14+ Steak And Scallops Dinner Recipes Surf & Turf Favorites

I remember the first time I tried cooking steak and scallops together at home: it was a quiet Friday night when I wanted something a little special but not fussy. I seared a peppery ribeye while quickly pan-roasting scallops in the same cast iron skillet for flavor, and somehow that simple pairing felt like a small celebration. If you are looking for dinner ideas, 14+ Steak And Scallops Dinner Recipes Surf & Turf Favorites have that same mix of comfort and elegance that fits weeknight romance, family dinners, or a low-key weekend splurge.

1. Classic Garlic Butter Surf and Turf

Why You’ll Love It:

This is the kind of dinner you make when you want restaurant vibes but real life timing. Steaks get a brown crust while scallops take two minutes per side, and the garlic butter ties them together so every bite feels cohesive. I cook this when friends come over and everyone wants something familiar and a little impressive.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 ribeye steaks 6 to 8 ounces each, room temperature
• 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Season steaks with salt and pepper on both sides and let sit 10 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add steaks and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare; transfer to a plate to rest.
3. Pat scallops very dry and season lightly with salt. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil to the same skillet.
4. Sear scallops 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until golden and slightly firm; remove to a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter and garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant then spoon over scallops and sliced steak.
6. Sprinkle parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Idea: Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus for a balanced plate.

Optional Enhancers (include 1–2 per recipe):

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of dry white wine to the pan when melting the garlic butter for a brighter sauce.

Personal Note: I often double the garlic butter because guests keep dunking bread into the pan.

2. Grilled Ribeye with Lemon Herb Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Grilling gives steak that smoky, slightly charred flavor while quick lemon herb scallops bring freshness. It is a great backyard dinner when you want to use the grill for both proteins and keep the kitchen cool. This works for warm weekends and casual al fresco meals.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 ribeye steaks about 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat grill to high heat and oil grates.
2. Rub steaks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill 4 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness for medium rare. Let rest.
3. In a bowl mix remaining oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pat scallops dry and brush lightly with the herb lemon oil. Grill scallops in a grill basket or skillet 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until opaque.
5. Arrange sliced steak and scallops on a plate and spoon any remaining herb oil over the scallops.

Best Pairings: Grilled corn salad and a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan.

3. Filet Mignon with Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Tender filet mignon feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to cook, and wrapping scallops in bacon adds smoky fat that makes the dish feel indulgent without extra fuss. This is perfect for special occasions or a date night at home.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 filet mignon steaks about 6 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops, ends trimmed
• 12 thin bacon strips cut in half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap each scallop with half a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick.
2. Heat skillet over medium high heat, add 1 tablespoon oil, sear bacon wrapped scallops 1 minutes per side to crisp bacon slightly, transfer to baking sheet and finish in oven 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Season filets with salt and pepper. Heat remaining oil in skillet, sear filets 2 to 3 minutes per side, add butter and baste until desired doneness, rest 5 minutes.
4. Plate steak and bacon scallops, sprinkle chives and spoon any pan juices over steak.

Meal Prep Tip: You can wrap scallops and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking to save time right before dinner.

4. Peppercorn Steak with Pan-Seared Scallops and Mustard Cream

Why You’ll Love It:

The bold peppercorn crust on the steak pairs beautifully with a silky mustard cream that clings to sweet scallops. This is a cozy restaurant-style dinner that comes together on a weeknight if you plan the timing.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 sirloin or strip steaks 6 to 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, crushed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make It:

1. Press crushed peppercorns into both sides of steaks. Heat skillet with oil and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Rest.
2. In the same pan, melt butter, add scallops and sear 1.5 to 2 minutes per side. Remove.
3. Lower heat, add cream and Dijon mustard to the pan, whisk and reduce slightly to a smooth sauce. Season to taste.
4. Spoon mustard cream over scallops and steak slices.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan will steam scallops; sear in batches if needed.

5. Steak and Scallop Skewers with Chimichurri

Why You’ll Love It:

Skewers make this playful and portable while chimichurri adds bright herb flavor. It is a great way to serve surf and turf at a summer party or casual dinner where people can graze.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound sirloin, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For chimichurri 1 cup parsley, 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, pinch salt

How to Make It:

1. Soak wooden skewers 20 minutes. Thread steak cubes and scallops onto skewers alternating.
2. Season with salt and pepper and brush with oil. Preheat grill to medium high.
3. Grill skewers 2 to 3 minutes per side until steak reaches desired doneness and scallops are opaque.
4. Combine chimichurri ingredients in a blender or bowl and serve alongside skewers.

Serving Idea: Serve over simple grilled vegetables or with crusty bread to soak up chimichurri.

