Surf and Turf Tips

One of the most wonderfully indulgent meals is surf and turf. Combining the best of the land and sea, this dish is perfect especially popular for celebratory meals and special occasions. However, there's no reason you can't enjoy it any time you want, especially if you know how to make it at home. In this guide from The Wagyu Shop™, you'll discover useful tips and tricks for how to cook surf and turf properly.

At-Home Surf and Turf Menu Options

Deciding which main ingredients you want to use will be the main factor in how you prepare your meal. When it comes to the surf portion of this classic combination, some of the most popular options include:

  • Jumbo shrimp
  • Bay scallops
  • Lobster tails
  • Crab legs
  • Tuna steaks

As for the turf component in your meal, this is a time to splurge on something special. Filet mignon is a very popular choice. Other great options include ribeye steaks, T-bone steaks, prime rib and lamb chops. You may also want to consider a premium type of meat as well, such as authentic A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, to add a little extra excitement to your dish.

How to Make Surf and Turf at Home

Timing is critical with surf and turf meals. Most likely, the "turf" you choose will take a little longer to cook than the "surf," so you need to plan ahead to have everything ready at the same time. Think about when you want to marinate and season each part of the meal as well.

In addition, think through how each component will be cooked. If you're grilling, that may require a two-zone fire. On the stovetop, you'll need a separate pan for each part of the meal. Have a meat thermometer at the ready to check for doneness.

Finally, plan out any sides you want to pair with the meal. Some great sides to go with surf and turf include:

  • Grilled asparagus
  • SautĂ©ed mushrooms
  • Mashed or baked potatoes
  • Corn on the cob
  • Coleslaw
  • Potato salad
  • Roasted mixed vegetables
  • Couscous salad
  • Tomato and avocado salad

How to Plate Surf and Turf

Use your largest dinner plates to serve up a surf and turf meal. The additional space will be useful in presenting the components without making the plate look too crowded.

Set your meat and fish portions side by side, and use a single sauce to unite the two. If necessary to avoid mixing with this sauce, serve your side dish on a separate small plate. Discover high-quality Wagyu beef for your surf and turf meal at The Wagyu Shop, along with helpful cooking instructions for various cuts of meat.