Surf and turf is a classic dish that combines seafood and red meat, usually served in steakhouses and fine dining restaurants. But did you know that you can easily make your own surf and turf meal at home, using simple ingredients and techniques? In this post, I will show you how to prepare a mouthwatering surf and turf dinner, with some tips and variations to suit your taste and budget.
What is Surf and Turf?
Surf and turf is the term for a meal that includes “the land and the sea” on one plate. With two high-end, gourmet foods on one plate, it’s usually considered a special occasion meal. The “surf” portion of surf and turf can vary, but is usually shrimp, prawns, lobster, or crab. It can also sometimes include scallops. The “turf” portion is typically beef steak, although others may be used, such as lamb or pork.
The origin of the term “surf and turf” is unclear, though the earliest known citation stems from the Los Angeles Times in 1961. It’s long been a symbol of middle and upper-class Americana to pair steak and lobster, or some other variation.
How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Surf and Turf
The quality of your ingredients is very important for making a delicious surf and turf meal. Here are some tips on how to choose the best seafood and meat for your dish:
- For seafood, look for fresh or frozen products that are wild-caught, sustainably sourced, and free of additives or preservatives. Avoid pre-cooked or canned seafood, as they tend to be dry and bland.
- For steak, look for grass-fed, organic, or hormone-free beef that has a good amount of marbling (fat) for flavor and tenderness. Choose a cut that suits your preference, such as filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, or strip.
- For other meats, such as lamb or pork, look for similar quality standards as beef. Choose a cut that is lean but not too tough, such as loin, chop, or tenderloin.
How to Cook Surf and Turf
There are many ways to cook surf and turf, depending on your preference and equipment. Here are some common methods that you can try:
- Grilling: This is a great way to add smoky flavor and char marks to your seafood and meat. You can use a gas or charcoal grill, or an indoor grill pan. Preheat your grill to high heat and season your seafood and meat with salt, pepper, oil, and any herbs or spices you like. Grill your seafood for a few minutes per side, depending on the size and thickness. Grill your meat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or longer if you prefer it more cooked. Let your meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Pan-searing: This is a quick and easy way to cook your seafood and meat on the stovetop. You will need a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) that can withstand high heat. Heat some oil over high heat until shimmering. Season your seafood and meat with salt, pepper, oil, and any herbs or spices you like. Sear your seafood for a few minutes per side, depending on the size and thickness. Sear your meat for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or longer if you prefer it more cooked. Let your meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Oven-roasting: This is a convenient way to cook your seafood and meat in the oven without much fuss. You will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and season your seafood and meat with salt, pepper, oil, and any herbs or spices you like. Roast your seafood for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness. Roast your meat for about 15 to 20 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or longer if you prefer it more cooked. Let your meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Surf and Turf
You can serve your surf and turf with any side dishes you like, such as mashed potatoes, rice, salad, vegetables, bread, or sauce. Here are some ideas for serving surf and turf:
- Bacon-wrapped filet with pan-seared scallops: Wrap each filet with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Pan-sear the filets and scallops in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a bacon lemon cream sauce made by simmering some cream, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and bacon bits in the same skillet.
- Garlic-crusted ribeye with Paleo salmon cakes: Coat each ribeye with some minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oil. Pan-sear or grill the ribeyes until your desired doneness. Make the salmon cakes by mixing some cooked salmon, almond flour, egg, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Shape into patties and fry in a skillet until golden and crisp. Serve with a remoulade sauce made by blending some mayonnaise, mustard, capers, pickles, lemon juice, salt, and pepper .
- Tri-tip with chimichurri and pan-seared salmon with radish apple salad: Marinate the tri-tip in some olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours. Grill or roast the tri-tip until your desired doneness. Make the chimichurri sauce by blending some parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pan-sear the salmon in a hot skillet until flaky and crisp. Make the radish apple salad by tossing some sliced radishes, apples, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper .
Conclusion
Surf and turf is a delicious way to enjoy seafood and red meat in one meal. You can make your own surf and turf at home using simple ingredients and techniques. You can also customize your surf and turf with different combinations of seafood and meat, as well as side dishes and sauces. Try these recipes and tips for making a surf and turf meal that will impress your family and friends. Bon appetit!
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