Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

 

When you think of luxury dining, one dish that always comes to mind is surf and turf—the ultimate marriage between land and sea. It’s a classic that combines juicy, tender steak with fresh, succulent seafood. In this recipe, we’re elevating the experience even more by tossing it all in a rich and velvety creamy garlic butter sauce.

Imagine bite-sized pieces of seared steak, golden shrimp, and scallops, all bathed in a sauce that’s silky, garlicky, and kissed with a hint of lemon. It’s the kind of dish you’d expect at a five-star steakhouse, but here’s the best part: you can make it at home in just 30 minutes.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, celebrating an anniversary, hosting friends, or simply craving something indulgent on a weeknight, this dish will not disappoint.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced flavors: The garlic butter sauce ties everything together—savory steak, sweet shrimp, and buttery scallops.
• Quick yet impressive: Ready in half an hour, but looks and tastes gourmet.
• Flexible: You can swap proteins, add veggies, or make it spicy depending on your mood.
• Perfect for occasions: From Valentine’s Day to Christmas dinners, this dish shines on any special table.

Ingredients

For the Surf and Turf

• 1 lb sirloin or filet mignon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb scallops, patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Steak

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season steak bites generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place them in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned outside but still pink in the center.
5. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Pro Tip: Let the steak rest for a few minutes before adding back into the sauce—it locks in the juices.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

1. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
2. Sear the scallops first, 2 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Remove.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside.

Important: Do not overcook seafood—shrimp should be pink but still tender, scallops should have a golden crust but remain soft inside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add 3 tablespoons butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in minced garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cream, broth, lemon juice, and paprika. Whisk until smooth.
5. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Optional Add-In: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Return steak, shrimp, and scallops to the skillet.
2. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
3. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just enough to heat through.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer to a serving platter or serve in the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately with sides of your choice.

Serving Ideas

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the sauce.
• Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for freshness.
• Pasta tossed in olive oil for a heartier meal.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette to mop up every drop.
• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein swaps: Use lobster tails instead of shrimp, or swap scallops for crab meat.
• Budget-friendly: Replace scallops with more shrimp, or use chicken instead of steak.
• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Herb-forward: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra aroma.
• Keto-friendly: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces and seafood lose texture after thawing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the pan – This prevents steak and seafood from searing properly.
2. Overcooking seafood – Shrimp and scallops become rubbery if left too long.
3. Burning the garlic – Cook it just until fragrant, not brown.
4. Skipping the lemon juice – It balances the richness of the sauce.
5. Using cold proteins – Let steak and seafood sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water.

What’s the best steak cut for this dish?
Filet mignon, sirloin, or ribeye work best. Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce separately, but for best flavor, cook steak and seafood fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! Just make sure the broth you use is gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer, or whisk in a little cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water).

Nutrition (Per Serving, 4 Servings)

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 2 g

Final Thoughts

This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavors. From the juicy steak to the tender shrimp and buttery scallops, every bite is indulgent and satisfying. The creamy sauce ties it all together, making this dish the perfect choice for special occasions, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something unforgettable.

With simple steps, customizable options, and restaurant-quality results, this surf and turf recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.