What’s better than seafood? How about seafood combined with steak? That’s right, we’re talking about surf and turf! You can’t go wrong with a good surf and turf combo. After all, what’s not to love? You get the best of both worlds: succulent, juicy seafood paired with tender, flavorful meat.
And when it’s done right, it’s a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Here are our six favorite surf and turf combos that are sure to please any palate. So fire up the grill and get ready for a seafood feast!
1. Pan Seared Steak with Lobster Tail
For an upscale surf and turf combo, you can’t go wrong with pan-seared steak and lobster tail. The key to this dish is to cook the steak to perfection. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning, then sear it in a hot pan until it’s browned on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
For the lobster, simply boil or steam it until it’s cooked through. Serve the steak and lobster with a creamy sauce or butter on top. Need more ideas to cook a steak? Visit Dawn’s recipe for over 50,000 recipes of beef and chicken.
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Ribeye Steak
For a fun and easy surf and turf combo, try grilled shrimp skewers paired with ribeye steak. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill it to your desired doneness. For the shrimp skewers, toss shrimp in your favorite seasonings (I like Old Bay seasoning) then thread them onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand).
Grill the shrimp skewers until they’re pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side.
3. Surf ‘n’ Turf Burgers
Craving a burger? Make it a surf ‘n’ turf burger! Start by mixing ground beef with shredded crabmeat, then form into patties. Season the burgers with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning, then grill or cook in a skillet until they’re cooked through.
Top the burgers with Swiss cheese slices and serve on toasted buns with tartar sauce or ketchup on the side. Don’t forget to pair it with fries and a chilled beverage.
4. Salmon Cakes with Grilled Sirloin Steak
For a lighter surf ‘n’ turf option, try salmon cakes paired with grilled sirloin steak. To make the salmon cakes, mix canned salmon with diced onion, celery, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning.
Form into patties and pan fry until golden brown on both sides. For the steak, season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and olive oil. Grill or cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired doneness.
Serve salmon cakes and steak with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce on the side.
5.. BBQ Ribs with Fried Cod
Love ribs? Why not pair them with fried cod for a flavor-packed surf ‘n’ turf combo? Season ribs with your favorite BBQ rub or sauce. Then grill, bake, or slow cook them until they’re tender and falling off the bone.
For cod, cut fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. Dip in the mixture of beaten eggs and flour, then pan fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve ribs and cod with coleslaw and hush puppies on the side.
6. Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Rich, creamy macaroni and cheese topped with lobster… Need we say more? This dish is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers and landlubbers alike! This recipe features succulent lobster meat, steak chunks, rich and cheesy sauce, and tender pasta.
In fact, it’s the perfect way to use some leftover grilled beef. To start, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, add the flour and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Next, stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
Drain the pasta and add it to the cheese sauce. Finally, add the lobster meat with steak chunks, and lightly toss to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Surf and turf is a classic combination for good reason. It’s the perfect mix of two different but complementary flavors, textures, and nutrients. These recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate, so give them a try next time you want a special meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
