Surf & Turf Tacos combine the best of land and sea in one delicious, flavor-packed bite. Juicy steak and succulent shrimp are seasoned to perfection, then nestled into warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a meal that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for taco nights, gatherings, or when you’re craving something extra special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines rich steak and tender shrimp for a unique taco experience.
- Customizable: Endless options for toppings and sauces to suit your taste.
- Quick & Easy: Cook everything in under 30 minutes for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Steak (ribeye or skirt steak recommended)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil
- Taco seasoning
- Lime juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: diced onion, chopped cilantro, shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, or sour cream
Directions
- Prepare the Proteins: Season the steak with taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss the shrimp with minced garlic, lime juice, taco seasoning, and olive oil.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame until lightly charred and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer steak and shrimp on the tortillas, then add your favorite toppings. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Surf & Turf Tacos while they’re warm and fresh!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 4-6 tacos, depending on the size of your tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or drizzle with spicy sriracha mayo.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor.
- Sauce Options: Try chipotle crema, avocado crema, or a garlic aioli.
- Seafood Only: Swap steak for more shrimp if you prefer a seafood-only taco.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover steak and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the steak and shrimp in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking. Warm tortillas fresh on a skillet before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
2. What’s the best steak for Surf & Turf Tacos?
Ribeye and skirt steak are great options because of their flavor and tenderness.
3. Can I grill the shrimp and steak?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with these tacos.
4. What tortillas are best for this recipe?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas also work well.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
6. Can I marinate the steak and shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, marinating for up to 2 hours enhances the flavors. Avoid longer marinating times for shrimp to prevent a mushy texture.
7. What sides pair well with Surf & Turf Tacos?
Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh side salad.
8. How do I keep the tacos warm for serving?
Place assembled tacos in a warm oven (200°F) for a few minutes, or serve immediately.
9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
10. What toppings work well with these tacos?
Fresh cilantro, diced onion, shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, and lime juice are all fantastic options.
Conclusion
Surf & Turf Tacos are a culinary delight that bring the bold flavors of steak and shrimp together in a single dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any taco lover looking for something a little different. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy this irresistible taco combination!
PrintSurf & Turf Tacos
These Surf & Turf Tacos are a perfect blend of land and sea! Juicy steak and succulent shrimp come together with fresh toppings and a zesty lime crema for a mouthwatering meal. Great for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, they’re packed with bold flavors and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Other:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the steak.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink.
- Make the Lime Crema:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce, steak slices, and shrimp.
- Top with tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with lime crema and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to add shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp or a store-bought taco seasoning blend.