Surf And Turf: Steak And Shrimp Recipe

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Surf and turf at home is the new way to date night. This surf n turf recipe with garlic herb butter (yum!) makes the perfect dinner for any special occasion or holiday. Serve steak and shrimp with simple sides like roasted asparagus or mashed cauliflower – this meal is so good it doesn’t need much.

This surf and turf cooking method works best with thinner steaks, up to 1 inch thick. For thicker steaks, it’s better to do a reverse sear steak  or finish steak in the oven. Then you can just cook the shrimp in a separate pan, or the same pan afterward.

What Is Surf And Turf?

Surf and turf is the term for a meal that includes “the land and the sea” on one plate. With two high-end, gourmet foods on one plate, it’s usually considered a special occasion meal.

The “surf” portion of surf and turf can vary, but is usually shrimp, prawns, lobster, or crab. If you prefer fish, make a nice halibut. The “turf” is typically steak.

How To Cook Steak And Shrimp In The Oven

Surf n turf feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make:

Make the garlic butter:

• Mix. Mash together butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a small bowl until mixed. You can also use other herbs or spices; any compound butter will work here. Store in the fridge while you prep the other components.

Make the steaks:

• Season. Take steaks out of fridge to let them come to room temperature. Brush with olive oil on both sides and season generously with salt and pepper.

• Sear. Add steaks to very hot cast iron skillet and cook until browned and cooked to desired doneness. (See chart below for cooking temperatures.)

• Clean. When pan has stopped smoking, wipe out pan with paper towel so it can be used for shrimp.
• Rest. Let steaks rest and cover to keep them warm.

Make the shrimp:

• Melt. Add 2 tablespoons of garlic butter to the pan and coat pan evenly.
• Cook. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for a few minutes per side, until opaque and golden.

Serve:

Top steaks with a pat of garlic butter and serve shrimp alongside steaks, with garlic butter from the pan poured over shrimp. Squeeze with lemon if desired.

Surf And Turf Time Chart

Below are cook times for common surf n turf foods. To be completely certain your food is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer. (Note: Be particularly careful with shrimp — they can overcook quickly!)

Steak time chart:

Doneness	Cook To Degrees F	Time On First Side	Time On Second Side
Rare	120 degrees F	4-5 minutes	1-2 minutes
Medium Rare	130 degrees F	4-5 minutes	2-4 minutes
Medium	140 degrees F	4-5 minutes	4-6 minutes
Medium Well	150 degrees F	4-5 minutes	6-8 minutes
Well Done	160 degrees F	4-5 minutes	8-10 minutes

Notes:

• These times are for sirloin steaks, about 1/2 to 1 inch thick. If your steaks are thicker, finish the steaks in the oven.
• Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes while you cook the shrimp. Internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees during this time.

Shrimp time chart:

Size	Time Per Side
Medium	1.5-2 minutes
Large	2-2.5 minutes
Jumbo	2-3 minutes

Steak And Shrimp FAQs

Where did surf n turf originate?

It is thought that surf and turf originated on one of the coasts in the 1960’s when chefs began pairing steak with seafood.

Is surf and turf healthy?

Yes, surf n turf meals are healthy and a great source of protein, with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Can you marinate steak and shrimp together?

Yes, you can marinate steak and shrimp together. But, this recipe is flavorful without needing any marinade.

Can you cook steak and shrimp together?

Surf n turf food is, almost by definition, steak and shrimp together. But, you don’t want to actually cook them at the same time. Cook the steak first, then cook the shrimp while the steak rests.

Surf And Turf Storage Instructions

Can you make it ahead?

Because both components of surf n turf meals are best served immediately after cooking, it’s best to cook right before serving.

If you want to prep something ahead, you could make the garlic butter in advance.

But if you do have leftovers, it’s fine to store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheating instructions are below, but you can also repurpose the leftovers over a salad or in a casserole.

Can you freeze steak and shrimp?

Yes, you can freeze steak and shrimp for 2-3 months, but the quality may decrease a bit, so I don’t recommend it unless necessary.

Reheating instructions:

Do not microwave your surf n turf! Reheat the steak and shrimp in a hot skillet, just until warm or heated through. Alternatively, you can heat in the oven at low temperature with a little broth – learn more about this method in my reverse sear steak post.

What To Serve With Steak And Shrimp

Steak and shrimp meals shine on their own, so keep the side dishes simple:

• Creamed Spinach – The best side if you want to give your steak and shrimp recipe a steakhouse feel.
• Mashed Cauliflower – Tastes like mashed potatoes, but a lighter version. Just 4 ingredients.
• Oven Roasted Green Beans – A fancy side with easy prep, loaded with garlic and parmesan flavor!
• Smashed Brussels Sprouts – Uses 5 simple ingredients for ultra-crispy results.
• Roasted Asparagus – A simple side that pairs well with any steak and shrimp dinner ideas. Ready in 20 minutes and made with basic ingredients.
• Sauteed Mushrooms – Excellent with steak, these delectable mushrooms are cooked in a garlic butter and with my tips they’ll be perfect every time.
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Tender and delicious, cauliflower makes the perfect side to both steak and shrimp.

More Steak And Seafood Recipes To Make Together

When it comes to surf and turf dinner ideas, the world is your oyster (ha, see what I did there?):

Steak:

• Reverse Sear Steak – The BEST method for steak that’s perfectly juicy on the inside and perfectly browned on the outside.
• Oven Baked Filet Mignon – Such an easy way to make filet steaks, this method takes just 15 minutes and the garlic herb butter takes it over the top.
• Steak Bites – If you don’t want a huge portion of steak with your surf and turf meal, these steak bites are the perfect size for the “turf” component.

Seafood:

• Broiled Lobster Tail – It’s easier than you think to make lobster tails at home. I’ll show you everything you need to know.
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops – Just 10 minutes to prep the ultimate bacon and scallop combo that’s juicy and SO delicious. It’s surf & turf x2!
• Pan Seared Halibut – Halibut is common at nice restaurants, and it’s also $$$! Make it at home with this simple recipe that has a lemon butter sauce served over it.

• Instant Read Thermometer – The BEST way to ensure your surf n turf is cooked to perfection, and not overcooked.
• Cast Iron Skillet – This pan will give your steaks perfect grill marks, just like the restaurants.
• Citrus Press – Finish off your surf & turf dishes with a fresh squeeze of lemon.