What To Serve With Surf & Turf: 22 Amazing Sides!

The combination of juicy, succulent steak and fresh, flavoursome seafood is one that deserves only the very best and most carefully planned accompaniments. 

If you’re looking for the best ideas for what to serve with surf and turf, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ve come to the right place! 

Whether you’re trying to keep things light and healthy, or you’re happy to push the boat out in the name of indulgence, there’s bound to be something here that fits the bill.

Just need the quick answer? 

Some of the best sides for surf and turf include homemade chips, roasted garlic dauphinoise potatoes, dressed lettuce wedges, halloumi fries, creamy garlic mushrooms, truffle mac and cheese, rocket and parmesan salad, and onion bread.  

Let’s take a look at some more ideas, as well as easy to follow recipes and preparation tips… 

1. Homemade chips 

Everyone loves steak and chips, right?

It’s a simple combination, but it’s one that will be a big hit with everyone round your dining table. 

Making your own perfect chips is easier than you might think, and you don’t even have to use a deep fat fryer.

My homemade chips recipe can be made using an air fryer if you have one, or an oven if you don’t. 

Add your favourite seasoning, such as piri piri. 

2. Roasted garlic dauphinoise potatoes 

Dauphinoise potatoes are so deliciously indulgent, and this roasted garlic dauphinoise recipe just takes things up to another level! 

It’s an epic option for what to serve with surf and turf, to say the least, and everyone will be requesting a second helping. 

3. Tomato, burrata, and broad bean salad

In the mood for serving up a light and healthy salad with your main course, but still want to impress and create a dish worth talking about? 

This tomato, burrata, and broad bean salad fits the bill perfectly! 

You’ll simply chop up tomatoes, toss with salt, top with creamy cheese, and top with a homemade broad bean salsa, for fabulous results. 

4. Dressed lettuce wedges 

If you’ve eaten at a fancy steak restaurant recently, you might have noticed dressed lettuce wedges on the menu.

Interestingly, it’ll typically arrive a couple of minutes before your steak, giving you the chance to cleanse your palate before tucking into the main event. 

Iceberg lettuce works well, and you can create a simple topping with blue cheese sauce and some chopped walnuts. 

Alternatively, slather with sour cream and top with chives and crispy bacon pieces. 

5. Baked potatoes 

The humble jacket spud is easy to make, satisfying, and arguably an absolute must alongside any surf and turf dinner! 

For super fluffy results, use Maris Piper potatoes and bake in the oven, smothered with oil with a crispy skin.

To serve, add a knob of butter and a garnish of your favourite fresh herbs. 

6. Halloumi fries 

If you love halloumi then you just have to try these baked halloumi fries! 

Halloumi has a high melting point, meaning these fries will retain their chunky shape and be oh so satisfying to bite into. 

You might want to add a dipping sauce for your fries too. Some good options include chilli jam and hot honey.

Yum! 

7. Buffalo chicken wings 

If you’re a passionate carnivore, you might just love the idea of adding a little extra meat to your plate. 

You already have beef and seafood, so why not go for buffalo chicken wings as a side dish for surf and turf? 

These ones are baked in the oven so create less mess and are healthier than their deep fried counterparts, but the skin is super crisp.

Baking powder is the secret ingredient here, as it draws moisture from the meat to the surface, though rest assured you can’t taste it! 

8. Creamy garlic mushrooms 

If you love mushrooms as much as I do, these creamy garlic mushrooms are a must have for what to serve with surf and turf. 

You might be surprised to hear that these creamy mushrooms are actually super healthy, and thanks to the substitution of full cream for quark, they’re totally suitable if you’re following a diet like Slimming World or Weight Watchers. 

9. Truffle mac and cheese 

Mac and cheese can be a great weeknight staple for busy families. But add some truffle, and you have a luxurious side dish that can be served up at even the fanciest of dinner parties! 

This truffled mac and cheese recipe brings together everyone’s favourite elements of the classic American dish, and though it requires a little extra time and effort, it’s most definitely worth it. 

Porcini powder is the secret ingredient here that adds an extra savoury punch, so don’t be tempted to leave it out.

You’ll often find it at local delis and it’s a real taste sensation that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. 

10. Camembert mashed potatoes 

If you want a grown up, super sophisticated option for what to serve with surf and turf, you seriously need to try camembert mashed potatoes. 

They’re easy to prepare, and turn a handful of simple ingredients alongside a wheel of camembert into a show stopping side dish. 

This is one of those dishes that will make you feel like an accomplished chef, despite being relatively easy to put together, and all of us need a few of these options in our life! 

11. Rocket and parmesan salad 

You can’t go wrong with a green salad, particularly when you add shavings of nutty, savoury, delicious parmesan cheese too!

Just dress your rocket with a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add your cheese, and throw on some croutons.

You can make your own croutons by tearing up some slightly stale bread. 

12. Onion bread 

If you love a good old serving of carbs, onion bread is such a tasty choice for what to serve with surf and turf. 

Baking your own bread might seem like something that you just don’t have time for, but when it’s a special occasion, it’s well worth it and it’s probably easier than you first think. 

