Surf & Turf Feast with Garlic Butter Scallops, Shrimp, and Roasted Potatoes

Indulge in a luxurious Surf & Turf Feast from the comfort of your home with this feast, featuring a perfectly seared steak, tender garlic butter scallops, juicy shrimp, and crispy roasted potatoes. This recipe brings the essence of fine dining to your kitchen, offering a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and richness. Each bite of the juicy steak, paired with succulent seafood and crispy potatoes, is sure to be a memorable treat, especially when complemented with a garlic aioli or creamy peppercorn sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Whether for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this Surf & Turf Feast is the ultimate way to celebrate deliciously.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 ribeye or preferred steak cut
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)

For the Scallops:

• 8 large sea scallops
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Shrimp:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Roasted Potatoes:

• 2-3 medium potatoes, cubed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), chopped

For the Garlic Aioli (Optional):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

1. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, pressing the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the steak to achieve a great sear.
3. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (medium-rare is around 130°F).
4. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.

Step 2: Cooking the Scallops

1. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring a good sear. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and heat over medium-high until the butter becomes foamy.
3. Gently add the scallops to the skillet, searing each side for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown. Avoid overcrowding to ensure an even sear.
4. Once cooked, remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Garlic lovers can add minced garlic for extra flavor.
2. Using the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. If using garlic, add it now and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Roasting the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs until well-coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet for even cooking.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside.

Step 5: Making the Garlic Aioli (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Serve the aioli on the side for dipping, or drizzle it lightly over the seafood for extra flavor.

Variation

• Herb Butter Steak: Instead of olive oil, cook the steak in herb-infused butter for a richer flavor. Combine butter with thyme, rosemary, and a crushed garlic clove.
• Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp for a spicy twist.
• Truffle Aioli: Add a dash of truffle oil to the garlic aioli for a decadent, earthy flavor profile.

Cooking Note

• Achieving a Perfect Sear: Patting the scallops dry and preheating the skillet are essential for a golden crust. The same goes for the steak—drying and seasoning it well ensures a flavorful sear.
• Resting the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making each bite tender and juicy.
• Layering Flavors: Use the same skillet for all the seafood and steak, so flavors meld together. This technique also creates a beautiful fond (browned bits) in the skillet, enhancing overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the steak, scallops, shrimp, and roasted potatoes on a large serving platter, presenting it as a beautiful spread.
• Drizzle any leftover garlic butter from cooking the scallops and shrimp over the seafood and steak for extra flavor.
• Serve with the garlic aioli or a creamy peppercorn sauce for dipping. Pair the meal with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete experience.

Tips for Surf & Turf Feast

• Perfect Sear: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the scallops and steak. This heat helps create a golden crust, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Butter Basting: If you prefer extra richness, baste the steak with melted butter and fresh herbs in the last minute of cooking.
• Preheat the Oven for Potatoes: Starting the potatoes in a preheated oven ensures they roast evenly and become beautifully crispy.

Prep Time

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time

• 30 minutes

Total Time

• 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 45g
• Sodium: 890mg

FAQs

Q: Can I substitute the ribeye with another cut of steak?
A: Yes, you can use sirloin, filet mignon, or any preferred cut. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the steak.

Q: What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
A: You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet for searing. Just ensure it can withstand high heat without warping.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: You can prepare components like the garlic aioli and roast the potatoes ahead. Cook the steak, scallops, and shrimp fresh for the best results.

Q: Is there a way to make this meal dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative for the scallops and shrimp, and skip the aioli or make it with a vegan mayonnaise.

Conclusion

This Surf & Turf Feast is a celebration of flavors, textures, and culinary elegance, bringing restaurant-quality dining to your table. With its succulent steak, buttery seafood, and crispy roasted potatoes, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, this recipe captures the essence of fine dining at home.