Using Shrimp in Your Surf and Turf Meal

At some point in time, many of us have sat down to eat at a restaurant, looked at the menu and locked eyes with surf and turf only to be deterred by the hefty price associated with the dish. Oftentimes, that price is attributed to the high-quality cut of steak and the lobster tail that accompanies it, and that is exactly what you would hope to get at a nice restaurant. But what if you wanted that comfort at home for less? Biloxi Shrimp Co. is here to show you surf and turf dishes at home are doable! Here’s how they can be done with our wild-caught Gulf shrimp delivered right to your door.

The Two Main Ingredients

While the name conjures up grand images of fancier food, surf and turf is very much a literal phrase. Surf refers to seafood and traditionally uses species from the crustacean family, and turf is the steak. However, if you’re unfamiliar with lobster or crab, this might be an intimidating venture. But not to worry! You can use our fresh Gulf shrimp instead! Much like lobster and crab, shrimp spend their entire lives in saltwater, meaning they carry that unique seafood flavor that we love. That makes them perfect for this dish!

Preparation and Cooking

When you go to buy your steak, there are a few things you want to look for. First, make sure the cut is 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Second, choose a piece that has a nice fat cap – this is the thin white bit that you’ll find on one side of the steak. Once you have your steak in hand, defrost your Biloxi Shrimp Co. bag of jumbo shrimp, and when you’re ready to cook, follow these steps:

1. Let the steak sit for about 30 minutes before cooking so that it can reach room temperature. This prevents the meat from getting tough while it’s cooking.
2. Place a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over high heat for about 30 to 45 seconds before cooking, as the pan needs to be hot enough to render the fat from the steak.
3. Place the fat cap of the steak flat on the skillet. You want to get a nice golden brown color along the entire cap, so be sure to tilt or adjust the steak to hit every corner.
4. Once there is some color on the fat, add 1 tbsp. of butter, roll it around the pan, and put one side of the steak on the pan.
5. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add another tablespoon of butter, flip and cook the other side for 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Once both sides are browned, drop the heat to medium-low.
8. Wrap a dishtowel around the panhandle, tilt the pan toward you, and spoon the mixture of butter and fat onto the top of the steak for 1.5 minutes.
9. Place the steak on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes.
10. While the steak is resting, place your shrimp in the pan and cook on medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
11. Once the shrimp have nice pick color, remove them from the pan and place them on or around the steak, pouring the remaining butter over your dish.

Where to Find the Best Wild-Caught Shrimp

No matter what you’re whipping up in the kitchen, the quality of the shrimp your recipe calls for can make all the difference. The next time you need high-quality Gulf shrimp to complete your homemade surf and turf, order from Biloxi Shrimp Co. to take advantage of our shipping options for delivery across the United States.