If you’re not sure if you have the culinary confidence for baking bread, many supermarkets now sell packet mixes for onion bread that are surprisingly good.

This way you have less fuss, but still have freshly baked bread on the table for dinner time! 

13. Chilli crisp and garlic roasted asparagus

Asparagus is always a popular side dish for steak night, and you can make it extra special by roasting it with chilli crisp and garlic! 

It’s super easy to prepare, but it’s elegant and sophisticated and the flavours are just to die for. 

Though it’s worthy of being served at a dinner party or for a special occasion, it’s quick enough to be enjoyed for a low key midweek dinner too. 

14. Creamy mushroom risotto 

The velvety texture of mushroom risotto creates a luxurious side dish for surf and turf, and it’s a great option when you want to offer something a little different from the more traditional steak sides like chips and rice. 

This mushroom risotto recipe is truly restaurant worthy, and rich and earthy flavours are a real delight. 

Be sure to garnish with plenty of fresh herbs to make this dish really sing! 

15. Corn on the cob 

Corn on the cob is sweet and juicy, and brightens up all the other flavours on your plate. 

You can grill it or boil it, or even cook it on the barbecue during them warmer summer months, and it’s best when slathered with plenty of salted butter and seasoned with a generous amount of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 

16. Cilantro lime coleslaw 

For a zesty option for what to serve with surf and turf, try cilantro lime coleslaw! 

The citrus complements the seafood, and makes for a really fresh and vibrant plate.

Here’s a quick guide to making your own:

1. Ingredients: You’ll need a coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) or you can shred your own, fresh cilantro, limes for juice and zest, mayonnaise (or a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt for a lighter version), a sweetener like honey or sugar, and seasonings including salt and pepper.
2. Dressing Preparation: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, sweetener, and salt and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning or lime juice as needed.
3. Chop the Cilantro: Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves. The amount can be adjusted based on how much cilantro flavour you prefer.
4. Combine: Add the coleslaw mix and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavour, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften while still retaining its crunch.

17. Roasted beet salad

Earthy beets paired with goat cheese and nuts over greens make a colourful and slightly unusual salad that’s a perfect side dish when you want something out of the ordinary. 

This side dish gives off French bistro vibes, and it’s always a hit when served for a special occasion. 

18. Parmesan truffle fries

Parmesan truffle fries are a gourmet twist on traditional French fries, elevating the classic side with the luxurious flavours of truffle oil and the sharp, salty taste of Parmesan cheese.

Here’s how they’re typically prepared:

Ingredients and Preparation:

• The base of the dish is high-quality potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, which are cut into sticks to resemble traditional fries.
• These potato sticks are then either deep-fried or baked until they achieve a golden-brown color and a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy and soft on the inside.
• Once cooked, while still hot, the fries are tossed in a light coating of high-quality truffle oil, which imparts the distinctive and earthy aroma of truffles.
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese is then sprinkled over the hot fries, allowing it to melt slightly and adhere to the fries, adding a savoury depth of flavour.
• The fries are often seasoned with a touch of salt and sometimes a sprinkle of fresh parsley or other herbs to add color and a fresh flavour dimension.

Serve them straightaway, when they’re hot and crisp! 

19. Creamy polenta

Creamy polenta is a warm, comforting dish made from ground cornmeal that’s cooked slowly until it reaches a soft and creamy consistency.

It’s a versatile side dish with Italian roots, often served as an alternative to pasta, rice, or potatoes. 

Add plenty of parmesan cheese and salted butter for maximum flavour and indulgence! 

20. Sautéed spinach with pine nuts and raisins

The combination of leafy greens with the crunch of pine nuts and the sweetness of raisins is both nutritious and delicious.

Choose this one if you’re always looking for the best ways to get your family to eat more veggies, and you don’t want to compromise on flavour! 

To really make this side dish shine, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. 

21. Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a super versatile option for serving with surf and turf. 

They’re easy to make, packed with delicious earthy flavours, and you can use any combinations of fillings that you like. 

I like to use cooked rice, chopped veggies, and top with a variety of grated cheeses. Don’t forget the fresh herbs for extra presentation points!

22. Orzo salad with feta and olives

Orzo salad with feta and olives is a bright and summery side dish that you can prep in advance, making it ideal if you like to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible in the kitchen. 

Add any extra colourful veggies you might like, such as cucumber and tomato, and dress with a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. 

FAQs about cooking and serving surf and turf

What sauces go well with surf and turf? 

A good sauce can really make your meal! Here are some ideas for sauces that will perfectly complement your surf and turf: 

• Red wine sauce 
• Creamy garlic sauce 
• Spicy Cajun sauce 

What wine goes with surf and turf? 

Surf and turf can pose a bit of a conundrum when it comes to selecting the best wine.

Steak is typically served with a full bodied red, whilst seafood is more commonly paired with a light and fruity class of something like a white chardonnay. 

I highly recommend selecting a good pinot noir.

It’s earthy with subtle flavours, and you can guarantee that everyone will be asking for a top up!