Perfect Pairs: 8 Top Side Dishes to Serve with Surf and Turf

Surf and Turf is an American dish consisting of lobster or steak paired with shrimp.

This might sound like a simple dish, but it isn’t easy to execute correctly.

There are minor differences between lobster and steak, but the most important ones are that lobster tails are thicker than their claws and more tender, while steak often has more fat and a chewier texture.

The first step to cooking surf and Turf is choosing the type of meat you will use.

This is important because seafood likes to be cooked at lower temperatures than beef, so it’s best to bathe your lobster tails in boiling water before searing them off for a couple of minutes on each side.

While steak and shrimp cook at about the same rate, it’s important to remember that the tails are already cooked before they make their way onto your plate.

That means you’ll have to cook them for only about two minutes on each side until the tails are hot and slightly firm to the touch.

Serving the dish is simple too.

Lobster tails are best served laid out, with their shells removed to make them easy to eat.

The shrimp should be piled on top of the steak and garnished with parsley.

In this article, we will list eight side dishes that you can serve with your Surf and Turf.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Surf and Turf?

Surf and Turf is not just a classic main course but also works extremely well as an impressive hors d’oeuvre.

As with most entrees and appetizers, the side dishes are just as important for establishing your overall menu while demonstrating your creativity and inventiveness.

Side dishes can be an excellent way to flip classic surf and Turf on its head, but they can also just as easily showcase your ability to mimic classic recipes while fine-tuning them for unique taste profiles.

Another reason for considering side dishes for surf and Turf is that, in some cases, they are the true stars of the show, fulfilling appetites without filling patrons up too quickly.

In addition, side dishes can be cost-effective, as they may require less preparation and ingredients.

What to Serve with Surf and Turf – 8 BEST Side Dishes

So, what exactly will you serve to accompany your surf and turf masterpiece?

1 – Brown Sugar and Citrus Salmon

Ah, salmon. You either love it, or you don’t.

However, if you do, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite fish during lunch.

The brown sugar and citrus blend very well, creating a sweet yet tangy taste that makes the perfect pairing for the rich flavor of salmon.

It’s also an excellent way to make use of those half-empty jars of orange and lemon juice you have lying around.

This tasty recipe is perfect for those who love seafood and those who want something a little bit different from their usual chicken or beef options.

The sweetness creates a flavor profile that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

2 – Garlic Green Beans

They make a great side dish on their own but add some garlic, and they become something truly spectacular.

In this case, simple is best.

This recipe has been done many times before, but it’s so good there’s no reason not to try it again.

You don’t need any other ingredients or spices, as it is very easy to make, and the green beans are not too overpowering.

This recipe works especially well with steak (especially those cooked on a barbecue) or pasta.

The subtly sweet flavor also makes it useful for pairing with many other types of food to give them that extra oomph.

3 – Baked Zucchini Sticks

A great alternative to french fries.

Baked zucchini sticks are a dish that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike.

It is extremely easy to make, as all you have to do is cut your zucchinis into stick-sized pieces, make the mixture of bread crumbs and spices, dip them into the mixture, and then bake them for about 20 minutes.

This recipe is also very versatile, as you can experiment with the spices to bring out your favorite flavors.

This dish works best when served with steak or chicken, but it can also be used on its own to make a delicious light lunch.

It’s also fairly easy to make large batches, which can be frozen for later use.

4 – Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular potatoes as they provide more nutrients and fewer carbohydrates.

This recipe is fairly simple, as the only edible ingredients are the sweet potato fries themselves, along with some spices and cooking oil.

You can also add cheese for extra flavor and texture.

These fries work well with chicken, steak, or any other type of meat, but they can also be eaten on their own as a snack or side dish to any meal.

They taste best when served hot and fresh out of the oven, which can be difficult during the summer months.

5 – Tomato and Avocado Salad

Tomatoes and avocados are two very distinct flavors that go together surprisingly well.

Tomatoes provide a crisp, tangy taste to contrast the rich creaminess of the avocado while also adding some extra nutrients.

The only added ingredients needed here are salt and pepper for seasoning and some olive oil for flavor.

This salad works best as a side dish to accompany your meat of choice.

It’s also relatively easy to make and can be used as a main dish if you’re looking to bulk up.

This recipe is great for both summer months and winter, as it helps cool down your body during those humid summers while also providing enough energy to get through the cold winter months.

6 – Oven Roasted Potatoes

Roasting vegetables is an excellent way to bring out their flavor while providing a crispy yet soft texture that contrasts well with most main dishes.

The spices used here are fairly simple but make all the difference in terms of taste.

Some salt and pepper are essential, but lemon juice also adds a certain tanginess that pops the taste.

This dish works best when accompanied by steak or chicken.

It is simple to make and does not require too much active cooking time, making it perfect for hot summer days where you don’t want to have the stove on all day.

7 – Creamy Caesar Salad

Caesar salad is a simple dish that can be made in large batches with ease.

It has been around for so long because it works so well.

This particular recipe of caesar salad dressing (with parmesan cheese) enhances the taste even further without making it too heavy.

The only ingredients for this dish are the salad itself, some dressing, croutons, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper for seasoning.

This salad is best enjoyed with steak or chicken.

It can also be used as a starter on its own to get your taste buds primed before you indulge in the main course.

The main downside of this recipe is that it requires a fair bit of chopping, which can be a pain during busy times.

8 – Roasted Squash and Brussel Sprouts

Roasting vegetables is a fantastic method to bring out their flavor and soften them up for those who prefer a softer texture.

This recipe also works best with those who have a sweet tooth, as the mixture of brown sugar and salt enhances the natural sweetness that Brussel sprouts already have.

This side dish works best when paired with steak or chicken, but it can also be eaten on its own as a light meal.

It is especially perfect for those mid-summer days where you don’t want to fill up on heavy, greasy food.

Conclusion

Surf and Turf is a classic pairing between meat and seafood, but it’s also a great way to demonstrate how diverse your cooking can be.

As you can see from the recipes above, there are many ways to make delicious side dishes that will complement your main course.

I hope this list has provided you with some unique ideas on what to serve with Surf and Turf.

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