Looking for the ultimate taco recipe? These Surf and Turf Tacos combine tender, marinated steak and perfectly seasoned shrimp, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with fresh ingredients. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a weekend fiesta, or a quick dinner, this restaurant-quality dish is quick, easy, and packed with protein!
📌 Bonus: This recipe is gluten-free friendly, keto-friendly, and perfect for high-protein diets!
📝 Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 🥩 300g beef sirloin or flank steak (halal-friendly)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
- 🍤 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos:
- 🌮 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 🧅 ½ cup diced onions
- 🌿 ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 🍋 Lime wedges for garnish
🔥 How to Make the Best Surf and Turf Tacos
1️⃣ Marinate the Steak
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture over the steak, coating evenly.
- Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Cook the Steak
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness:
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for extra tenderness.
3️⃣ Season & Cook the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Using the same pan (for maximum flavor), cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat until pink and opaque.
4️⃣ Assemble Your Tacos
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Add shredded cheese, then layer with steak slices and shrimp.
- Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Pair with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp side salad.
✅ Expert Tips for the Best Tacos
✔️ Marinate for Extra Flavor – Letting the steak sit longer enhances its taste.
✔️ Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly chopped cilantro, lime, and onions make a difference.
✔️ Avoid Overcooking – Shrimp should be pink and opaque, and steak should rest before slicing.
✔️ Char Your Tortillas – Heating tortillas over an open flame or skillet gives them the best texture.
✔️ Customize the Heat – Add extra chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick!
⏳ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: ~350 per taco
- Protein: ~30g per serving
- Servings: 4
