Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles

There’s something about the sizzling aroma of garlic meeting butter in a hot pan that instantly makes you hungry, and when you pair it with the indulgent combination of juicy steak and succulent shrimp, you know you’re in for a real treat. Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles are rich, savory, and full of soul, a dish that blends the heartiness of steak with the briny sweetness of shrimp, all wrapped around chewy, garlicky noodles. Trust me, you’re going to love this because every forkful feels like a luxury dinner made right at home.

Behind the Recipe

I still remember the first time I tasted garlic noodles at a bustling Asian fusion spot tucked away in San Francisco. The noodles were glossy, silky, and unapologetically garlicky, and the chef paired them with lobster. That night inspired me to bring the idea home, but instead of lobster, I married it with steak and shrimp. It became the kind of dish that instantly impressed guests and turned weeknight dinners into something truly special.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Garlic noodles have a fascinating backstory, often credited to Chef Helene An and her legendary San Francisco restaurant. They became a cult favorite because of their umami-rich flavor, a mix of garlic, butter, soy, and a hint of sweetness. Surf & Turf, on the other hand, has long been a luxurious pairing of seafood and steak in American dining culture. Bringing the two together is like a culinary bridge that connects East and West flavors in the most comforting way possible.

Why You’ll Love Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles

It’s not just about the flavors, it’s about the experience of twirling rich noodles alongside perfectly seared proteins. Here’s why this recipe will be a keeper:

Versatile: Works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion.

Budget-Friendly: Far more affordable than ordering surf and turf at a restaurant.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple techniques.

Customizable: Swap proteins, change noodle types, or adjust spice levels.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed favorite for anyone who loves bold, garlicky flavors.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep your steak, shrimp, and sauce ahead of time.

Great for Leftovers: The noodles reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A dish this indulgent shines when you take care with the details.

• Always let your steak rest before slicing, so the juices stay locked in.
• Cook shrimp quickly at high heat, just until pink and opaque, to keep them tender.
• Use fresh garlic, finely minced, for maximum aroma and flavor.
• Toss noodles in the sauce immediately while hot, so they soak up every bit of garlicky butter.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make cooking smooth and enjoyable, gather these essentials:

Large skillet or wok: For sautéing garlic and tossing noodles.
Cast-iron pan: Perfect for searing steak to a beautiful crust.
Medium pot: To cook the noodles until just tender.
Tongs: For easy turning of steak and shrimp.
Sharp knife: To slice steak thinly against the grain.

Ingredients in Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles

Every ingredient plays a role in balancing richness, savoriness, and freshness.

1. Ribeye steak: 12 ounces, marbled and juicy, seared for deep flavor.
2. Shrimp: 12 ounces, peeled and deveined, adding sweet ocean brininess.
3. Spaghetti or egg noodles: 12 ounces, the canvas that soaks up the sauce.
4. Garlic: 8 cloves finely minced, the heart and soul of the dish.
5. Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted, creating the silky base of the sauce.
6. Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons, giving umami depth.
7. Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons, for a savory-sweet kick.
8. Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance out the saltiness.
9. Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon, adding nutty warmth.
10. Scallions: 3 stalks, thinly sliced for brightness.
11. Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning both steak and shrimp.
12. Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for searing proteins.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooking should feel flexible, not rigid.

Ribeye steak: Alternative, sirloin or flank steak.
Shrimp: Alternative, scallops or lobster chunks.
Spaghetti or egg noodles: Alternative, rice noodles or linguine.
Butter: Alternative, ghee or vegan butter.
Oyster sauce: Alternative, hoisin sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic: This ingredient is the undeniable star. When sautéed slowly in butter, it transforms into sweet, nutty, and aromatic bites that coat every noodle strand.

Oyster Sauce: Thick, glossy, and bursting with umami, it ties the entire dish together with savory depth and just the right touch of sweetness.

Instructions for Making Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles

Cooking this dish is as fun as eating it, so let’s walk through the steps together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a cast-iron skillet for the steak and a pot of salted water for noodles.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Cook noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish: Sear steak with salt and pepper until medium-rare, then rest and slice. Cook shrimp in olive oil just until pink.
5. Cook to Perfection: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then toss in noodles and pour in the sauce mixture.
6. Finishing Touches: Add steak slices and shrimp, tossing gently to combine. Sprinkle scallions on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate generously, ensuring every serving gets both steak and shrimp.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in contrast: tender noodles coated in silky sauce, juicy steak with a charred crust, and shrimp that burst with briny sweetness. The sauce clings beautifully to each strand, creating a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Cooking is all about rhythm and care, so keep these in mind:

• Use room temperature steak for an even sear.
• Don’t overcook shrimp, they only need a couple of minutes.
• Reserve a splash of noodle water to loosen the sauce if needed.

What to Avoid

Mistakes happen, but here’s how to dodge the most common ones:

• Overcooking steak, it will turn tough instead of juicy.
• Burning garlic, which creates bitterness instead of sweetness.
• Using cold noodles, as they won’t absorb the sauce properly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can cook the noodles and prepare the sauce up to a day ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet. For longer storage, freeze steak and shrimp separately, then thaw and toss into freshly cooked noodles.

How to Serve Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles

This dish shines as the star of the table, but you can elevate it further with sides like roasted asparagus, a crisp cucumber salad, or a glass of sparkling water with lime. It also pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chili oil if you like extra heat.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give your leftovers new life with these ideas:

• Turn them into a noodle stir-fry with extra veggies.
• Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld meal.
• Top with a fried egg for a decadent noodle breakfast.

Additional Tips

Add a squeeze of lemon over shrimp before tossing for brightness. Always slice steak against the grain for tenderness. And don’t be shy with the garlic, it’s what makes this dish unforgettable.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is everything, so swirl noodles into a nest on the plate, then fan steak slices around the edges with shrimp nestled on top. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Garlic Noodles: Add chili flakes or sambal to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap proteins for sautéed mushrooms and tofu.
• Surf Only: Double the shrimp and skip the steak.
• Turf Only: Extra steak with roasted broccoli instead of shrimp.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, chicken breast or thighs work well with the garlicky noodles.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

3. Do I have to use oyster sauce?

No, hoisin sauce can be a sweeter alternative.

4. Can I make this spicy?

Yes, add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chili slices.

5. What type of noodles are best?

Egg noodles give a chewy bite, but spaghetti works perfectly too.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter for vegan butter or oil.

7. How do I keep the noodles from clumping?

Toss them with a touch of oil after draining.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook proteins in batches to avoid overcrowding.

9. Can I prepare it for a dinner party?

Definitely, it’s elegant yet simple, perfect for entertaining.

10. What wine pairs with this?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and seafood beautifully.

Conclusion

Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles bring together the best of land and sea in a single bowl, a meal that’s indulgent yet approachable. From the garlicky aroma to the silky noodles, seared steak, and tender shrimp, every bite feels like a little celebration. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

Discover the simple steps to making Surf & Turf Garlic Noodles