Picture this: the savory aroma of seared steak mingling with the delicate sweetness of perfectly sautéed shrimp fills your kitchen, transporting you to a cozy, upscale bistro without leaving home. That’s the magic of surf and turf, an elegant yet simple dish that can elevate any dinner. After a long week of fast food takeout and uninspired meal prep, I craved something special—something that said, “You deserve a treat.”
This Easy Surf and Turf recipe combines tender filet mignon and succulent shrimp, both bathed in a rich garlic rosemary butter that complements their flavors perfectly. In just 30 minutes, you can create a stunning main course that feels gourmet, perfect for date nights or impressing your guests. Trust me, once you’ve experienced this delightful steak and shrimp combo, it’ll become your go-to for every occasion where you want to wow without the fuss. Let’s dive into making this flavorful masterpiece!
Why Try surf and turf recipes Today?
Indulgent Flavor: The combination of tender filet mignon and sweet shrimp drenched in garlic rosemary butter creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Impress Your Guests: Bring the elegance of a fine dining experience into your home and leave your friends and family raving about your culinary skills.
Adaptable: Don’t hesitate to switch up the steak cut or add a splash of lemon juice for a personalized twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish brings together the best of both land and sea, making it a hit with steak lovers and seafood fans alike.
Elevate your dinner game with this delightful recipe and create memorable meals that feel special, without all the fuss!
Surf and Turf Ingredients
For the Steak
• Filet Mignon – A premium cut that ensures tenderness and juiciness, ideally 1 1/2” thick for perfect cooking.
• Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the rich flavors of the steak; season generously for best results.
• Black Pepper – Offers a bit of heat; freshly ground will elevate your steak’s profile.
• Vegetable Oil – Essential for searing; opt for an oil that handles high temperatures well, like canola or grapeseed.
For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Peeled, deveined, and tail-on (21-25 count), providing that succulent contrast to the steak.
• Fine Sea Salt – Use half of what you use for the steak to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Black Pepper – Adds depth; a little goes a long way in seasoning your seafood.
For the Garlic Rosemary Butter
• Unsalted Butter – Introduces richness and smoothness; stick to unsalted for better control over seasoning.
• Garlic Cloves – Quartered to maximize flavor infusion into the butter for a fragrant touch.
• Fresh Rosemary – Offers herbal notes that beautifully complement the richness of the dish; thyme is a good alternative if needed.
Embrace the flavors of surf and turf recipes that will transform your ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences!
How to Make Surf and Turf
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Prepare Ingredients: Pat the shrimp and filet mignon dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season the steak with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. For the shrimp, use ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
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Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it just starts to smoke. Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
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Sear the Steak: Place the filet mignon in the skillet and sear for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip the steak and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are browned. Remove it from the skillet when it’s 10°F below your desired doneness.
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Let it Rest: Tent the seared steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for tender meat.
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Make the Garlic Rosemary Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary to the skillet. Let the butter melt and the ingredients infuse, stirring to combine.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet immediately to avoid overcooking.
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Combine and Serve: Return the steak to the skillet, coating it in the buttery sauce. Serve hot with additional sauce drizzled over the top for an extra touch of flavor.
Optional: Garnish with freshly cracked pepper or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a beautiful finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These surf and turf recipes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet dinner with minimal last-minute effort! You can season the filet mignon and shrimp up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. For optimal flavor, this prep step allows the seasoning to penetrate the proteins. While the shrimp can be kept marinated, it’s best to cook them fresh; they can be sautéed just before serving. On the day of your meal, all you need to do is sear the steak and prepare the garlic rosemary butter, drizzle it over the components, and you’ll enjoy a deliciously impressive dinner, all while saving time!
Expert Tips for Surf and Turf
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Seasoning Timing: Season your filet mignon and shrimp just before cooking to prevent moisture loss. This keeps both proteins juicy and flavorful.
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Use a Thermometer: To achieve perfect doneness, utilize a meat thermometer. For medium, remove the steak at 125°F; it will rise to 135°F as it rests.
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Thawing Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents rubbery texture.
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Resting is Key: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This step helps redistribute the juices for a more tender bite.
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Custom Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic rosemary butter right before serving for a fresh twist on your surf and turf recipes.
Surf and Turf Variations
Explore delightful twists that enhance your surf and turf experience!
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Different Steak Cuts: Swap filet mignon for ribeye or New York strip for a richer flavor and a different texture. Each cut brings its unique character to the dish.
