The Ultimate Surf Turf Garlic Noodles: A Flavor Explosion
Welcome to the most decadent yet surprisingly simple noodle dish you’ll ever make. This Surf Turf Garlic Noodles recipe combines juicy, perfectly seared steak bites and plump, succulent shrimp, all tossed in a ridiculously savory garlic butter sauce with slurp-worthy noodles. Forget choosing between steak or seafood—have both! We’ll show you how to create this restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for a special date night, a weekend feast, or even a seriously impressive weeknight dinner. Get ready to master the perfect balance of land and sea in this incredible umami noodle dish.
Why This Recipe is a Guaranteed Winner
There are countless recipes out there, but this one stands out. Here’s why you’ll be making this Surf Turf Garlic Noodles recipe again and again:
- The Perfect Flavor Synergy: The rich, beefy flavor of the sirloin perfectly complements the sweet, briny notes of the shrimp. Our garlic butter sauce acts as the bridge, tying everything together with its umami-packed deliciousness. It’s truly an Asian surf and turf masterpiece.
- Quick & Easy to Prepare: Despite looking incredibly gourmet, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes. It’s an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a special occasion recipe.
- Completely Customizable: Don’t love sirloin? We’ve got alternatives. Want to add some veggies? Go for it. This recipe is a fantastic template for you to adapt to your tastes, making it your best surf and turf recipe.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save money and impress your guests by recreating a high-end dining experience in your own kitchen. We’ll share the pro tips to get that perfect sear and sauce consistency, making it better than any surf and turf lo mein you’ve had.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the first step to success for your Surf Turf Garlic Noodles. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need and potential substitutions to create this amazing steak and shrimp garlic noodles recipe.
For the Surf & Turf:
- The Turf (Steak): 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sirloin is our top choice for its balance of flavor, tenderness, and affordability. Other great options for sirloin steak bites recipe variations include ribeye, New York strip, or even flank steak (though flank steak will require slightly longer cooking for tenderness).
- The Surf (Shrimp): 1 lb large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp work, but ensure they are thoroughly patted dry. Deveining is non-negotiable for the best texture and taste. This is key for a perfect pan seared shrimp recipe.
- The Aromatics: 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is the star; granulated garlic just won’t cut it for the sauce’s primary flavor.
For the Garlic Noodles & Sauce:
- Noodles: 1 lb Lo Mein or Yakisoba noodles. We recommend these for their chewy texture, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. In a pinch, spaghetti or linguine can be used, following specific cooking tips for garlic noodles recipe.
- The Sauce Base: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred), 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar. This combination creates the ultimate savory, sweet, and umami-rich garlic noodle sauce.
- Cheese: 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. This is essential for thickening the sauce and adding a nutty, salty flavor that complements the buttery garlic noodles.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or sliced green onions. These add a pop of color and freshness to cut through the richness.
Essential Kitchen Tools & Equipment
No need for fancy gadgets; you likely have everything you need to make your Surf Turf Garlic Noodles:
- Large Skillet or Wok (for searing and tossing the noodles)
- Large Pot (for boiling noodles)
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
- Tongs
- Mixing Bowls
- Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Perfect Surf Turf Garlic Noodles
Follow these steps carefully for foolproof results. We’ll cook the components separately to ensure everything is perfectly done, then combine them at the end for an amazing beef and shrimp noodles dish.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)
Cut the sirloin steak into uniform 1-inch cubes. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Mince your fresh garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking is the key to a stress-free experience for your Surf Turf Garlic Noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your Lo Mein or yakisoba noodles recipe according to package directions, but aim for *al dente*—slightly undercooked. They will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer, ensuring not to crowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a perfect, crispy brown crust forms. The inside should still be tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the prepared shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery quickly. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
Step 5: Build the Legendary Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. This is the heart of your garlic butter shrimp and steak pasta.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss vigorously to coat every strand. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce emulsifies and clings beautifully to the noodles. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is glossy. Gently fold in the seared steak and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve your sensational Surf Turf Garlic Noodles immediately!
Pro Tips for Noodle Nirvana
Mastering a few simple techniques will elevate your Surf Turf Garlic Noodles from good to unforgettable. These are the secrets to a truly restaurant-quality dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Protein: The biggest mistake is overcooking the steak and shrimp. Cook them separately, just until done, and combine them at the very end to maintain tenderness.
- The Magic of Pasta Water: That starchy water is liquid gold. It helps the sauce adhere to the noodles and gives it a luxurious, creamy consistency without any cream, crucial for a silky garlic noodle sauce.
- Use a Large Pan: A large skillet or wok provides enough surface area to sear the protein properly without steaming it and allows ample room to toss the noodles without making a mess.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan will always elevate your dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best flavor impact.
Delicious Variations & Add-Ins
Make this Surf Turf Garlic Noodles recipe your own with these simple tweaks, transforming it into a versatile lo mein with steak and shrimp or whatever your palate desires:
- Add a Kick: A teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce adds a nice layer of heat for those who love spice.
- Sneak in Some Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas are fantastic additions. Add them with the garlic or sauté separately and fold in at the end.
- Try Different Proteins: This recipe works beautifully with cubed chicken, scallops, or even lobster meat for a truly extravagant treat.
- A Squeeze of Citrus: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten all the rich flavors.
What to Serve with Your Noodles
While this Surf Turf Garlic Noodles is a complete meal on its own, here are a few ideas for side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Thinking about what to serve with garlic noodles is easy!
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus with a little lemon juice provide a fresh contrast.
- A Crisp Green Salad: A light vinaigrette on a simple side salad can cut through the richness of the noodles.
- Garlic Bread: To soak up any extra sauce, of course!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover Surf Turf Garlic Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp and steak tough when reheating surf and turf pasta.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best noodles for garlic noodles?
Lo Mein, Yakisoba, or even classic spaghetti are excellent choices. You want a noodle that can hold up to the rich sauce without becoming mushy. Egg noodles also work well for a chewy texture.
What is the best cut of steak for surf and turf bites?
Sirloin offers the best value and flavor for Surf Turf Garlic Noodles. However, ribeye, New York strip, or tenderloin are more premium options that work wonderfully. Avoid tougher cuts like round steak that require long cooking times.
How do I keep my noodles from sticking together?
After draining, toss them immediately with a little bit of butter or olive oil. Better yet, add them directly to your sauce as soon as they are drained, allowing the sauce to coat and separate them.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta (such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti) and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce. Always check all sauce labels for hidden gluten.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can cut the steak, peel and devein the shrimp, and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. However, for the best results, cook the entire Surf Turf Garlic Noodles dish just before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
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