This Surf & Turf Plate with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a restaurant-style dinner you can easily make at home. Juicy, perfectly seared steak is paired with buttery garlic shrimp and served alongside rich, creamy mashed potatoes. Finished with a flavorful pan sauce, this impressive meal is perfect for date nights, celebrations, or a special weekend dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup warm heavy cream or whole milk
- ¼ cup sour cream, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water.
Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain thoroughly and return them to the warm saucepan.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
Add the butter and mash the potatoes until smooth.
Gradually add the warm cream or milk, stirring until the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
Add sour cream if using, then season with salt and black pepper.
Keep warm while preparing the steak and shrimp.
3. Prepare the Steak
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat.
Add the olive oil.
Place the steaks in the hot skillet and sear for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
During the final minute or two, add the butter, crushed garlic, and rosemary or thyme.
Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter repeatedly over the steaks.
Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes.
4. Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
Add the olive oil and butter.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Don’t overcook them, as shrimp become rubbery when cooked too long.
Remove from the heat and add lemon juice and fresh parsley.
5. Assemble the Surf & Turf
Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.
Slice the rested steak and arrange it alongside the potatoes.
Add several garlic butter shrimp around the steak.
Drizzle some of the garlic butter from the shrimp pan over the steak and shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Surf & Turf
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to encourage a beautiful sear.
- Use a heavy skillet that holds heat well.
- Let the steak rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.
- Cook shrimp only until they are just opaque and pink.
- Warm the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes for smoother mashed potatoes.
- Yukon Gold potatoes create naturally creamy mashed potatoes, while russets produce a lighter, fluffier texture.
Steak Doneness Guide
For the most accurate results, use an instant-read thermometer:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Medium-well: 150–155°F (66–68°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C) or higher
Keep in mind that the internal temperature can rise slightly while the steak rests.
Easy Additions
Make the plate even more impressive with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Caramelized onions
- Creamy garlic sauce
- Grilled corn
- Crispy onion rings
Storage
Store leftover steak, shrimp, and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat the steak gently to avoid drying it out. Warm the mashed potatoes with a splash of milk or cream, and reheat the shrimp briefly until hot.
This Surf & Turf Plate with Creamy Mashed Potatoes combines tender, flavorful steak, buttery garlic shrimp, and rich mashed potatoes for a satisfying restaurant-style meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent dinner at home.