The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe
The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles is a delicious dish that brings together tender steak, succulent shrimp, and rich garlic noodles all in one bowl. The noodles are perfectly…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles is a delicious dish that brings together tender steak, succulent shrimp, and rich garlic noodles all in one bowl. The noodles are perfectly coated in a buttery garlic sauce that has just the right mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors. This recipe is a great way to enjoy two favorites—surf and turf—combined with comforting pasta.
I love making this dish when I want something special but still easy to cook at home. It’s one of those meals where the noodles soak up the garlic goodness, and the steak and shrimp add a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. I usually use a little extra garlic because I’m a big fan, but you can adjust it to fit your liking. The best part is how quickly it all comes together, making it great for a weeknight dinner or a treat for the weekend.
My favorite way to serve this is with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon over the top to brighten all the rich flavors. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a crisp green salad. Every time I make it, it reminds me of cozy dinners shared with friends, where the food is simple but feels thoughtful and full of love. If you’re a garlic fan and like a little bit of surf and turf, this recipe will quickly become one you want to make again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well here. If avoiding shellfish, you can swap with scallops or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Steak: I like sirloin or ribeye for their flavor and tenderness. Flank steak is a budget-friendly alternative, sliced thinly. For a leaner option, try chicken breast or mushrooms.
Noodles: Egg noodles or spaghetti add great texture. Ramen or udon noodles are tasty alternatives and soak up the sauce nicely. Rice noodles can work too but cook them carefully to avoid mushiness.
Garlic & Butter: Garlic is the star here—fresh minced garlic gives the best aroma. Butter adds richness. You can reduce the butter for a lighter version or use olive oil instead, but the buttery flavor is worth keeping if you can.
Sauces: Soy and oyster sauces create a deep umami taste. For gluten-free cooking, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you skip fish sauce, add a bit more soy or a pinch of salt to keep the flavor balanced.
How Do You Get Garlic Perfectly Golden Without Burning It?
Garlic burns easily and turns bitter if overheated. To get it just golden and fragrant:
- Use medium heat, not high.
- Add garlic after the butter has melted but before it browns.
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until you see the garlic turning light golden.
- If garlic cooks too fast, lower the heat immediately or add a splash of sauce to cool the pan slightly.
This careful cooking brings out garlic’s sweetness and flavor that coats the noodles perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – to boil noodles easily without crowding.
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for searing steak and shrimp, plus tossing everything together.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – helps you handle noodles and proteins without breaking.
- Sharp knife – for cutting steak into even cubes for quick, uniform cooking.
- Cutting board – gives you a sturdy surface to prep your ingredients safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a different seafood twist that’s just as tasty.
- Use chicken thigh pieces instead of steak for a leaner yet juicy protein option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and color.
- Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil if you like a little heat.
The Best Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fresh or dried spaghetti or egg noodles
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes preparing and cooking the shrimp and steak, about 8 minutes cooking noodles and making the sauce, and a few minutes tossing everything together and plating. It’s a quick and tasty meal for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare and cook the steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked to your liking. Remove the steak and set aside.
3. Cook the shrimp:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the shrimp, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the steak.
4. Make the garlic sauce:
Turn heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
5. Add sauces and seasonings:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper. Mix to create a shiny garlic sauce.
6. Combine noodles and veggies:
Add the drained noodles and cherry tomatoes (if using) to the skillet. Toss well to coat noodles with the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
7. Add steak and shrimp:
Return the steak and shrimp to the pan along with sliced green onions. Toss gently to combine and warm everything through.
8. Finish with butter and serve:
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Large skillet or wok for cooking steak, shrimp, and sauce
- Sharp knife and cutting board for prep
- Tongs or slotted spoon to toss and serve
Flavor Variations & Tips
- Swap shrimp for scallops or crab meat for a different seafood twist.
- Try chicken thighs instead of steak for a leaner option.
- Include veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more color and texture.
- Add red pepper flakes or chili oil if you enjoy some heat.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag. Pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
Can I Make Surf and Turf Garlic Noodles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic sauce and cook the steak and shrimp a day ahead. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked noodles.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the noodles.
Can I Substitute the Steak With Another Protein?
Definitely! Chicken thighs, firm tofu, or even mushrooms make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is cooked through and tender.
