Name: Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 steaks (New York, ribeye, or flank steak); ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and tail-on; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); ¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided); 4 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 2 cups baby spinach, chopped; Juice from ½ lemon; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; Fresh basil, thinly chopped; Lemon wedges (optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 77 reviews

If you are looking to impress your loved one with a dish that combines the best of both land and sea in an unforgettable way, this Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender, juicy steaks paired with succulent shrimp swimming in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, it’s a harmonious marriage of bold flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether it’s date night, an anniversary, or simply a night when you want to elevate dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen in just about 30 minutes. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser destined to have everyone asking for seconds and the secret behind this unforgettable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny metal pan filled with creamy light orange sauce that has small green spinach leaves spread throughout, with large pink shrimp scattered on top and mixed inside. There are some yellow lemon slices and pieces of browned meat beneath the sauce, sprinkled with black pepper and green herbs. The pan is on a white marbled surface, next to a white salt container with a gold spoon, a wooden pepper grinder, a wooden spoon, and a white cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and visual appeal. From the richness of butter and cream to the vibrant, savory punch of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, every item is a star that contributes to the overall harmony of this dish.

Steaks (2, New York, ribeye, or flank): Choose your favorite cut for perfect tenderness and flavor.
Shrimp (½ pound, large, peeled with tail-on): Adds sweet briny notes and delightful texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon total): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Black pepper (¾ teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Creates richness and a beautiful sear on the steak.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings luscious creaminess to the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, drained and chopped): Provides a sweet and tangy burst of flavor.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Offers a herbaceous accent that lifts the dish.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for umami richness.
Baby spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.
Lemon juice (from ½ lemon): Brightens and balances the creamy sauce.
Corn starch (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
Water (2 tablespoons, optional): Used to mix with corn starch for thickening.
Fresh basil (thinly chopped): Garnishes the dish with herbaceous vibrance.
Lemon wedges (optional): Perfect for an extra burst of citrus on the side.

How to Make Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Proteins

Start by seasoning both the steaks and shrimp generously with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper each. This simple step is key to unlocking deeper flavors in your proteins, so don’t rush past it. Set the shrimp aside so they can soak in the seasoning while you prepare to cook the steaks.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sear Steaks

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Carefully add your steaks to the pan and sear each side for about 4 minutes and then 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, depending on your preferred doneness. The butter not only helps achieve a beautiful crust but also adds incredible richness right from the start.

Step 3: Rest the Steaks

Once seared, remove the steaks from the skillet and cover loosely with foil. Letting them rest for around 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Using the same skillet with all those tasty browned bits left behind, add your minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. This step infuses the base of your sauce with aromatic warmth that’s utterly mouthwatering.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir to incorporate all those flavorful browned bits. Next, whisk in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper, creating a rich and tangy sauce that hugs the seafood and steak later on.

Step 6: Simmer and Add Shrimp

Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, then add the seasoned shrimp, cooking them for just 2 minutes right in the sauce. This keeps the shrimp tender and allows them to soak up the delicious flavors surrounding them.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you want a thicker, more luxurious sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water into a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan, Spinach, and Lemon

Stir in the parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and fresh lemon juice. Cook gently until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce, adding beautiful layers of flavor and rich texture before the final assembly.

Step 9: Return Steaks and Serve

Place the rested steaks back into the skillet, warming them through as they soak in the luxurious sauce. Once everything is heated evenly, it’s time to plate up and enjoy your elegant yet comforting Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe.

How to Serve Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe

This image shows an overhead view of various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white plate holding two raw red steaks with light fat edges, positioned at the top right. Above and to the left are two clear glass bowls, one holding white shrimp with tails, and the other filled with fresh green spinach leaves. Around these are small white bowls containing minced garlic, dried herbs with a small wooden spoon, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. A wooden pepper grinder and a white salt container with a small gold spoon sit near the bowls. A stick of butter in paper wrapping, two lemon halves showing their bright yellow flesh, fresh green basil leaves in a small glass, a glass cup of pale yellow lemon juice, and a smaller glass cup with a white creamy liquid complete the layout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle thinly chopped fresh basil over the top, adding a pop of color and fragrant herbaceousness. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh citrus over their plates, brightening the richness of the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up all that incredible sauce. Roasted asparagus or a crisp mixed green salad can add lovely texture contrasts and fresh notes to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the steaks separately on warmed plates and spoon the shrimp and sauce over the top right before serving. Alternatively, create individual skillet presentations for an impressive rustic look that keeps everything piping hot at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce separates slightly when refrigerated but whisking it gently during reheating will bring it back together nicely.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately from the steak to maintain texture. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the spinach as it can become watery when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling of the cream. The steaks benefit from warming only briefly to avoid overcooking—consider slicing them before reheating to warm more evenly and quickly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Scallops or lobster tails can be delicious alternatives that complement the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce beautifully, adding your own twist to the Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free and double-check your chicken broth for any gluten additives. This dish is naturally gluten-friendly aside from those ingredients.

How can I tell when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

A great way is to use a meat thermometer aiming for around 130°F (54°C) or to go by touch: medium-rare feels like pressing the soft area under your thumb when your hand is relaxed.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate, adding the shrimp and finishing touches just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant in your Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce and the surf and turf components without overpowering the delicate balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way steak and shrimp come together in this Marry Me Surf and Turf Recipe, enveloped by a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce bursting with personality. It’s a recipe that feels like a celebration in every bite but remains wonderfully accessible for home cooks looking to create moments that matter. So go ahead, try it for your next special meal and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen.