Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with succulent shrimp, all enhanced by a luscious garlic herb butter. This recipe is perfect for special occasions like dinner parties or family gatherings, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The standout feature of this dish is its ability to impress without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The pairing of beef and shrimp creates a unique surf and turf experience that’s bursting with flavor.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour, making it accessible for any home cook.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring it fits your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant celebration, this dish will shine on your table.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful plating garnished with parsley and lemon makes it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Grill
- Cast iron saucepan
- Skewers
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack
Why These Tools Matter
- Grill: A good grill provides the perfect sear and smoky flavor that enhances the meat.
- Cast Iron Saucepan: Ideal for melting butter evenly and infusing flavors from herbs and spices.
- Skewers: Keep shrimp together during grilling, ensuring even cooking and easy handling.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 Whole Picanha (slice it into steaks)
- Kosher salt for seasoning the picanha
For the Shrimp
- 2 lbs U12 shrimp (deveined and shells removed)
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- 1 block Unsalted butter
- 2 tsp Thyme
- 2 tsp Rosemary
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Hot sauce
- 1-2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Red pepper flakes
For Seasoning
- 2-3 tsp Avocado oil
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp Chili powder
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Garnishes
- 1 Lemon
- Parsley for garnishing

How to Make Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start off by making sure your shrimp are prepped by deveining and removing the shells. Sometimes the butcher will have them prepared for you like this. Once prepped, place them in a bowl and into the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Picanha Steaks
Take the picanha out of the fridge and pat dry. Cut them with the grain into 1-1 ½” thick steaks. Let sit at room temperature.
Step 3: Get Your Grill Ready
While the steaks are coming to room temperature, get your grill fired up for direct grilling.
Step 4: Season the Picanha
Season the picanha steaks with kosher salt only; this is high-quality beef, and kosher salt is all that’s needed.
Step 5: Make Dry Rub for Shrimp
After seasoning the picanha, make your dry rub for the shrimp:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Hand mix until well combined.
3. Add avocado oil to another bowl with shrimp; mix well.
4. Coat shrimp with dry rub mixture evenly.
5. Place shrimps on skewers for grilling.
Step 6: Create Garlic Herb Butter
Once your grill is ready for direct grilling:
1. Add a cast iron saucepan on the grill.
2. Place butter in to let it melt.
3. Once melted, add thyme, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, and hot sauce.
4. Whisk together; this is your garlic herb butter for basting.
Step 7: Grill Picanha Steaks
Add your picanha steaks over the coals for direct grilling:
1. Grill for 1-2 mins.
2. Flip them over; baste with garlic herb butter combination.
3. Grill again for 1 min; flip once more and baste again.
4. Repeat until you reach an internal temperature of about 125°F.
5. Place on a wire rack to rest while adding another layer of basting flavor.
Step 8: Grill Shrimp
While steak is resting:
1. Place skewered shrimp over hot coals.
2. Grill for 60-90 seconds; flip them over.
3. Baste with garlic herb butter again; grill an additional 60-90 seconds until done.
4. Remove from heat; place on wire rack adding another layer of basting flavor.
Step 9: Plate Your Dish
Slice your picanha steaks neatly and plate them alongside grilled shrimp garnished with chopped parsley.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything before serving! Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends!
How to Serve Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
Serving Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf is an opportunity to impress your family and friends with a beautiful presentation. Here are some delightful ways to serve this dish, ensuring it becomes the star of your meal.
Plate It with Fresh Sides
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus add a nutritious crunch that complements the rich flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a savory base for the steak and shrimp.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty surf and turf.
Garnish for Visual Appeal
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley over the grilled meats not only enhances flavor but also adds vibrant color to the plate.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with wedges for a zesty finish; guests can squeeze lemon juice over their meal for extra brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A light sprinkle on top adds a hint of heat and visual interest.
Pairing with Beverages
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea balances out the richness of the dish while keeping things light.
- Sparkling Water: Opt for sparkling water with lemon slices for a sophisticated touch that cleanses the palate.
How to Perfect Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
To achieve perfection with your Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf, consider these essential tips that elevate both flavor and presentation.
- Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your picanha steaks generously with kosher salt. This high-quality beef needs minimal seasoning to shine.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality unsalted butter for making your garlic herb butter; this ensures maximum flavor impact.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Let your meats come to room temperature before grilling. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect sear.
- Resting Period: Allow your picanha steaks to rest after grilling. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Skewer Shrimp Securely: When preparing shrimp, ensure they are well-coated in seasoning before threading onto skewers. This allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Basting Technique: Continuously baste both the steaks and shrimp while grilling. This keeps them moist and enhances their delicious garlic herb flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf not only rounds out your meal but also adds variety to your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Creamy Risotto: A rich risotto made with Parmesan offers a luxurious side that complements the robust flavors of surf and turf.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with tender meats.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the main dish beautifully.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter makes a great summer side that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese offers a healthy alternative that’s full of flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil or garlic butter is an easy way to incorporate greens into your meal.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a comforting side that contrasts well against savory meats.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic herb butter from your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Always let the picanha steaks come to room temperature before grilling. This ensures even cooking throughout.
- Overseasoning the Shrimp: While seasoning is essential, too much can overpower the shrimp’s natural flavor. Stick to a balanced dry rub.
- Skipping the Basting: Basting with garlic herb butter is crucial for adding flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step during grilling!
- Not Resting the Meat: Allowing the picanha to rest after grilling helps retain juices, making it more tender. Be patient; it’s worth it!
- Using Unprepared Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are deveined and shelled before starting. This saves time and makes for an easier cooking process.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Separate meat and shrimp if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a little butter or oil if needed, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf?
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf is a delightful combination of grilled picanha steak and shrimp, enhanced with a flavorful garlic herb butter sauce.
How can I customize my Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf?
Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste! Adding fresh basil or dill can provide unique flavors. You can also experiment with different spices in the dry rub.
Can I use other meats instead of picanha?
Absolutely! You can substitute picanha with chicken, turkey, or lamb based on your preference while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.
What sides pair well with Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf?
Consider serving alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that complements the main dish beautifully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both the marinade and dry rub ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Try this recipe today for a delightful culinary experience!
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf
Garlic Herb Butter Basted Surf and Turf is a culinary delight that seamlessly combines the rich flavors of perfectly grilled beef and succulent shrimp, all enhanced by a luscious garlic herb butter. This dish is great for special occasions or a casual weeknight meal, allowing you to impress family and friends without complicated techniques. The vibrant presentation garnished with fresh parsley and zesty lemon elevates any dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Whole Picanha (sliced into steaks)
- U12 shrimp (deveined and shelled)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Avocado oil
- Kosher salt
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by deveining and shelling them; refrigerate.
- Pat dry and cut picanha into 1-1½ inch thick steaks; let sit at room temperature.
- Preheat the grill for direct grilling.
- Season picanha steaks with kosher salt.
- For shrimp, mix salt with chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder; coat shrimp in avocado oil and then in the dry rub.
- Prepare garlic herb butter by melting butter on the grill with thyme, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, and hot sauce.
- Grill picanha steaks for 1-2 minutes per side while basting with garlic herb butter until reaching an internal temperature of 125°F; let rest on a wire rack.
- Grill skewered shrimp for 60-90 seconds per side while basting until cooked through.
- Plate sliced steak alongside grilled shrimp garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (170g) & 6 shrimp (100g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg