There’s not a lot that feels more luxurious than having two different types of protein in one meal. It’s probably not something you do on a random Tuesday night after you get home late from work—the two-protein meal tends to be reserved for special occasions, and that’s especially true when you’re having surf and turf. Having both fish and meat in one meal isn’t particularly climate-friendly, nor is it great for your budget. But every once in a while, it’s a delicious way to celebrate a special evening.
These surf and turf combos, which range from classic to somewhat unexpected, guarantee a gourmet experience. Try them out the next time you have something to celebrate, whether you’re cooking for a group or just yourself.
1. Steak and Lobster
There’s perhaps no surf and turf combo that’s as iconic or as beloved as steak and lobster. This is the kind of combo you opt for when you’re really going all out, especially because both steak and lobster can be quite expensive. But you don’t have to go out to a restaurant to enjoy this combo, since it’s actually pretty easy to make at home. Searing a steak is something that almost anyone with minimal kitchen experience can pull off, and broiling a lobster tail is relatively failproof. This pairing is ideal on occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and, of course, New Year’s Eve.
2. Eggs and Anchovies
If you’re looking for more of a budget surf and turf option, consider combining eggs and anchovies. Sure, it may not feel as luxe as steak and lobster, but it’s a combo that works really well together and is sure to impress anyone you’re serving. There are a few ways to prepare eggs and anchovies together, but I think the two ingredients are particularly delicious when you melt the anchovies in butter and them scramble them with eggs. It comes together in just a few minutes, and it yields the saltiest, most savory eggs you’ve ever tried.
3. Bacon and Scallops
If you’ve ever had a bacon-wrapped scallop before, then you understand why this pairing works so well. It may seem like a random combo at first glance, but the light, barely fishy flavor of scallops is the perfect container for the fattiness and saltiness of bacon. The bacon lends the scallops fat and flavor, while the scallops balance out the heaviness of the bacon. This is another dish that’s easy to cook at home—just make sure you look for dry, not wet, scallops for the best results.
4. Chorizo and Clams
Clams are one of my all-time favorite foods, but they don’t have a strong flavor to them. Instead, it’s a food that’s really more about the texture, and the other ingredients you cook them with do a lot of the heavy lifting on the flavor front. That’s why I think chorizo pairs so well with clams. Chorizo, which is spicy and dotted with an array of different herbs, gives some flavor and body to the clams, the shells of which create little pools of delicious broth that you’ll want to slurp even after the meat of the clams are gone. This combo needs a sprinkling of fresh herbs to keep the dish feeling light enough.
5. Chicken and Shrimp
Chicken and shrimp is another time-honored combo, and although in some instances it can be rather bland, the textural contrasts between these two types of proteins can work really well when they’re properly seasoned. Since both chicken and shrimp can be boring without a lot of flavor, I think Cajun seasonings are ideal here. Serve with pasta or vegetables and rice.
Samantha Maxwell is a food writer and editor based in Boston. Follow her on Twitter at @samseating.