Surf and Turf with Yellow Rice
Introduction
Surf and Turf is a luxurious dish that combines the best of both land and sea—succulent steak and juicy shrimp. Paired with fragrant, flavorful yellow rice, this meal is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The vibrant rice, often seasoned with turmeric or saffron, complements the rich umami of the steak and the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. This dish is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a hearty feast.
History of Surf and Turf
The concept of Surf and Turf originated in North America, particularly in steakhouses and coastal regions. The dish gained popularity in the 1960s and was considered the height of fine dining, symbolizing indulgence and affluence. Traditionally, it features a combination of steak and lobster, but variations like shrimp or scallops have become equally popular.
Yellow rice, on the other hand, has roots in Spanish, Indian, and Caribbean cuisines, often cooked with saffron or turmeric for its golden hue and aromatic flavor. The pairing of Surf and Turf with yellow rice creates a perfect fusion of flavors from different culinary traditions.
Ingredients
For the Yellow Rice:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric or ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- ½ cup peas (optional, for color and sweetness)
For the Surf and Turf:
Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (or filet mignon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme
Shrimp:
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Yellow Rice
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in the rice, turmeric (or saffron), cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it toast for a minute to absorb flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water), bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until rice is fully cooked.
- If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Steak
- Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat and add olive oil.
- Place the steaks in the pan and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare).
- Reduce heat, add butter, minced garlic, and rosemary/thyme. Baste the steak with melted butter for another minute.
- Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, salt, cayenne (if using), and garlic.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2 minutes on one side. Flip, add lemon juice, and cook for another 2 minutes until opaque.
Plating and Serving
- Spoon a generous serving of yellow rice onto a plate.
- Arrange sliced steak alongside the rice.
- Place the shrimp on top of or beside the steak.
- Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the dish for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
Conclusion
Surf and Turf with Yellow Rice is a dish that combines elegance, rich flavors, and vibrant colors. Whether for a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal, this recipe brings out the best of land and sea on a single plate. The juicy steak, garlicky shrimp, and fragrant rice make it an unforgettable dish that will impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
Would you love to try this? Let me know how it turns out!