Surf and Turf

Surf and Turf is a classic combination of steak and seafood served together on one plate. This version uses juicy ribeye steaks and garlic prawns for a luxurious meal. It is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend dinner at home. You can prepare everything in one or two pans with very little effort.
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What is good about surf and turf

This recipe for Surf and Turf brings together rich beef and sweet seafood in a balanced way. Using garlic butter helps to connect the different flavours of the land and sea. It is a very quick dish to cook once all your ingredients are ready. You get a restaurant quality result without needing complex cooking techniques.

A step-by-step guide to surf and turf

Step 1
Prepare: Take the steaks out of the fridge at least twenty minutes before you start cooking. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves for the prawns.
Step 2
Sear: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat until it starts to smoke slightly. Place the steaks in the pan and cook for three minutes on each side for medium rare. Use tongs to sear the fat on the edges of the meat. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a warm plate.
Step 3
Prawns: Turn the heat down to medium and add the butter to the same frying pan. Once the butter is foaming, add the garlic and the prawns. Fry the prawns for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Make sure the garlic does not burn by stirring the butter constantly.
Step 4
Serve: Place one rested steak on each plate and divide the garlic prawns between them. Pour any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the seafood and meat. Serve the Surf and Turf with a wedge of lemon on the side. This dish goes well with simple greens or roasted potatoes.

Extra tips for surf and turf

Always make sure your pan is very hot before adding the steaks to get a nice brown crust. If you use frozen prawns, ensure they are fully defrosted and patted dry before cooking. This prevents too much water from entering the pan, which would steam the seafood instead of frying it.

Resting the meat is an essential part of making Surf and Turf because it allows the juices to redistribute. You can use different types of steak like fillet or sirloin depending on your preference. Adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter can add extra depth to the sauce.

You might also enjoy langoustine starter, vegetarian pad thai or fried brill.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 2 ribeye steaks
  • 8 large raw prawns
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 25 grams butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:3138 kJ / 750 kcal
  • Fat:55 g
  • - of which saturates:25 g
  • Carbohydrates:1 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:60 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:1.5 g

People also ask

Ribeye and fillet are the most popular choices for Surf and Turf because they are tender and cook quickly. Ribeye has more fat and flavour, while fillet is leaner and very soft.
The prawns in your Surf and Turf are ready when they change from grey to a bright pink colour. They should feel firm to the touch and the flesh should be white all the way through.
It is best to cook this dish fresh because both steak and prawns can become rubbery if reheated. You can prepare the garlic and season the meat in advance to save time during cooking.
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4.8 / 5 - (12 ratings)