Introduction

Gourmet surf and turf is the epitome of indulgence—a perfect combination of land and sea that brings a celebratory touch to any meal. Featuring tender steak and succulent seafood, this dish elevates your dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion, even on a weeknight.

The key to this recipe is the rich garlic sauce, which ties the flavors of the meat and seafood together beautifully. With a mix of fresh herbs and robust seasonings, it enhances the natural umami notes of both the steak and the seafood, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also memorable.

Ingredients

2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick)
Ribeye steaks are chosen for their marbled fat, which provides incredible flavor and tenderness once grilled or pan-seared.
6 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Shrimp add a sweet, briny flavor that complements the steak perfectly, bringing a delightful contrast to the meal.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil helps to enhance the searing of both the steak and shrimp while contributing its own subtle flavor.
4 cloves garlic (minced)
Garlic forms the backbone of the sauce, infusing it with a savory depth and aromatic richness.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Parsley not only adds a fresh herbaceous note to the sauce but also acts as a garnish, visually brightening the plate.
1 tablespoon butter
Butter adds a luxurious richness to the garlic sauce, helping to create a glossy finish that adheres beautifully to the meat and seafood.
Salt and pepper to taste
These essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the steak and shrimp, ensuring that they are well-balanced.
1 tablespoon lemon juice
The acidity of lemon juice brightens the overall dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and meat.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Season the steaks with salt and pepper.

Seasoning the steaks with salt and pepper right before cooking is crucial for enhancing their natural flavors. Allowing them to rest with the seasoning briefly also helps develop a flavorful crust during cooking.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Hot oil is essential for achieving a good sear on the steaks and shrimp. Ensure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the steak to prevent steaming and promote browning, which adds complex flavors.

Step 3: Add the steaks to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Searing the steaks allows a crust to form, creating a delicious texture and locking in juices. Avoid moving them around too much during this time, as it can prevent proper browning.

Step 4: Remove steaks and let them rest while preparing the garlic sauce.

Resting the steaks allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful. This step is vital for achieving the ideal texture and flavor in every bite.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add butter and garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Sautéing garlic in the rendered fat from the steaks enhances its flavor. Watch closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and spoil the sauce.

Step 6: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.

Shrimp cook quickly; ensure they are not overcooked to avoid a rubbery texture. Properly cooked shrimp should be bright pink and firm, signaling they are done.

Step 7: Stir in lemon juice and parsley, mixing well.

The lemon juice adds brightness to the sauce, while parsley contributes fresh flavor and color. This finishing touch enhances overall taste and presentation.

Step 8: Serve steaks topped with garlic shrimp and sauce.

Plating the dish thoughtfully elevates the dining experience. Ensure that each steak is beautifully presented with an even layer of shrimp and sauce to entice the eyes and palate of your guests.

Gourmet Surf and Turf With Garlic Sauce step photo

Choosing the Right Steak for Surf and Turf

The choice of steak is pivotal in surf and turf. Ribeye, with its perfect marbling, offers both tenderness and flavor, making it an excellent pairing for rich seafood. Look for well-marbled cuts that will yield juicy results. Alternatively, filet mignon or sirloin can also be used for a leaner option. Each cut provides distinct textures and flavors, but for this dish, ribeye shines through.

Cooking Shrimp Perfectly: Tips and Techniques

Cooking shrimp perfectly requires attention to timing and temperature. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and unpalatable, while perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and slightly firm. For this recipe, sautéing them in the same skillet allows the shrimp to absorb flavors from the steak juices, creating an incredible depth of taste. The shorter cooking time is crucial to achieving optimal texture.

Elevating Your Garlic Sauce: Variations to Try

While this garlic sauce is delicious as-is, variations can further elevate the dish. Consider adding a splash of white wine for depth, or swapping in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. Each ingredient adjustment can introduce new layers of flavor, making it a versatile accompaniment for many dishes. Experimenting can lead to personal touches that might become your family’s favorite.

FAQs

What if my steak is overcooked?

If your steak is overcooked, it may become tough. To salvage it, slice it thin for easier chewing and consider serving it with extra sauce to moisten each bite.

How can I adjust the garlic sauce to be thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, reduce it further in the skillet after adding the garlic, allowing more liquid to evaporate. To thin it, add a little broth or water during cooking.

Can I substitute shrimp with scallops?

Absolutely! Scallops are a fantastic alternative, offering a delicate sweetness. Adjust cooking time as scallops may require slightly longer to achieve an ideal sear.

How can I tell when garlic is perfectly sautéed?

Sauté garlic until it is fragrant and lightly golden. If it turns brown, it may taste bitter, so keep a close eye and stir continuously for even cooking.

What if I want to make this recipe for more people?

To scale the recipe, simply multiply each ingredient quantity by the number of servings needed, ensuring that your cooking vessel can accommodate all the components.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good sear; excess moisture can lead to steaming.

Conclusion

Creating gourmet surf and turf with garlic sauce at home is an achievable culinary masterpiece that brings luxury to your dining table. The balance of rich steak and delicate seafood, enhanced by a flavorful garlic sauce, leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to share in the meal.

Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own by experimenting with different sauces or side dishes. Embrace the versatility of surf and turf and elevate your home cooking game, making any occasion feel like a celebration.

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