean, ideal for elegant presentations.
Ribeye
Rich and marbled with fat, bursting with flavor.
New York Strip
A good balance between tenderness and chew.
Best Seafood Pairings
Lobster Tails
A luxurious, buttery seafood choice that pairs beautifully with filet mignon.
Shrimp
Quick-cooking and flavorful, shrimp are a popular, affordable option.
Scallops
Seared scallops offer a delicate texture and mild flavor.
Crab Legs
Sweet and juicy, crab legs add indulgence to any surf and turf meal.
Variations You Can Try
Cajun Surf and Turf
Add Cajun seasoning to both the steak and shrimp for a spicy Southern kick.
Surf and Turf Skewers
Cut steak and shrimp into cubes and grill on skewers for BBQ-friendly surf and turf.
Surf and Turf Pasta
Toss cooked steak slices and shrimp into a creamy Alfredo or garlic butter pasta.
Surf and Turf Burgers
Top a grilled burger patty with a few sautéed shrimp and a tangy remoulade sauce.
Sauce Ideas for Surf and Turf
Garlic Herb Butter
A classic choice that enhances both the meat and seafood flavors.
Béarnaise Sauce
A French-style sauce made with egg yolks, butter, tarragon, and vinegar.
Red Wine Reduction
Perfect for steak lovers, offering a deep, rich flavor.
Lemon Cream Sauce
Bright and citrusy, complements seafood especially well.
Perfect Sides for Surf and Turf
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy potatoes make the perfect match for steak.
Grilled Vegetables
Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add a pop of color and crunch.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery bread soaks up any extra sauce.
Caesar Salad
A crisp and refreshing starter to balance the richness of the main dish.
How to Grill Surf and Turf
If you prefer grilling:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high.
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Sear steaks for 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
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Grill shrimp or lobster tails in a grill basket or foil for 3–4 minutes.
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Use a meat thermometer:
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Steak: 130°F (medium-rare)
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Seafood: opaque and firm
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Oven-Baked Surf and Turf Option
No stovetop? No problem.
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Sear the steak in an oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes on each side.
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Transfer to oven and bake for 5–8 minutes.
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Roast seafood in a separate tray for about 10 minutes with butter and herbs.
What to Drink With Surf and Turf
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Red Wine: A Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs perfectly with steak.
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White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works well with seafood.
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Cocktails: Try a whiskey sour or a classic margarita for a bold pairing.
Tips for Making It Perfect
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Room Temperature Meat: Always let steak come to room temp before cooking.
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Don’t Overcook Seafood: It becomes rubbery if overdone—watch closely.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Take the guesswork out of doneness.
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Rest the Steak: Always let the meat rest to retain juices.
Storing and Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat steak gently in a skillet with butter; microwave seafood only briefly to avoid drying it out.
Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions
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Valentine’s Day: Serve surf and turf with candles, a bottle of wine, and soft music.
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Holiday Feasts: Add shrimp cocktail or lobster bisque as a starter.
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Date Nights: Pair with a chocolate dessert like mousse or cake for a complete romantic dinner.
FAQs
What does surf and turf mean?
Surf and turf is a dish combining seafood (surf) and red meat (turf), typically steak and shrimp or lobster.
What cut of steak is best for surf and turf?
Filet mignon is a popular choice due to its tenderness, but ribeye or strip steak also works well.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, grilled or pan-seared chicken breast can be used, although it changes the dish’s classic profile.
What seafood works besides shrimp and lobster?
Scallops, crab, or even grilled fish fillets can be used for variety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but cooking is best done just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Surf and turf is more than just a fancy dinner—it’s a celebration on a plate. By combining juicy steak with succulent seafood, you create a dish that feels both comforting and extravagant. With endless variations, simple ingredients, and easy preparation, you can bring the steakhouse experience home whenever you want. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a special meal for yourself, surf and turf never disappoints.