If you’ve ever dreamed of impressing your friends or family with a meal that feels luxurious yet doesn’t require complicated steps, this Simple Surf and Turf for a Delicious Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the juicy richness of steak with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, this dish brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures right to your table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, you’ll love how approachable and satisfying this surf and turf experience is without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building incredible flavors, textures, and even visual appeal. By using quality steak and shrimp paired with a few seasonings and fresh herbs, you can create a dinner that looks and tastes like it required hours in the kitchen.
- 32 ounces Steak (Ribeye or Filet Mignon): Choose 8 ounces per person for the perfect portion of juicy, tender beef.
- 24 ounces Shrimp (Peeled and Deveined): Big, plump shrimp add sweetness and a tender bite to complement the steak.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin): Essential for cooking and infusing a rich, fruity flavor into both proteins.
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced): Adds aromatic depth and a hint of warmth to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper (Freshly ground black): Gives a mild kick that brightens each bite.
- 1 whole Lemon (Juice): The zesty brightness lifts the seafood and balances richness of the steak.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives, chopped): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a pop of flavor and vibrancy.
How to Make Simple Surf and Turf for a Delicious Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Starting with perfectly prepped ingredients is key to pulling this dish together smoothly. Let your steak sit out until it reaches room temperature so it cooks evenly. Meanwhile, rinse your shrimp under cold water to ensure they are clean and ready to go, which will help with even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the steak. This simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the beef to shine through. After seasoning, give the steak a few minutes to rest; this helps the seasoning penetrate the meat for a more flavorful bite.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the steak in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side. This gives the steak a beautiful crust, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 4: Flip and Cook to Desired Doneness
Turn the steak over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes if you prefer medium-rare. Adjust the time slightly if you like your steak more or less cooked. The key is to cook confidently and avoid poking or moving the steak around to keep that enticing crust intact.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Transfer the cooked steak onto a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, making every slice succulent and tender.
Step 6: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if it looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly—about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. This step infuses the cooking oil with garlic flavor that perks up the shrimp beautifully.
Step 7: Cook the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet to ensure even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes undisturbed until they turn pink and start curling at the edges.
Step 8: Finish Cooking Shrimp and Add Lemon and Herbs
Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fully pink and opaque. Right at the end, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped herbs. These final touches bring acidity, freshness, and wonderful aroma to the dish.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steak against the grain in even strips. Arrange steak slices on plates alongside the garlic lemon shrimp, spooning any flavorful skillet juices on top. This is where the dish truly comes alive in presentation and taste.
Step 10: Dig In and Enjoy!
There’s nothing better than sitting down with this perfectly balanced surf and turf combination. It’s hearty, fresh, and indulgent all at once—ready to be enjoyed immediately, best shared over good conversation.
How to Serve Simple Surf and Turf for a Delicious Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only brightens the flavors but also adds a lovely pop of green that makes the dish look inviting and vibrant. A wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add an extra splash of brightness if desired.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad beautifully complement the richness of the steak and shrimp. The simplicity of the sides keeps the focus on your Simple Surf and Turf for a Delicious Dinner Recipe star ingredients while rounding out the meal with vibrant textures and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the steak slices fanned out on a rustic wooden platter with the shrimp piled at the center, garnished with fresh herbs. Alternatively, plate each serving individually with a drizzle of the skillet juices and a bright lemon wedge on top for an elegant restaurant-worthy presentation right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover steak and shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay good for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals without losing too much flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for longer, freezing works well. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store shrimp in a sealed container or freezer bag. Both will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a low oven or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking. For the shrimp, a quick warm-up in a skillet with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice will restore their juicy texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Ribeye and Filet Mignon are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, cuts like New York strip or sirloin can also work well if cooked properly.
What’s the best way to know when my steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is a reliable method. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly after resting.
Can I substitute fresh shrimp with frozen shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get a good sear and avoid excess water in the skillet.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on their color change to pink and make sure to remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Definitely! Its simplicity makes it stress-free to prepare in advance, yet it delivers a dinner that feels impressively elegant and satisfying to guests.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to make this Simple Surf and Turf for a Delicious Dinner Recipe is like giving yourself and your loved ones a culinary hug—comforting, special, and truly delicious. Once you try it, you’ll see how straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps can come together to create a meal that’s anything but simple in taste. So grab your steak, prep the shrimp, and dive into a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