6. Cast Iron Ribeye with Scallop Scampi

Why You’ll Love It:

A cast iron sear builds a deep crust on the steak and leftover buttered pan sauce becomes a fast scampi for scallops. The timing is forgiving and the flavors are crowd-pleasing.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 ribeye steaks 6 to 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or stock
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Heat cast iron skillet until smoking. Add oil and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and rest.
2. Reduce heat, add 2 tablespoons butter and garlic, cook 30 seconds. Deglaze with wine or stock.
3. Add scallops and cook 1.5 to 2 minutes per side; finish with remaining butter and parsley.
4. Spoon scampi sauce over sliced steak and serve.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the scampi sauce for gentle heat.

7. Surf and Turf Fajitas with Steak and Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Turning surf and turf into fajitas makes it fun and family friendly. Sliced steak, scallops, peppers, and onions wrapped in warm tortillas are easy to assemble and satisfy both meat and seafood fans.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 bell peppers sliced
• 1 large onion sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Toss steak with 1 tablespoon oil and half the fajita seasoning. Toss scallops with remaining seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon oil, cook peppers and onions until charred and tender, remove.
3. Add remaining oil, cook steak in batches 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove.
4. Quickly sear scallops 1.5 minutes per side. Return veggies and steak to skillet to warm.
5. Serve with warmed tortillas and lime wedges.

Swap This With That: Swap flour tortillas for corn or lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

8. Balsamic Steak with Scallop Caprese

Why You’ll Love It:

Combining balsamic glazed steak with a scallop take on caprese gives bright acidity, sweet balsamic, and fresh tomatoes. It feels fresh and seasonal and looks elegant on the plate.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 flank or hanger steaks about 6 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar reduced to glaze
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup small fresh mozzarella balls halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Season and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side then brush with balsamic glaze and rest.
2. Sear scallops in hot butter 1.5 to 2 minutes per side.
3. Arrange steak slices, top scallops on halves of tomatoes and mozzarella, drizzle more glaze and scatter basil.

Best Pairings: Simple mixed greens salad and a crusty baguette.

9. Steakhouse NY Strip with Bacon Scallop Bites

Why You’ll Love It:

This riff on steakhouse classics pairs NY strip with scallops wrapped in bacon for a rich, savory combination. It is great when you want the familiar steakhouse experience at home.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 NY strip steaks about 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 6 bacon strips cut in half
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream mixed with 1 tablespoon horseradish for serving

How to Make It:

1. Wrap scallops with bacon halves and secure. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sear scallops in a skillet 1 minutes per side then finish in oven 6 to 8 minutes until bacon is crisp.
3. Season steaks and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side then rest.
4. Slice steak, arrange with bacon scallops and horseradish cream.

Meal Prep Tip: Cook bacon wrapped scallops ahead and reheat briefly in a hot oven to maintain crispness.

10. Asian Glazed Steak with Sesame Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Sweet soy glaze, ginger, and sesame make this surf and turf feel bright and savory. Quick seared scallops and a sticky steak finish make it suitable for a weeknight with takeout vibes but homemade freshness.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 flank or skirt steaks about 1 pound total
• 12 large sea scallops
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Whisk soy sauce honey rice vinegar and ginger to make glaze. Marinate steaks 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in skillet and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side while brushing with glaze, rest and slice.
3. Pat scallops dry, sear 1.5 to 2 minutes per side and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sesame seeds.
4. Serve with rice and sprinkle sliced green onions.

Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.

11. Steak and Scallop Pasta Alfredo

Why You’ll Love It:

Turning surf and turf into a pasta brings comfort and ease. Creamy alfredo sauce clings to tender steak strips and scallops, making it perfect for cozy dinners and feeding hungry families.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 8 ounces steak sirloin sliced thin
• 12 large sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook pasta according to package and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
2. Sear steak strips in a hot pan 1 to 2 minutes per side, set aside.
3. In the same pan melt butter, add garlic and cream, simmer 2 minutes then whisk in parmesan until smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
4. Add pasta steak and scallops seared quickly in another skillet 1.5 to 2 minutes per side. Toss and serve.

Swap This With That: Swap fettuccine for penne or linguine for a different texture.

12. Cajun Blackened Steak with Spicy Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Bold Cajun spices create a smoky crust while spicy scallops bring heat for a lively plate. This is a good choice for people who like assertive flavors and a meal that wakes up your palate.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 steaks such as ribeye or strip about 6 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili oil or hot sauce for scallops
• Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Pat steaks dry and coat both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat skillet until smoking and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side then rest.
2. Toss scallops with a little oil and sear 1.5 to 2 minutes per side. Drizzle with chili oil or hot sauce.
3. Slice steak and plate with scallops, garnish with lime and cilantro.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Blowing out the pan by using too much oil; use just enough and keep heat controlled.

13. Herb Crusted New York Strip with Lemon Garlic Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Herb crust adds texture and aroma to a classic strip steak while lemon garlic scallops cut through the richness. It feels fresh and elevated without being complicated.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 New York strip steaks about 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley cilantro and thyme finely chopped combined for crust
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Pat steaks dry, press herb mixture onto one side of the steaks after lightly oiling.
2. Sear herb side in hot skillet 3 to 4 minutes then flip and cook until desired doneness. Rest.
3. Melt butter add lemon juice and garlic then sear scallops 1.5 to 2 minutes per side and spoon the lemon garlic butter over them.
4. Slice steak and arrange with scallops.

Personal Note: I like to give the herb crust a quick press with a spoon while searing so it sticks and crisps.

14. Pan-Seared Sirloin with Brown Butter Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

Brown butter adds nutty complexity that turns simple scallops into something special, and pairing with a quick sirloin makes an elegant but fast dinner. It is ideal for when you want a cozy night in.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, sliced after cooking
• 12 large sea scallops
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 sage leaves chopped or whole for frying
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Season and sear sirloin in hot skillet 3 to 4 minutes per side then rest and slice.
2. In a separate pan melt butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, add sage and remove from heat.
3. Sear scallops 1.5 to 2 minutes per side and spoon brown butter and sage over them.
4. Plate sliced sirloin and scallops, drizzle extra brown butter.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use sirloin or flank steak instead of premium cuts to keep costs down without sacrificing flavor.

15. Sheet Pan Surf and Turf for Two

Why You’ll Love It:

Sheet pan surf and turf is minimal cleanup and great for a cozy dinner for two. Roast steak bites, scallops, and vegetables together so everything finishes at the same time.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces sirloin cut into 1 inch cubes
• 8 large sea scallops
• 1 cup baby potatoes halved
• 8 asparagus spears trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and roast 10 minutes.
2. Toss steak cubes with oil garlic powder salt and pepper and add to pan, roast 8 minutes.
3. Add asparagus and scallops drizzled with remaining oil and roast another 6 to 8 minutes until scallops are opaque and steak is cooked through.
4. Serve straight from the pan with lemon wedges.

Meal Prep Tip: Parboil potatoes briefly to speed roasting and ensure they are tender by the time scallops cook.

16. Miso Butter Steak with Scallops and Bok Choy

Why You’ll Love It:

Miso butter gives an umami lift that pairs exceptionally well with scallops and quick greens like bok choy. This is a weeknight option when you want something different without a long ingredient list.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 steaks such as skirt or flank, sliced after cooking
• 12 large sea scallops
• 3 tablespoons miso paste
• 3 tablespoons butter softened
• 2 heads baby bok choy halved
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Mix miso paste and butter to make miso butter and set aside.
2. Heat oil and sear steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side, top with miso butter and rest.
3. Sear scallops 1.5 to 2 minutes per side. Wilt bok choy in the skillet briefly with a little oil.
4. Slice steak and plate with scallops and bok choy, sprinkle sesame seeds.

Flavor Boost: Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to the bok choy for extra aroma.

17. Brown Sugar Glazed Steak with Citrus Scallops

Why You’ll Love It:

A brown sugar glaze caramelizes for sweet savory contrast against citrus scallops that brighten the plate. It is a playful balance of flavors that feels celebratory without being heavy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 steaks of choice about 6 to 8 ounces each
• 12 large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix brown sugar and soy sauce into a glaze. Brush steaks and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side, basting with glaze, then rest.
2. In a pan melt butter add citrus juice and zest then sear scallops 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, spoon sauce over them.
3. Serve steaks with scallops and a few citrus segments.

Best Pairings: Roasted sweet potatoes and a simple fennel salad.

FAQ

How long should scallops cook with steak so they finish at the same time

Scallops cook quickly about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side. Plan to cook scallops after the steak rests or sear them in another pan simultaneously if you have two burners.

Can I use frozen scallops and still get a good result

Yes thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry before searing. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a golden crust.

What steak cut pairs best with scallops

Cuts like ribeye or strip give rich beef flavor while sirloin or flank are budget friendly and slice well for surf and turf. Choose based on how indulgent or economical you want the meal to be.

How do I prevent scallops from becoming rubbery

Make sure they are dry before cooking, use high heat and avoid overcooking by searing just until opaque and firm to the touch.

Conclusion

These surf and turf recipes show how versatile and approachable steak and scallops can be, whether you want a low-key sheet pan meal, a glammed up date night plate, or a playful skewer for guests. Each idea leans on simple timing, bold finishing flavors, and a few smart tricks so you can cook more confidently. Pick one that matches your pantry and appetite, and remember the small things like patting scallops dry and letting steak rest will make a big difference. Enjoy experimenting and make these favorites your own.