The Juiciest Surf and Turf with Garlic Sauce Recipe Ever

Culinary magic happens when my favorite surf and turf with garlic sauce arrives at the dinner table.

Waves of savory aromas fill the kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal.

Delicate seafood meets robust meat in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Butter-soft proteins melt under a rich, pungent garlic embrace that elevates every bite.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this elegant dish, but you can craft it effortlessly at home.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe brings restaurant-quality dining right to your personal kitchen.

Come explore a meal that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Surf and Turf That Feels Like a Fancy Night In

• Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Elevate your dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Speedy Cooking Time: Prepare this impressive dish in just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Restaurant-Quality Indulgence: Enjoy a luxurious surf and turf experience without the expensive restaurant bill, right in your own kitchen.
• Versatile Sauce Magic: Create a creamy garlic sauce that transforms simple proteins into a mouthwatering meal that works with multiple ingredients.

Steak and Seafood Essentials for Surf & Turf Glory

• Steak, Shrimp: Hearty main proteins that create a luxurious surf and turf combination. Choose tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin for steak, and large, fresh shrimp for best flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for searing and creating rich sauce base. Use extra virgin olive oil for initial cooking and unsalted butter for smooth sauce texture.

• Garlic, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy sauce components that add depth and richness. Fresh garlic provides intense flavor, low-sodium chicken broth prevents oversalting, heavy cream ensures silky texture, and Parmesan adds nutty complexity.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Simple seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor. Use kosher or sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped flat-leaf parsley for bright finishing touch.

Surf & Turf with Garlic Sauce Steps

Step 1: Unleash Steak Flavor

Generously coat beef with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over roaring medium-high heat.

Sear beef until golden brown, creating a delectable caramelized exterior.

Cook until your desired doneness develops.

Transfer beef to a warm platter and let it rest, allowing juices to redistribute.

Step 2: Transform Shrimp into Golden Treasures

Use the same skillet, adding extra oil if needed.

Dance shrimp around the pan, cooking until they turn blush pink and curl slightly.

Remove seafood companions and place alongside the resting beef.

Step 3: Whip Up Decadent Garlic Elixir

Reduce heat and melt butter, creating a silky base.

Introduce minced garlic, letting it release its aromatic magic.

Pour chicken broth, capturing those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Blend in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.

Fold in grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate flavors.

Step 4: Marry Proteins in Sauce

Reunite beef and shrimp in the bubbling sauce, gently coating each morsel.

Allow them to intermingle for a brief moment, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Step 5: Present Culinary Masterpiece

Transfer beef and shrimp to elegant plates.

Cascade the creamy garlic sauce over the top.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish that adds both color and fresh herbal notes.

Surf and Turf Cooking Tips with Garlic Cream Sauce

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Medium-rare steak should reach 135°F, while well-done is around 160°F. Shrimp cooks quickly and turns opaque when done.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough and chewy. Remove from heat immediately once they're done.
• For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding chicken broth. The browned bits add incredible depth to the creamy garlic sauce.
• Let steak rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. This prevents drying out and ensures each bite remains tender and flavorful.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.

Surf and Turf Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep the steak and shrimp separate from the sauce to maintain texture and prevent soggy meat.
• Let the dish completely cool to room temperature before sealing and storing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated surf and turf within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Cover the container tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Warm the steak and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Separately warm the sauce in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Seafood Sides for Surf and Turf Garlic Sauce

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of surf and turf by selecting a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which can stand up to the intense steak and creamy sauce.
• Create Herbal Side Harmony: Balance the dish's richness with a light, fresh herb-infused side like roasted asparagus with lemon zest or a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Enhance with Buttery Chardonnay: Choose a lightly oaked Chardonnay to match the creamy garlic sauce's smooth texture, providing a complementary buttery note that elevates the seafood and meat's delicate flavors.
• Add Crusty Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the luxurious creamy garlic sauce, creating an extra layer of indulgence and helping guests enjoy every last drop of the delectable sauce.

Surf and Turf with Garlic Sauce Fancy Versions

• Low-Carb Version: Replace traditional sides with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or avocado oil. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free alternatives to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce. Include cayenne pepper when seasoning steak and shrimp. Incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat and complexity in the dish.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Replace chicken broth with white wine. Add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. Include chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Ribeye or New York strip steaks are ideal due to their tenderness and rich flavor. They provide a perfect balance with the shrimp and complement the creamy garlic sauce.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Let the steak rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking, which allows the internal temperature to rise slightly and ensures juicy meat.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp can release extra moisture and prevent proper searing, so ensure they’re dry to achieve a nice golden exterior.

• What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

Continue simmering the sauce to reduce and thicken it. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help it thicken more quickly without creating lumps.

Surf and Turf with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce delivers an exquisite fusion of oceanic and land flavors, harmonizing succulent steak and tender seafood. Luxurious garlic sauce elevates this classic dish, promising a restaurant-quality experience you can savor at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 steaks (Sirloin or Filet Mignon)
• 1 pound (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy and Sauce Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust seasoning blend of salt and coarse ground pepper for the steak, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet with olive oil until it shimmers with intense heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the protein.
3. Position the seasoned steak in the skillet, allowing it to develop a rich caramelized exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting duration based on desired internal temperature.
4. Carefully transfer the seared steak to a resting surface, allowing internal juices to redistribute and maintain optimal tenderness.
5. Utilize the same skillet, replenishing oil if necessary, to prepare the delicate shrimp with precise cooking technique.
6. Introduce shrimp to the hot pan, monitoring their transformation until they turn a vibrant pink and achieve a translucent opaque appearance, typically requiring 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove the perfectly cooked shrimp and set aside with the rested steak.
8. Reduce skillet temperature and introduce butter, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious base for the creamy sauce.
9. Incorporate finely minced garlic, gently sautéing to release its aromatic essence without burning.
10. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, utilizing a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the flavorful browned remnants from the protein cooking process.
11. Stream in heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing it to thicken for 3-4 minutes.
12. Enhance the sauce’s complexity by folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
13. Reunite the seared steak and succulent shrimp with the velvety sauce, allowing them to warm and absorb the intricate flavors for 1-2 minutes.
14. Artfully plate the surf and turf, generously drizzling the creamy garlic sauce over the proteins.
15. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant, aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Choosing Quality Meat ensures a mouthwatering surf and turf experience with tender, flavorful results.
• Let steaks rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to guarantee even cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Use a meat thermometer to achieve precise doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality jumbo shrimp to elevate the dish’s overall taste and texture.
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free sauce.
• Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides.
• Prevent rubbery shrimp by removing them from heat immediately once they turn pink and opaque.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg