Combining the richness of land and sea in one unforgettable dish, this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings together the best of both worlds for a truly gourmet experience. The succulent steak paired with tender seafood is elevated by a luscious, velvety garlic sauce that ties every bite together beautifully. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: This dish balances savory steak and fresh seafood with a rich, garlicky cream sauce for a perfect harmony of flavors.
Easy Yet Elegant: Despite its upscale feel, this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Versatile Pairings: The creamy garlic sauce complements a range of proteins, making it easy to customize according to your preferences.
Impress Your Guests: This recipe looks and tastes like a fine dining experience without the hassle of complicated techniques.
Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family feast, this dish elevates any meal time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe plays an essential role, contributing richness, texture, or color that makes this dish truly special. The simplicity of the ingredients lets their quality shine through, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Steak (ribeye or filet mignon): Choose a tender, well-marbled cut for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Shrimp or lobster tails: Fresh seafood adds a delicate sweetness and pairs beautifully with the steak.
Butter: Essential for cooking and enriching the creamy garlic sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates the silky base of the sauce for smooth texture.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs that bold, aromatic punch we all crave.
Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
Lemon juice: A splash here brightens and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the steak and seafood.
Olive oil: For searing the steak to develop a beautiful crust.

Variations for Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, giving you great freedom to make it your own. Whether you need to accommodate dietary preferences or want to experiment with different flavors, customizing is easy and rewarding.

Swap the shrimp for scallops: For a tender and sweet seafood alternative with a slightly different texture.
Use a different steak cut: Such as sirloin or New York strip for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.
Make it keto-friendly: Skip the lemon juice and add a bit more butter for an extra creamy sauce that’s low-carb.
Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms in the garlic sauce provide an earthy depth to the dish.
Include white wine: A splash in the sauce adds acidity and complexity for a restaurant-style twist.

Why Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Wins

How to Make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Pat the steak dry, season it generously with salt and pepper, and sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until it develops a golden crust. Cook to your preferred doneness, then let it rest to retain the juices.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

Sauté the shrimp or lobster tails in butter and garlic until just cooked through—this ensures they remain tender and juicy, perfect to pair with the steak.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add minced garlic to the leftover steak and seafood drippings, cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in heavy cream and a splash of lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then toss in fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Plate the steak and seafood side by side, generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over top, and garnish with extra parsley for a stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Pro Tips for Making Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Let the steak rest: This helps retain juices for a tender bite every time.
Don’t overcook seafood: Cooking seafood just until opaque keeps it juicy and tender.
Use a hot pan for searing: A hot skillet ensures a rich crust on your steak.
Fresh garlic is key: Avoid pre-minced garlic for a brighter, more robust flavor.
Adjust sauce thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

How to Serve Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add an inviting freshness and vibrant color that enhances the dish’s presentation.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad beautifully complement the rich flavors and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the steak and seafood on a large serving platter with sauce drizzled artfully, or place each component on individual plates for an elegant touch perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked steak and seafood separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to preserve texture and freshness.

Freezing

While steak freezes well, seafood may become rubbery; consider freezing the cream sauce separately in small portions to maintain its silky texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce and keep the proteins tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! Scallops, crab legs, or even firm white fish can be wonderful substitutes, each giving a unique twist to the Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free substitute and using olive oil or dairy-free butter can create a dairy-free version without losing richness.

How long does it take to make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

The entire process typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive meal.

What wine pairs well with Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

A rich Chardonnay or a medium-bodied red like a Pinot Noir pairs excellently, complementing both the steak and the creamy garlic sauce.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and seafood in advance, then finish by searing the steak just before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce makes an unforgettable meal that’s both indulgent and accessible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something spectacular, this recipe will leave you feeling proud and satisfied. Dive in, savor every bite, and share the joy this incredible dish brings to your table!

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Print Recipe

This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe combines the richness of tender steak and succulent seafood with a luscious, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant home-cooked meal, it balances bold flavors and luxurious textures to create a gourmet dining experience that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz each), well-marbled
12 large shrimp or 2 lobster tails

Sauce Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Cooking Oils

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks to develop a golden crust, cooking them to your preferred doneness (about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare). Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest to retain their juices.
Cook the Seafood: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp or lobster tails and sauté until just cooked through and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side), ensuring the seafood remains tender and juicy. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same pan with leftover drippings, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Pour in the heavy cream and add a splash of fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a silky consistency (around 3-5 minutes). Stir in chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh flavor burst.
Combine and Serve: Plate the steak and seafood side by side. Generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over both. Garnish with additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.

Notes

Let the steak rest after cooking to retain its juicy tenderness.
Avoid overcooking seafood; cook just until opaque for optimum texture.
Use a hot skillet to achieve a rich, flavorful crust on the steak.
Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a stronger, fresher flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or additional cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (steak, seafood, and sauce)
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 48 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 185 mg

Keywords: Surf and Turf, Steak and Seafood, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Elegant Dinner, Garlic Cream Sauce, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Shrimp, Lobster, Home Cooking