Few meals feel as special as a classic Surf & Turf. This version pairs juicy, buttery steaks with flavorful garlic butter shrimp and crispy thick-cut fries for a satisfying restaurant-style dinner you can make at home.

The steak is seared with garlic and thyme until perfectly browned, while the shrimp are quickly cooked in a bright lemon-garlic butter. Serve everything together with golden fries and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Steak

4 ribeye or New York strip steaks
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
4–5 sprigs fresh thyme

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

680 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Fries

680 g thick-cut fries
Salt, to taste
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries

Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the instructions for your fries.

Arrange the thick-cut fries in a single layer without overcrowding them.

Cook until golden brown and crisp, turning or shaking them halfway through cooking if necessary.

Season with salt while they’re hot and finish with chopped parsley.

2. Season and Cook the Steaks

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking.

Pat them dry and generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high to high heat until very hot.

Add the steaks and sear until a deep golden-brown crust develops. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred doneness.

During the final few minutes, add the butter, crushed garlic, and thyme to the pan.

Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the foaming garlic butter repeatedly over the steaks.

Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5–10 minutes.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the shrimp and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley.

4. Assemble the Surf & Turf

Place a rested steak on each plate and spoon a generous portion of garlic butter shrimp alongside it.

Add a serving of crispy fries and drizzle a little of the remaining garlic butter from the shrimp pan over the seafood.

Garnish everything with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Surf & Turf

Pat the steaks dry: Removing surface moisture helps create a better seared crust.

Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the steaks rest allows the juices to redistribute before serving.

Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they become opaque.

Cook fries in a single layer: Overcrowding can prevent them from becoming crisp.

Use fresh garlic and lemon: They add brightness that balances the richness of the butter and steak.

Serving Suggestions

For an even more complete steakhouse-style dinner, serve your Surf & Turf with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Grilled asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Sautéed mushrooms
Fresh green salad
Creamed spinach
Garlic bread

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Surf & Turf brings together everything you want in an indulgent dinner: juicy steak, buttery garlic shrimp, crispy fries, fresh lemon, and fragrant herbs. It’s simple enough for a weekend meal but impressive enough for a celebration or special dinner.

Serve it hot, add your favorite steakhouse side, and enjoy this delicious combination of land and sea.