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Lemon Zest: Add freshly grated lemon zest to the butter for a bright, citrusy kick that balances the richness of the steak and shrimp. This subtle tweak elevates the entire dish.
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Garlic Herb Butter: Instead of garlic rosemary, try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme and parsley with the butter for an aromatic spin that tantalizes your senses.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a touch of heat that adds excitement without overwhelming the dish.
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Vegetable Addition: Toss in some asparagus or snap peas into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a colorful and nutritious addition that pairs beautifully with the main components.
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Creamy Sauce Option: Blend some heavy cream into your garlic butter sauce for an indulgent, creamy coating that takes the dish to another level of comfort food heaven.
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Coconut Curry Variation: Add coconut milk and curry powder to the butter sauce for an exotic twist that complements the shrimp exceptionally well—perfect for adventurous eaters!
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Herbed Breadcrumb Topping: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle toasted herbed breadcrumbs over the top before serving, offering a delightful contrast to the buttery steak and tender shrimp.
Enjoy crafting these variations and watch as they bring new life to your surf and turf recipes!
What to Serve with Surf and Turf?
A perfect surf and turf meal deserves delightful accompaniments to round out the dining experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery, they provide a comforting warmth that balances the richness of steak and shrimp.
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Grilled Asparagus: Charred to perfection, these greens add a crispy texture and vibrant color, elevating the dish’s presentation.
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Garlic Bread: Crusty, toasted bread slathered in garlic butter is an irresistible pairing, perfect for soaking up the savory butter sauce.
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Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with parmesan and croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of surf and turf.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Slightly caramelized and crunchy, they introduce a nutty flavor that enhances the meal’s overall complexity.
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Red Wine: A glass of bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak beautifully, while its fruit notes balance the shrimp.
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Chocolate Mousse: Decadent and light, this dessert is the perfect sweet finish after a leans savory meal, leaving everyone with a smile.
These pairings promise to create not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that feels truly special.
How to Store and Freeze Surf and Turf Recipes
Fridge: Store cooked steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to keep leftovers longer, wrap the steak and shrimp tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer, where they may last up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat the steak in the oven at a low temperature and the shrimp in a skillet with a touch of butter to restore tenderness.
Surf and Turf (Steak and Shrimp) Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for surf and turf?
Absolutely! Look for large shrimp that are peeled, deveined, and preferably tail-on (21-25 count). This way, their natural sweetness and texture beautifully contrast the rich flavors of the filet mignon.
How should I store leftover surf and turf?
After enjoying your gourmet meal, store the cooked steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. This prevents the flavors from mingling too much and keeps each ingredient tasting its best.
Can I freeze the cooked surf and turf?
Certainly! For freezing, wrap each portion of steak and shrimp tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect against freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the seafood in the fridge overnight and gently reheat to maintain tenderness.
What if my steak is overcooked?
If you find that your steak has been cooked beyond your preferred doneness, don’t worry! Slice it thin against the grain and serve it with a rich sauce or gravy. This will add moisture back to the meat, helping it feel less dry.
Can I substitute filet mignon with another cut of steak?
Very much so! While filet mignon is the star of this dish, you can also try New York steak, ribeye, or top sirloin. Each offers a different flavor and texture, bringing its unique twist to your surf and turf recipes.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you have shellfish allergies, be sure to substitute the shrimp with a different protein like scallops or extra veggies. As for pets, it’s best to avoid sharing cooked steak and shrimp as seasoning and rich fats can upset their stomachs. Always check with your vet if unsure!
Delicious Surf and Turf Recipes for Easy Gourmet Dinners
Equipment
- large cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 piece Filet Mignon 1 1/2” thick
- 1.5 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt for seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons Black Pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 tablespoon Vegetable Oil for searing
For the Shrimp
- 12 pieces Large Shrimp peeled, deveined, tail-on (21-25 count)
- 0.5 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt for seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoons Black Pepper for seasoning
For the Garlic Rosemary Butter
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic quartered
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary or thyme as an alternative
Instructions
Procedure
- Pat the shrimp and filet mignon dry with a paper towel. Season the steak with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. For the shrimp, use ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Sear the filet mignon for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes until browned. Remove when it's 10°F below desired doneness.
- Tent the seared steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter, garlic, and fresh rosemary to the skillet. Let melt and infuse.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1 minute on each side until pink and opaque. Remove immediately.
- Return the steak to the skillet, coating it in the buttery sauce. Serve hot with additional sauce drizzled on top.