Sizzling Surf & Turf Tacos Recipe: Ocean Meets Land in Every Bite

Tacos that blend surf and turf create a mouthwatering culinary adventure you’ll absolutely adore.

Mexican-inspired fusion dishes always spark excitement in my kitchen.

Tender grilled steak meets succulent seafood in these incredible flavor combinations.

Each ingredient plays a delightful role in crafting something extraordinary.

Crisp tortillas cradle perfectly seasoned proteins that dance together with zesty marine and land notes.

Unexpected pairings make this recipe more than just another taco night staple.

Prepare to experience a seriously delicious twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Surf & Turf Tacos Keep Things Interesting

• Transform ordinary taco nights into gourmet experiences with this surf and turf combination that impresses family and friends without complicated techniques.
• Marinades take just minutes to prepare, delivering bold, restaurant-quality tastes with minimal cooking skills required and maximum flavor impact.
• Switch protein types or spice levels effortlessly, making these tacos adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste buds while maintaining the core delicious concept.
• Combines lean protein from steak and seafood, offering a nutritious meal that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating goals with minimal preparation time.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Surf & Turf Taco Combo

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and adds a smooth flavor to the meat.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic base for the marinade.
• Chili Powder: Brings warmth and a mild heat to the seasoning blend.
• Cumin: Adds an earthy, slightly smoky undertone to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a deep, smoky flavor and rich color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.

• Steak: The primary protein, best with a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak. Choose a fresh, high-quality cut for best results.

• Seafood (Implied from Recipe Title): Likely shrimp or a similar quick-cooking seafood. Select fresh, clean-tasting seafood for the best flavor in surf and turf tacos.

How to Build Tacos with Land and Sea Flavor

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a vibrant, aromatic mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Massage Meat with Flavor

Take your steak and lovingly coat every inch with the spicy marinade. Make sure every surface gets a generous massage of seasonings. Cover the meat and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and penetrate deep into the protein.

Step 3: Prepare Seafood Partner

• Shrimp or scallops
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley

Gently season the seafood with bright, zesty ingredients that will complement the robust beef.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill or skillet to high temperature. You want those beautiful sear marks and caramelized edges that scream deliciousness.

Step 5: Sear the Steak

Place the marinated steak on the hot surface. Cook to your preferred doneness, creating a gorgeous crust that locks in all those amazing flavors.

Step 6: Cook Seafood to Perfection

In the same pan or grill, quickly cook the seafood until it turns opaque and develops a slight golden exterior.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain into thin, juicy strips.

Step 8: Warm Tortillas

Quickly heat corn or flour tortillas until they’re soft and pliable.

Step 9: Assemble Tacos

• Fresh cilantro
• Diced onions
• Lime wedges
• Creamy avocado
• Spicy salsa

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these mouthwatering surf and turf tacos and get ready for a flavor explosion that combines land and sea in every delectable bite!

Pro Tips for Searing and Assembling Just Right

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the steak soak in the spice blend for the full 4 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavors that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Perfectly Prep Proteins: Pat the steak and shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to check steak doneness- medium-rare is around 135°F for that juicy, tender bite that melts in your mouth.
• Shrimp Sizzle Strategy: Cook shrimp quickly over high heat for just 2-3 minutes to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture that can ruin the taco experience.
• Taco Topping Tip: Mix fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a bright, zesty garnish that cuts through the richness of the surf and turf.

How to Store and Warm Up Taco Leftovers

• Store leftover Surf & Turf Tacos in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meat and seafood separate to maintain freshness.
• Allow tacos to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety, ensuring ingredients remain flavorful and textures stay intact.
• Warm tacos gently in a skillet over medium heat or use the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.

What Drinks and Sides Go with These Tacos

• Choose a bold Zinfandel or Malbec to complement the rich flavors of the surf and turf. These red wines cut through the meaty steak and match the spicy marinade perfectly.
• Create a zesty lime margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to brighten the taco's complex flavor profile. The citrus notes will refresh the palate between bites of steak and seafood.
• Prepare a light cucumber salsa with fresh cilantro, red onion, and a touch of lime juice. This refreshing accompaniment balances the intense spices and adds a crisp texture contrast to the tacos.
• Select a hoppy IPA or a crisp Mexican-style lager to cut through the richness of the surf and turf. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness will enhance the taco's bold seasoning.

Creative Ways to Remix Surf & Turf Taco Nights

• Seafood Swap: Replace steak with grilled shrimp or scallops for a lighter protein option that keeps the taco's coastal vibe.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu, seasoned with the same spice blend for a hearty meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the marinated protein over a fresh salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of traditional tortillas to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Surf & Turf Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering surf & turf tacos blend Mexican coastal flavors with succulent grilled steak and perfectly seared shrimp. Crisp tortillas, zesty salsa, and fresh cilantro create a delightful culinary journey you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seafood:

• 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or skirt steak
• ½ pound (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Taco Components and Sauce:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
• 1 cup (150 g) shredded cabbage or lettuce
• ½ cup (120 g) diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup (60 g) diced red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel.
2. Thoroughly coat the steak with the aromatic spice blend, ensuring complete coverage of the meat’s surface.
3. Refrigerate the seasoned steak, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize for a minimum of half an hour, with the option to marinate up to four hours for intensified taste.
4. Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, promoting even cooking.
5. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high heat, creating optimal conditions for achieving a robust sear and caramelized exterior.
6. Place the steak on the scorching hot cooking surface, grilling for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time based on thickness and desired level of cooking.
7. Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
8. Slice the steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips, creating perfect bite-sized pieces for taco assembly.
9. Simultaneously prepare the shrimp by seasoning with complementary spices and quickly searing until they turn opaque and develop a light golden crust.
10. Warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet to enhance their flavor and flexibility.
11. Assemble tacos by layering grilled steak strips, succulent shrimp, and a selection of fresh garnishes like cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, marbled steak cuts like ribeye or sirloin for maximum tenderness and flavor in your tacos.
• Let the steak marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and enhanced seasoning absorption.
• Experiment with seafood alternatives like shrimp or grilled fish for a lighter protein option that still delivers incredible taste.
• Pat the steak dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and develop a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in juicy moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg