Surf & turf tacos
Introduction
Surf & Turf Tacos are a delicious combination of land and sea, featuring tender grilled steak and succulent shrimp wrapped in a warm tortilla. This dish blends the rich, smoky flavors of beef with the light, juicy taste of seafood, enhanced by fresh toppings and zesty sauces. Perfect for taco nights, summer barbecues, or any time you crave something flavorful and unique, these tacos are a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds in one bite.
History of Surf & Turf
The term “Surf & Turf†originated in the 1960s in North America, referring to dishes that combine seafood (“surfâ€) and red meat (“turfâ€), typically steak or beef. It became popular in steakhouses and fine dining restaurants as a symbol of indulgence. Over time, chefs have experimented with this concept, leading to creative variations like Surf & Turf Tacos, which take inspiration from Mexican cuisine and street food culture.
Benefits of Surf & Turf Tacos
• High in protein from both shrimp and steak, making it a satisfying and energy-packed meal.
• Rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp and iron from beef.
• Customizable with different toppings, sauces, and seasonings.
• Perfect for gatherings, offering a gourmet twist on classic tacos.
• Balanced flavors, combining smoky, spicy, tangy, and fresh elements in one dish.
Ingredients
For the Surf & Turf Filling:
• 250g (½ lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250g (½ lb) skirt steak or flank steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
For the Tacos:
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving
For the Sauce:
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha or chipotle sauce)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
2. Divide the marinade into two bowls. Toss the steak in one bowl and the shrimp in the other. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
1. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the steak for about 4 minutes per side (medium-rare) or longer depending on your preference.
3. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
1. In the same pan or grill, cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
1. Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
2. Add shredded cabbage or lettuce to the base of each tortilla.
3. Top with sliced steak and shrimp.
4. Sprinkle with red onion, cilantro, and cheese.
5. Drizzle with the sauce and add avocado slices.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Taco – Approximate)
• Calories: 300
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
Surf & Turf Taco Lovers
This dish is loved by food enthusiasts, seafood and steak lovers, and anyone who enjoys a creative twist on classic tacos. It’s a favorite for taco nights, summer parties, and casual dinners, appealing to both meat and seafood fans alike.
Conclusion
Surf & Turf Tacos bring the best of both land and sea into one irresistible dish. The combination of juicy steak, flavorful shrimp, fresh toppings, and creamy sauce makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re a taco lover looking for something new or a fan of Surf & Turf classics, this recipe is a must-try!