You don’t need to be on a yacht in Saint Tropez to experience the finer things in life, which includes top-tier food. It doesn’t get more lavish than surf and turf, which is typically a combination of steak and shellfish. If you’re setting this dish on the table, it’s clear it is a special occasion, and there’s a spread to go with it. They say red wine is best paired with red meat and white wine with seafood, so what are the best side items to serve alongside both? You want the crème de la crème of side dishes for a multi-course and star-studded experience where every selection is impressive. From lighter fare to decadent accompaniments, there’s something for everyone on this list. Try these 17 lux dishes for your next soirée:
1. Grilled Asparagus
Though seemingly simple, grilled asparagus is a true vision on a plate with its color and charred bits. This meal really shines because the parmesan contrasts with that smoky flavor. It’s no surprise that this veggie is the perfect upscale side dish for surf and turf!
2. Creamy Buttery Mashed Potato
This creamy whipped mash is the quintessential partner to juicy steak! All it takes is the right amount of butter and milk to set a decadent mashed potato apart. Scoop a big heap on your plate along with the grilled asparagus above for a match made in heaven.
3. Salt and Vinegar Fingerling Potatoes
This recipe screams, “salt and vinegar chips, but make them gourmet.” They’re tangy and crispy chunks made with just white vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. They truly melt in your mouth!
4. Grilled Sweet Potatoes
These vibrant sweet potatoes are more than meets the eye. The natural sweetness in these potatoes makes them unique and sophisticated on their own, and this recipe really showcases their flavor! After cutting them into thin slices and charring them on the grill, toss them in a homemade dressing. It’s made with lemon zest and juice, fresh cilantro, and olive oil.
5. Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic
These earthy mushrooms might be the most fabulous topping on a tender steak! As a bonus, this recipe explains how to perfectly caramelize mushrooms. If. you have brown mushrooms, soy sauce, fresh thyme, and garlic on hand, you’re ready to wow your guests.
6. 3-Ingredient Roasted Dijon Potatoes
These potatoes are seriously the most perfect pairing for surf and turf. They only need three ingredients: dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. It might be the bare essentials in prep, but the crunch is award-winning.
7. Chantilly Potatoes
The name alone warrants a place on this list! This French recipe takes mashed potatoes to the next level with its thoughtful preparation and presentation. Chantilly potatoes are boiled and then pressed in a ricer. Then, whipped cream and cheese are folded in before baking them in the oven.
8. Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
This side dish needs no introduction. In fact, it’s possible you might forego the surf and turf altogether once you have a taste of this mac and cheese. However, lobster and mac have a special bond, so it’s clear we couldn’t leave this insanely creamy and rich pasta off our list! To make the famous Cracker Barrel cheese sauce, all you need is chicken broth, Colby cheese, heavy cream, flour, and butter.
9. Perfect Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli is slightly high maintenance due to its quick cook time and ability to dry out quickly, but this recipe understands. These golden tender florets are an ideal pairing for both seafood and sirloin, making this side dish no-brainer. Add red pepper flakes to bring them to another level!
10. Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables
This spread of veggies is beautifully roasted to bring deep flavor and stunning color to your surf and turf dinner. Join together potatoes, cremini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and garlic. Toss them in olive oil and fresh herbs and spices for a dish you’ll want to pile on your plate.
11. Onion Rings
What makes these onion rings so special? They’re beer-battered and deep-fried for a golden, crunchy excellence. For optimal results, try frying and serving this dish fresh as soon they’re out of the fryer. Is there anything more exciting than onion rings made to order? Probably mozzarella sticks, but second to that, definitely these onion rings.
12. Scalloped Potatoes
If mashed potatoes and mac and cheese had a baby, it would be scalloped potatoes. Though these classic sides are family favorites, this hybrid creation might win your heart. Not only are these decadent and overflowing, but they can be made in just 30 minutes. This is the perfect dish to make ahead of time and pop in the oven before guests arrive. They have a bubbly broiled effect that’s (almost) more satisfying than the potatoes themselves.
13. Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes
These artichokes give a similar impression to home fries in this roasted Jerusalem recipe! Being the root of the plant, they’re an eccentric and unlikely choice. They’re surprisingly delicious. This dish is nutty and slightly sweet, and you’ll love it.
14. Roasted Red Pepper Green Beans
This dish has a wonderful balance of creamy and crunchy. There’s the crisp snap of the green bean and the velvety texture of chive cream cheese. Topped with pine nuts and sweet roasted red peppers, this dish is festive and tasty.
15. Asiago Mashed Cauliflower
This dish is for potato lovers who prefer to keep it lean and still indulge in warm and smooth textures. Don’t get me wrong, cauliflower has a signature taste. This dish strengthens it by contrasting it with asiago cheese. Top it with fresh parsley, and it’s an easy choice for your surf and turf dinner!
16. Greek Couscous Salad
Believe it or not, some people just aren’t as jazzed about potatoes as I am, so this couscous salad is a superb option! Enjoy whole-wheat couscous with cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. It’s light yet filling, making it a side dish that will surely stand out from the crowd.
17. Rice with Collard Greens and Relish
These robust dark greens are brimming with flavor and are an alluring pairing for surf and turf. This is a traditional meal served in Zimbabwe. It involves stewing collard greens in crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, and curry powder. The result is a tender and savory veggies side piled on a heap of fluffy brown rice. Surf and turf might be an American staple, but this side dish is ready to shake things up! Click on a star to rate it!
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