Surf and Turf for Special Occasions

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions is the ultimate dish that combines the best of land and sea, perfect for impressing your guests.

Natalie Briggs

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-04T12:16:12.887Z

Surf and Turf is a classic dish that brings together succulent steak and fresh seafood, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for special occasions where you want to impress your loved ones with a gourmet meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A luxurious combination of tender steak and fresh seafood
  • Impressive presentation that elevates any dining experience
  • Perfect for celebrations, anniversaries, or romantic dinners

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Surf and Turf beautifully marries the robust flavors of steak with the delicate taste of seafood. The rich, juicy ribeye steak provides a satisfying bite, while the shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and brininess from the ocean. This dish is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of indulging in two incredible culinary worlds on one plate.

Using a marinade that blends soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard enhances the steak's natural flavors while tenderizing the meat. The addition of fresh rosemary introduces an aromatic note that complements both the steak and shrimp, making every bite a delight.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a romantic evening, Surf and Turf showcases a range of flavors that appeal to all palates. Each component is thoughtfully prepared to harmonize together, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Impressive Presentation

One of the standout features of Surf and Turf is its striking presentation. The vibrant colors of the shrimp and the beautifully seared steak make for a visually appealing dish that will impress your guests. Adding fresh parsley and lemon slices not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to the plate.

When serving this dish, consider plating the steak and shrimp side by side to highlight their contrasting textures. A neatly arranged plate invites your guests to dig in, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The presentation alone is sure to elevate your dining experience.

Don't forget to serve with a nice bottle of wine that pairs well with both steak and seafood. A full-bodied red wine can complement the richness of the steak, while a crisp white can enhance the flavors of the shrimp, ensuring that your meal is not only beautiful but also delicious.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Surf and Turf is an ideal choice for a variety of special occasions. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, hosting a birthday dinner, or planning an intimate gathering, this dish adds a touch of luxury to any meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes your guests feel valued and appreciated.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to suit different tastes. For instance, you can swap out shrimp for your favorite seafood, or adjust the marinade to incorporate other flavors. This flexibility means you can make Surf and Turf your own, ensuring it fits the theme or mood of your celebration perfectly.

Additionally, the preparation of this dish can be a wonderful bonding activity. Get your loved ones involved in the cooking process, whether it’s marinating the steaks or sautéing the shrimp. Not only does this make for a fun experience, but it also creates lasting memories around the dining table.

Ingredients

For the Surf and Turf

  • 2 ribeye steaks
  • 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, sliced

For the Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Enjoy your delicious Surf and Turf!

Instructions

Marinate the Steaks

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Place the ribeye steaks in the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Cook the Steaks

Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve

Plate the sliced steak alongside the sautéed shrimp. Garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve immediately after cooking.

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect sear on your ribeye steaks, ensure your grill or skillet is preheated properly. A high heat allows for a beautiful crust to form while keeping the interior juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the steaks in batches if necessary to maintain that high temperature.

When cooking shrimp, be mindful of their cooking time. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them as they turn pink. The quick sautéing method ensures they remain tender and flavorful. If you find yourself with leftover shrimp, consider tossing them into a salad for a refreshing lunch the next day.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Surf and Turf, consider serving it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the dish and add color to your plate. A light salad dressed with vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak and shrimp.

For beverages, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with the steak, enhancing its flavors. Alternatively, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio can elevate the shrimp. Having a selection of both red and white wines will cater to your guests’ preferences and elevate the overall dining experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes, scallops or lobster can also be great alternatives.

→ What sides pair well with Surf and Turf?

Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad are excellent choices.

→ How can I ensure my steak is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer; 130°F is medium-rare, while 140°F is medium.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It's best served fresh, but you can marinate the steaks ahead of time.

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions is the ultimate dish that combines the best of land and sea, perfect for impressing your guests.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Natalie Briggs

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Surf and Turf

  1. 2 ribeye steaks
  2. 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  7. 1 lemon, sliced

For the Marinade

  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  2. 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons honey
  4. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  5. 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary. Place the ribeye steaks in the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 03

Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 04

Plate the sliced steak alongside the sautéed shrimp. Garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Total Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 240mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 42g