Home » Meal Planning » Side Dish Meal Planning » 25 Surf And Turf Sides: From Elegant & Sophisticated Recipes!
By Author Renee Groskreutz
Posted on Last updated:
Categories Meal Planning, Side Dish Meal Planning
From simple zucchini (oven-roasted or sautéed) to sophisticated pasta dishes, these 25 surf and turf sides will turn the entree into a memorable meal!
Surf and turf is a combination of two different delights—seafood (known as “surf”) and beef or steak (known as “turf”).
The most popular seafood for surf and turf is shrimp, though lobster or scallops works just as well for the dish.
Shrimp is usually cooked separately from the steak by sautéing them in butter with garlic or spices.
The steak should be seared until it reaches the desired level of doneness—rare, medium-rare, etc.—and then left to rest for at least five minutes before serving.
The best steak for surf and turf depends on personal preference—some people like ribeye steak for its rich flavor; others prefer filet mignon for its tender texture.
Whichever type you choose, ensure it has been adequately aged so it has plenty of flavors.
You could also opt for a leaner cut like top sirloin if you want something more wholesome but still flavorful.
Surf and turf is an elegant yet surprisingly easy-to-make dish that impresses any dinner party guests.
Whether you choose shrimp or lobster combined with ribeye steak or filet mignon, this mouthwatering combo won’t be complete without tasty side dishes–and if you’re here to look for some–you’re welcome!
Here are some sumptuous surf and turf side dishes to try, from salads to pasta dishes.
Check out #23, as it’s a real treat for the senses.
Table of Contents
1. Meyer Lemon Fettuccine
The light, lemony flavor of the fettuccine combined with shrimp, steak, or both make a meal to be remembered.
For those who love seafood but no longer eat dairy products, the vegan-friendly options such as finely grated lemon zest and cashew sauce turn this pasta dish from something piquant into something exceptional.
Eating a gourmet salad with your surf and turf meal can bring everything together for a remarkable culinary experience.
Gourmet Salad combines nourishing elements from fresh vegetables and fruits and adds wonderful flavor to your favorite seafood, steak, and sides.
The combination of flavors is unmatched–tangy vinaigrettes that bring out the sweetness in your shrimp or lobster dinner, savory hints from meats like pork and beef, topped off by crunchy greens that add texture throughout each bite.
With a good balance of savory aromas and umami flavors, this pairing is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
The nutty flavor of browned butter, combined with the earthiness of the garlic and thyme, and the lightly charred mushrooms, create a complex flavor profile that works wonderfully with grilled steak and seafood.
The hearty textures will help to cut through the richness of both components in your surf and turf dish, creating an overall enjoyable meal.
The zesty citrus of the lemon balances out the richness of the beef, shrimp, or lobster that usually accompany surf and turf.
The lemony tang creates a bright and cheerful counterpoint to the heartiness of steak, while the tomatoes pack an umami punch that helps bring out the richness of seafood like shrimp or lobster.
All these elements pair together nicely and will delight your taste buds with every bite.
Not only is this French Fondant Potato recipe full of flavor, but the smooth texture pairs with the steak’s tenderness and the delicate taste of seafood.
The potatoes create a strong base for any surf and turf meal–they’re like a blank canvas that can be dressed up to enhance any other ingredients you choose
The balsamic vinegar and honey balance the flavors of the carrots to give them a slight tang and a hint of caramelized sugar.
They also bring great color to this dish, providing an appetizingly warm orange hue.
On top of that, these rich glazed carrots are easy to make in advance, so you can spend your time and energy grilling up a delicious steak for your surf and turf!
To further enhance this surf and turf dish, roasted broccoli is a marvelous compliment.
It adds a hint of fresh green vegetables that can be a great substitute for potatoes or other starchy sides.
Roasted until golden in color, each bite gives off a nutty and slightly sweet flavor – put together with the meat; it’ll make for an irresistible plateful!
More Ways To Cook Broccoli At Home!
With notes of garlic, fresh herbs, and grated parmesan embedded in the golden potato cakes, these galettes have bags of flavor that pair with grilled steak or seafood.
Placing them directly on the grill helps create deliciously crispy edges, making the combination more irresistible!
The combination of the sweetness from the balsamic glaze, the savoriness of roasting in olive oil, and the richness of parmesan cheese make for an unbeatable side dish.
Plus, this roasted vegetable dish has a crunchy bite that helps to elevate a dinner menu composed of steak and seafood.
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts feature distinct flavors that perfectly complement (vs. compete with) everything else on the plate without overpowering it.
With such delectable flavor profiles combined in one dish, why wouldn’t you choose Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts when planning your next surf and turf dinner?
The tomato and garlic give the dish a nice earthy flavor while still providing a subtle sweetness.
Meanwhile, burrata adds a creamy, savory richness that pairs wonderfully with the seafood and steak.
Offering something beyond traditional bread or potatoes, which usually accompany surf and turf, Tomato & Garlic Pasta With Burrata allows for an interesting but satisfying spin on this classic dish.
11. Arugula Salad
Arugula salad has enough substance to accompany a hearty protein-rich dish, yet it is still light and fresh.
The peppery kick of the Arugula leaves and the slight nuttiness work wonderfully alongside salmon and steak, while tomatoes, croutons, or other toppings provide just the right flavor counterpoints.
For a zesty dressing, add lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic for an unforgettable combination that’s both tasty and wholesome.
Check Out Our Easy Version Of Arugula Salad
With layers of crispy seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a blissful and satisfying accompaniment to any meal–especially when served alongside filet mignon and lobster tail.
The herb-infused potatoes balance heavier flavors by adding richness and crunch that pair well with succulent meats.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes Recipe, anyone?
13. Roasted Zucchini
Looking for an easy idea of what to serve with surf and turf?
Here it is!
Roasted zucchini’s slightly smoky, earthy flavor complements the variety of flavors already present in a surf and turf dish.
Roasting zucchini can also be a great way to add some extra crunch to your plate.
So if you’re looking for something crunchy to pair with your favorite surf and turf meal, try roasted zucchini–you will be impressed!
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The mix of garlic and asparagus provides a savory flavor that pairs well with any steak or seafood selection.
The preparation is simple yet effective–sauté the asparagus in oil with some garlic.
The rich flavors of garlic and asparagus bring out the taste of your surf and turf entrée, making it a meal to remember.
Next time you crave a surf and turf dish, make sure you have Garlic Sautéed Asparagus on hand to enjoy every bite!
This combo of fruits and vegetables gives a hint of crunchy sweetness that pairs with any seafood or steak.
The sprinkling of pumpkin seeds provides a subtle nuttiness, while the apples offer a beautiful pop of tartness to brighten up the classic flavors usually found in surf and turf.
It’s the ideal way to balance out the meal with something fresh and tantalizingly tasty.
The buttery, earthy potatoes provide a soothing contrast to the savory richness of both the meat and fish.
At the same time, the saffron gives a unique, sweet flavor that serves as an intriguing bridge between all of these ingredients.
With its distinctive flavor and mild yet flavorful notes, Potatoes Roasted With Saffron will become your go-to side dish for your next surf and turf feast.
Sweet honey, peppery rainbow carrots, and creamy burrata pair well together, while their contrast against tart pomegranate adds incredible balance.
Serving this colorful vegetable plate alongside a tender steak and succulent shrimp makes your dinner both eye-catching and delicious–the sweet flavors of the vegetables compliment the savory seafood and meat.
This Italian spaghetti dish is one of the best side dish ideas for surf and turf.
It combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in a scrumptiously savory way.
Imagine the juicy filet mignon paired with a succulent lobster tail shared with a creamy, zingy pesto.
The combination of textures and flavors will have your taste buds on overload.
The combination of char-grilled meats and the earthy flavors and colors from the cooked vegetables is simply perfection.
Drawing on classic Mediterranean cooking techniques, these veggies are marinated and then lightly baked in oil until they’re tender, crunchy, and full of flavor.
The mix of herbs and spices contributes to their unique character that helps elevate surf and turf to another level.
The excellent combination of mushrooms, creamy Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and butter is irresistible, while the sprinkle of parsley gives it just the right finishing touch.
Serve this tantalizing dish alongside your favorite surf and turf dish–you will love this combo!
21. Greek Lemon Rice
Not only does the bright, citrusy flavor of the rice give an exciting contrast between the seafood and steak, but it also adds some extra texture.
The lemon gives a nice zing to the dish, while the long-grain rice provides some great substance.
22. Pasta Primavera
Its medley of grilled vegetable delights works in harmony with steak and lobster, adding an extra layer of color, texture, and flavor.
As you savor each bite of your well-seasoned prime rib or succulent lobster tail, follow it up with some pasta primavera for a contrast in taste and texture.
This combination provides a classic yet thoroughly modern culinary experience that will satisfy your taste buds.
23. Pasta Alla Norma
The rich, tomato-based sauce and smoky slices of fried eggplant make this pasta dish an ideal accompaniment to seafood.
The eggplant is coated with bread crumbs that add the right amount of crunchiness that pairs well with shrimp, mussels, and other seafood.
While the sweet tomatoes in the sauce provide the precise balance to any meat, you choose to include as part of your surf and turf meal.
This beloved side dish brings a balance of flavors with its blend of mayonnaise, relish, and sweet onions that can only be found in the south.
Plus, it’s super easy to make–boil your potatoes until they’re nice and tender, then throw in all your ingredients for a terrific accompaniment for a juicy steak and superb seafood delight.
Zucchini & Mushroom Sauté provides a mix of vegetables that balance lightness and heartiness, making them ideal for pairing with such an indulgent combo.
This simple sauté brings vibrant color and texture to the plate, and it’s also packed with complimentary flavors that pair nicely with seafood and beef.
The bottom line
Surf and turf dishes are an exquisite way to enjoy a hearty meal.
With so many sides for surf and turf dinner, you can create an even more amazing culinary experience.
From creamy pasta to savory sautéed dishes, there’s something for everyone here!
So get creative and pair your favorite seafood or steak dishes with some of these dishes for an unforgettable meal.
Happy cooking!
25 BEST Surf And Turf Sides
From simple zucchini (oven-roasted or sautéed) to sophisticated pasta dishes, these 25 surf and turf sides will turn the entree into a memorable meal!
Ingredients
- Meyer Lemon Fettuccine
- Gourmet Salad
- Roasted Mushrooms In Browned Butter & Thyme Sauce
- Linguine With Lemon & Tomatoes
- French Fondant Potatoes
- Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Herb Muffin Pan Potato Galettes
- Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Tomato & Garlic Pasta With Burrata
- Arugula Salad
- Hasselback Potatoes With Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- Roasted Zucchini
- Garlic Sautéed Asparagus
- Kale Salad With Apples & Pumpkin Seed Clusters
- Potatoes Roasted With Saffron
- Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots With Burrata & Pomegranate
- Spaghetti With Sun-Dried-Tomato-Almond Pesto
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
- Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
- Greek Lemon Rice
- Pasta Primavera
- Pasta Alla Norma
- Southern Potato Salad
- Zucchini & Mushroom Sauté
Instructions
- Choose a recipe from any of our Surf And Turf Sides list.
- Check all the necessary ingredients and instructions.
- Try these surf and turf side dishes and share to our Facebook page!
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