My Favorite Shrimp and Steak Tacos: The Ultimate Surf and Turf
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! There are few things better than a good taco night, and today, I’m taking it to the next level with a delicious surf and turf twist. My recipe for Shrimp and Steak Tacos is the best of both worlds, combining the savory richness of tender steak with the delicate flavor of juicy shrimp. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, making it perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends and family. The seasoned steak and shrimp are the stars, and you can pile on your favorite fresh toppings to make each taco a customized masterpiece.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen because it’s a complete meal that feels indulgent without requiring a lot of time or effort. I love the balance of flavors and textures—the robust, meaty steak, the light and fresh shrimp, and the crunchy, cool toppings. The seasoning blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder is simple but effective, giving both proteins a fantastic, cohesive flavor. It’s a great way to elevate a regular taco night and really impress your dinner guests. And just like my favorite walking taco bar, this recipe is all about customization and fun!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb steak (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Steak: Flank steak and sirloin are great choices for their flavor and tenderness, but you could also use skirt steak. Slicing the steak thinly is key for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, pre-cooked shrimp will work here. Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. The size of the shrimp matters, too; larger shrimp are less likely to overcook and become rubbery.
- Seasoning: This blend is my go-to, but feel free to experiment. You could add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
- Toppings: The sky’s the limit here! Add some sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, pickled red onions, or a fresh salsa for even more flavor and texture. For another delicious one-pan dinner with a Mexican twist, you should also check out my recipe for a Mexican chicken and rice casserole.
- Sauce: A drizzle of sour cream is classic, but Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative. For a creamy sauce, you can mix the sour cream with a squeeze of lime juice and a little cilantro.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Season the Shrimp and Steak: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp in about half of the seasoning mixture until evenly coated. In another bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with the remaining seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat to high. Add the steak slices in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping once, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to keep it juicy.
- Assemble the Tacos: While the steak is resting, warm your taco shells. You can do this in the oven, a skillet, or the microwave. Then, fill each taco shell with a mix of the cooked steak and shrimp.
- Serve: Top the tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt and a little hot sauce if you like. Enjoy your delicious tacos immediately!
Tips for Success
- High Heat for Steak: Cooking the steak on high heat is crucial for getting a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and form a “C” shape, they’re done. A fully curled “O” shape means they’re overcooked.
- Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and juicy final result.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These tacos are a complete meal, but they’re even better with a few sides and pairings.
- Serve them with a side of homemade guacamole and salsa.
- A simple side of Mexican rice or black beans would be a perfect complement.
- For a fresh drink pairing, a classic margarita or a chilled beer would be fantastic.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the cooked shrimp and steak in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The toppings should also be stored separately. To reheat, warm the steak and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, then assemble your tacos.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re looking for more delicious and easy-to-make dinners, check out some of these other favorites:
- Walking Taco Bar: The perfect no-fuss way to feed a crowd for any event.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas: My go-to for feeding a crowd fast with minimal effort.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole: A delicious and easy one-pan dinner that’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders: A fun, messy, and totally delicious party food that disappears fast.
Final Thoughts
These Shrimp and Steak Tacos are the kind of meal that makes you excited to get in the kitchen. They’re a fresh, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy tacos. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. As always, I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below with your thoughts and any fun twists you tried. Happy cooking!
Surf and Turf Tacos: Easy Shrimp and Steak Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb steak (flank or sirloin), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, sliced steak, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Mix well to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and steak to the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink and the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the shrimp and steak mixture in the tortillas.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and hot sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your surf and turf tacos!
Leave a Reply