Surf & Turf Tacos combine the best of land and sea in a single, flavorful bite. Juicy steak and succulent shrimp are paired with fresh toppings and wrapped in warm tortillas for a gourmet meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Brings a high-end dining experience to your kitchen.
- Flavor Explosion: A blend of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors with every bite.
- Customizable: Easily tweak toppings and seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Despite the luxurious feel, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sirloin steak or ribeye
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges
- Optional sauces: chipotle crema, salsa, or a drizzle of garlic butter
Directions
- Prepare the Steak:
- Season the steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Toss the shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave.
- Layer each tortilla with steak slices and shrimp, then add your preferred toppings.
- Drizzle with sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (2 tacos per person)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap the steak for chicken or the shrimp for fish like cod or tilapia.
- Taco Shells: Use crispy taco shells or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Tropical Flair: Include a pineapple salsa for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooked steak, shrimp, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm steak and shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of steak for these tacos?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to just reheating the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
Are flour or corn tortillas better for this recipe?
Both work great! Corn tortillas add an authentic touch, while flour tortillas provide a softer bite.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the steak from being tough?
Let the steak rest after cooking and slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What toppings pair well with Surf & Turf Tacos?
Fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cheese, and sour cream are excellent choices.
Can I grill the steak and shrimp instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
What’s the best way to season the shrimp?
A simple mix of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt brings out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Can I add rice or beans to these tacos?
Yes, a layer of Mexican rice or refried beans makes these tacos heartier.
Are these tacos suitable for meal prep?
Yes, cook the steak and shrimp ahead of time and reheat before assembling. Keep tortillas and toppings separate until serving.
Conclusion
Surf & Turf Tacos bring together the best of both worlds in a quick, delicious recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its bold flavors and versatility, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a gourmet taco experience at home!
Print
Surf & Turf Tacos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Fusion
Description
These Surf & Turf Tacos bring the best of land and sea together! Juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and flavorful toppings are nestled in warm tortillas for a fusion of textures and flavors. Perfect for taco night or a special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1/2 lb (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup (150 g) shredded cabbage or lettuce
- 1/2 cup (120 g) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (60 g) diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the steak. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- In another bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Steak:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet or on the grill, cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each tortilla with slices of steak, shrimp, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with the lime sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute steak with chicken or shrimp with scallops for a variation.
- For extra flavor, grill or char the tortillas before assembling the tacos.
- Pair with rice and beans or chips and guacamole for a complete meal.