Elevate your surf and turf game with these 25 mouthwatering sides that will transform your meal into an unforgettable culinary experience! The combination of seafood (surf) and beef or steak (turf) is a match made in heaven, offering a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. While shrimp remains the most popular seafood choice for surf and turf, lobster or scallops can also be used to great effect.
For the seafood component, simply sauté it in butter with garlic or spices until cooked through. Meanwhile, cook your steak to the desired level of doneness – whether that’s rare, medium-rare, or something else entirely – and then let it rest for at least five minutes before serving. The type of steak you choose is up to personal preference, but options like ribeye for its rich flavor or filet mignon for its tender texture are always popular choices.
Whichever cut you select, make sure it’s been adequately aged to ensure a depth of flavors. If you’re looking for a leaner option, top sirloin can be a great choice too. With surf and turf, the key is to balance the rich flavors of the steak with the delicate taste of the seafood – and these 25 sumptuous side dishes are designed to do just that. From salads to pasta dishes, each one has been carefully crafted to complement your surf and turf combination without overpowering it.
Meyer Lemon Fettuccine
The harmonious blend of light, zesty flavors in fettuccine is elevated by pairing it with succulent shrimp, savory steak, or both – a culinary experience that lingers. For seafood enthusiasts who have opted out of dairy, the substitution of finely grated lemon zest and cashew cream transforms this pasta dish into an exceptional delight.
Gourmet Salad
Experience a symphony of flavors with every bite when you pair a gourmet salad with your surf and turf meal. The harmonious union of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood, steak, or other meats is nothing short of remarkable. The secret to this gastronomic delight lies in the balance of tangy vinaigrettes that coax out the natural sweetness in succulent shrimp or lobster, while savory notes from pork, beef, or other meats add depth and complexity.
Meanwhile, the crunch of fresh greens provides a satisfying textural contrast with each delicious mouthful.
Roasted Mushrooms In Browned Butter & Thyme Sauce
A harmonious union of flavors and textures is formed when browned butter, garlic, thyme, and mushrooms come together. The nutty richness of the butter pairs perfectly with the earthy undertones of the garlic and thyme, while the lightly charred mushrooms add a satisfying depth to the dish. This combination proves to be a match made in heaven when served alongside grilled steak or seafood.
The varying textures of the ingredients – from the creamy butter to the tender meat and the earthy mushrooms – work together to cut through any richness, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable meal experience.
Linguine With Lemon & Tomatoes
In harmony, the citrusy zest of lemons strikes a perfect balance against the boldness of beef, shrimp, or succulent lobster. The tangy lemon notes cut through the richness, much like a ray of sunshine brightens up a dish, while the tomatoes add an earthy depth that enhances the seafood’s natural flavors. This delightful combination will treat your taste buds to a culinary symphony with each satisfying bite.
French Fondant Potatoes
This French Fondant Potato recipe offers an irresistible combination of flavor, texture, and versatility. The velvety smoothness complements the tender steak and delicate seafood, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Moreover, these potatoes serve as the perfect foundation for any surf and turf meal, providing a blank canvas that can be effortlessly elevated by a variety of complementary ingredients.
Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots
The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey harmonizes the flavors of the carrots, introducing a subtle tanginess and a hint of caramelized sweetness. This union also elevates the visual appeal of the dish, imbuing it with a warm, inviting orange hue that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Furthermore, these rich glazed carrots are remarkably easy to prepare in advance, freeing you up to focus on grilling a mouthwatering steak for a surf and turf experience that’s both indulgent and effortless.
Roasted Broccoli
Elevate your surf and turf dish by pairing it with roasted broccoli, a game-changing side that not only adds a burst of fresh green flavors but also serves as a delightful alternative to starchy options like potatoes. As the broccoli is roasted to a golden brown perfection, each bite releases a nutty and subtly sweet essence that harmoniously complements the savory meat. This match made in culinary heaven is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!
Garlic Herb Muffin Pan Potato Galettes
Flavorful notes of garlic, fresh herbs, and grated parmesan are expertly woven throughout the golden potato cakes, resulting in a delightful harmony that effortlessly complements grilled steak or seafood. To elevate this dish further, placing the galettes directly on the grill allows for the creation of crispy, caramelized edges that add an irresistible textural element to each bite.
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
The harmonious blend of sweet balsamic glaze, savory olive oil-roasting, and rich parmesan cheese creates a truly unbeatable side dish. This roasted vegetable masterpiece boasts a satisfying crunch that seamlessly elevates a menu featuring steak and seafood, striking the perfect balance between flavors. Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts uniquely complement each element on the plate without overpowering it, making them an obvious choice for any surf and turf dinner.
With its delectable flavor profiles expertly combined, why settle for anything less when you can have this incredible dish?
Tomato & Garlic Pasta With Burrata
The earthy notes from the tomato and garlic harmonize to create a subtle sweetness, complemented by the rich, creamy texture of burrata. This unique combination elevates the classic surf and turf experience beyond the traditional accompaniments like bread or potatoes, offering a fresh and satisfying twist.
Arugula Salad
Arugula salad’s subtle yet robust nature makes it an ideal accompaniment to rich protein-based dishes. Its peppery undertones and nutty notes harmonize beautifully with salmon, steak, or other substantial main courses, while the addition of tomatoes, croutons, or other toppings adds a delightful contrast. To elevate this already impressive salad, combine lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic for a dressing that’s not only tantalizing but also nutritious.
Experience the perfect balance of flavors with our simple and satisfying Arugula Salad recipe.
Hasselback Potatoes With Seasoned Breadcrumbs
When it comes to elevating the flavor and texture of a dish, few things compare to a perfectly cooked Hasselback potato. The key lies in its harmonious balance of crispy seasoned breadcrumbs, savory garlic, rich butter, and nutty Parmesan cheese – a combination that transcends the ordinary and becomes an integral part of the culinary experience. When served alongside indulgent meats like filet mignon and lobster tail, these potatoes become a match made in heaven.
The infusion of herbs adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish, counterbalancing bold flavors with its subtle richness and satisfying crunch. The result is a harmonious marriage that complements succulent meats while standing proud on its own as a delicious side dish.
Roasted Zucchini
When seeking the perfect accompaniment to a delicious surf and turf dish, look no further than roasted zucchini. This versatile vegetable offers a subtle smokiness and earthy undertones that harmonize beautifully with the diverse flavors already present in the meal. Beyond its flavor profile, roasting zucchini also yields a satisfying crunch, making it an excellent choice for adding texture to your plate.
For a truly impressive surf and turf experience, try pairing your dish with roasted zucchini – you won’t be disappointed!
Garlic Sautéed Asparagus
Combining the pungency of garlic with the delicate flavor of asparagus creates a harmonious union that complements any steak or seafood selection. The simplicity of preparation belies its effectiveness in elevating the dish – sauté the asparagus in oil with some garlic, and let the rich flavors unfold. This savory duo expertly brings out the nuances of your surf and turf entrée, making it a memorable dining experience.
When indulging in a surf and turf feast, be sure to have Garlic Sautéed Asparagus on hand to fully appreciate every morsel.
Kale Salad With Apples & Pumpkin Seed Clusters
A harmonious blend of fruits and vegetables, characterized by crunchy sweetness, perfectly complements any seafood or steak. The subtle nuttiness imparted by pumpkin seeds cleverly contrasts with the vibrant tartness of apples, adding a delightful pop of freshness to the dish. This ingenious combination masterfully balances the classic surf and turf flavors, resulting in a tantalizingly tasty and refreshing culinary experience.
Potatoes Roasted With Saffron
In this dish, the humble potato takes center stage, offering a comforting earthiness that beautifully balances the bold flavors of both meat and fish. The buttery undertones add a rich, velvety texture that complements the savory richness of the protein. Meanwhile, the subtle sweetness of saffron serves as a masterful connector, weaving together the diverse ingredients into a harmonious whole.
As the aromatic spices meld with the natural flavors, Potatoes Roasted With Saffron emerges as a versatile and tantalizing side dish, destined to become your new favorite accompaniment for surf and turf feasts.
Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots With Burrata & Pomegranate
The harmonious union of sweet honey, peppery rainbow carrots, and creamy burrata is elevated by the contrasting tartness of pomegranate. This vibrant vegetable plate finds perfect balance in its medley of flavors. When served alongside a tender steak and succulent shrimp, the dinner table transforms into an explosion of color and flavor, as the sweet notes of the vegetables beautifully complement the savory profiles of the seafood and meat.
Spaghetti With Sun-Dried-Tomato-Almond Pesto
This delectable Italian spaghetti dish takes the crown as one of the most impressive side dishes to pair with surf and turf. The harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors creates a richly savory experience that will leave you craving more. Picture a tender filet mignon perfectly complemented by a succulent lobster tail, all bound together by a zesty pesto that adds a delightful tanginess.
The varying textures and bold flavors work in perfect harmony to overwhelm your senses and leave you wanting more.
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
The culinary symphony is harmoniously played when char-grilled meats meet the rich flavors and textures from the roasted vegetables. This union is elevated by a deep understanding of classic Mediterranean cooking techniques, which involve marinating the veggies in oil before lightly baking them until they’re tender, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. The medley of herbs and spices used adds a distinctive note that takes the surf and turf combination to new heights.
Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Indulge in a culinary masterpiece by combining earthy mushrooms with rich Parmesan cheese, vibrant spinach, juicy tomatoes, pungent garlic, and velvety butter. The harmonious blend is elevated by the subtle freshness of parsley, making it impossible to resist. This delectable dish is sure to delight when paired alongside your go-to surf and turf combination, a match made in heaven.
Greek Lemon Rice
Beyond its vibrant citrus flavor, the rice brings a delightful textural contrast to the dish. The synergy between the seafood and steak is elevated by the rice’s tender yet substantial presence, offering a satisfying mouthfeel that complements the bold flavors of the other ingredients.
Pasta Primavera
The harmonious union of grilled vegetables with steak and lobster elevates the dish to new heights. The medley’s vibrant colors, varied textures, and bold flavors perfectly complement the richness of the prime rib or succulent lobster tail. As you indulge in each bite, consider pairing it with a serving of pasta primavera for a delightful contrast in taste and texture. This timeless yet innovative culinary combination will leave your taste buds thoroughly satisfied.
Pasta Alla Norma
The pasta dish’s harmonious union of rich tomato-based sauce and smoky eggplant slices makes it a perfect complement to seafood. The crispy bread crumbs on the eggplant add a satisfying textural contrast that pairs delightfully with shrimp, mussels, and other seafood options. Meanwhile, the sweet tomatoes in the sauce provide a savory balance that complements any meat you choose to pair with your surf and turf meal.
Southern Potato Salad
The quintessential Southern side dish, potato salad strikes the perfect harmony of flavors with its creamy mayonnaise, tangy relish, and sweet caramelized onions. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, offering an unparalleled taste experience that’s uniquely characteristic of the region.
What sets it apart is just how effortless it is to prepare – simply boil your potatoes until they’re tender, then combine them with the remaining ingredients for a matchless accompaniment to a succulent steak or delectable seafood dish.
Zucchini & Mushroom Sauté
A harmonious blend of zucchini and mushrooms creates a dish that effortlessly balances lightness and heartiness, making it an excellent match for rich and indulgent combinations like seafood or beef. This effortless sauté adds a pop of color and texture to the plate, while its complementary flavors seamlessly pair with its bold counterparts.
The bottom line
Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience with surf and turf dishes. The versatility of sides for this dinner combination offers endless opportunities to create a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you prefer classic combinations or innovative pairings, there’s something for everyone. From rich and creamy pasta to savory sautéed delights, these 25 surf and turf sides will elevate your entree game, transforming the meal into an extraordinary occasion.
Get creative and combine your favorite seafood or steak dishes with these mouthwatering options to craft a truly remarkable dining experience.
