If you’re craving a classic surf and turf without the high price tag, this Budget Surf & Turf made with tender flank steak and juicy shrimp delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost.
This Budget Surf & Turf pairs a perfectly seasoned, grilled flank steak with succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Flank steak brings rich, beefy flavor while staying affordable, and shrimp cooks quickly, adding a light, savory contrast to the steak. Together, they create a balanced plate that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or backyard grilling. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—proving you don’t need expensive cuts to enjoy a standout surf and turf experience.
Feeds 2-3 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Why This Budget Surf & Turf Works
Affordable Proteins Still Deliver Big Flavor – Flank steak and shrimp are budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice taste. Flank steak offers a rich, beef-forward flavor when cooked properly, while shrimp brings a naturally sweet, savory contrast that elevates the entire dish without the cost of premium cuts.
Fast-Cooking Shrimp Balances the Meal – Shrimp cooks quickly, which keeps the overall recipe efficient and prevents overcomplicating the cooking process. This contrast in cook times allows the shrimp to stay juicy and tender while the flank steak rests, ensuring both proteins are perfectly cooked and ready to serve together.
Proper Slicing Maximizes Tenderness – Flank steak is lean and flavorful, but slicing it against the grain transforms it into tender, easy-to-eat pieces. This simple technique makes an affordable cut feel just as satisfying as a more expensive steak, delivering a restaurant-quality texture on a budget.
Simple Seasoning Lets the Proteins Shine – Using straightforward seasonings enhances the natural flavors of both the steak and shrimp rather than masking them. This approach keeps the dish balanced, cohesive, and versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of sides while maintaining a bold, surf-and-turf flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 flank steak (around 2 pounds)
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- ½ pound jumbo shrimp
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons steak seasoning, depending on how salty you like it
Directions
Tenderize the Steak: First, grab a fork and poke several holes all over the flank steak. This step helps tenderize the meat while allowing the seasonings to deeply penetrate, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Season the Steak: Next, generously season your flank steak on both sides with your chosen steak seasoning. For extra flavor, you can place the steak on an elevated rack and let it rest for 30 minutes, allowing it to sweat slightly before cooking.
Prep the Shrimp: Meanwhile, thread the shrimp onto wood or metal skewers. This makes it easier to manage them on the grill. Then, season both sides of the shrimp with Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick.
Cook the Asparagus: While the grill is heating to medium, prepare your asparagus. You can quickly sauté it on the stove or grill it alongside your proteins for added smoky flavor.
Grill the Flank Steak: Once the grill is ready, place the flank steak on the grates. Rotate it every 90 seconds to develop even grill marks and a flavorful crust. Flip the steak and repeat until it reaches an internal temperature of 128°F for medium-rare perfection.
Grill the Shrimp: At the same time, grill the shrimp for 3–4 minutes, flipping every 90 seconds to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Shrimp are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and turn opaque.
Rest and Slice the Steak: After grilling, let the flank steak rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in juices. Then, slice the steak thinly and against the grain to guarantee tenderness and avoid chewiness.
Plate and Serve: Finally, arrange the sliced steak, shrimp, and asparagus on a platter. Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly surf and turf that tastes like a restaurant meal without the high price.
Final Thoughts
This Budget Surf & Turf proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With tender flank steak, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and fresh asparagus, it’s a flavorful, satisfying dinner that’s both easy to prepare and kind to your wallet. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner, a weekend cookout, or a special occasion, this surf and turf recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
If you are looking for another steak recipe try this Gorgonzola Crusted Steak
This dish also pairs great with Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Budget Surf & Turf
This Budget Surf & Turf pairs a perfectly seasoned, grilled flank steak with succulent shrimp for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. Flank steak brings rich, beefy flavor while staying affordable, and shrimp cooks quickly, adding a light, savory contrast to the steak. Together, they create a balanced plate that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or backyard grilling. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—proving you don’t need expensive cuts to enjoy a standout surf and turf experience.
Ingredients
- 1 flank steak (around 2 pounds)
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- ½ pound jumbo shrimp
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons steak seasoning, depending on how salty you like it
Instructions
Tenderize the Steak: First, grab a fork and poke several holes all over the flank steak. This step helps tenderize the meat while allowing the seasonings to deeply penetrate, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Season the Steak: Next, generously season your flank steak on both sides with your chosen steak seasoning. For extra flavor, you can place the steak on an elevated rack and let it rest for 30 minutes, allowing it to sweat slightly before cooking.
Prep the Shrimp: Meanwhile, thread the shrimp onto wood or metal skewers. This makes it easier to manage them on the grill. Then, season both sides of the shrimp with Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy kick.
Cook the Asparagus: While the grill is heating to medium, prepare your asparagus. You can quickly sauté it on the stove or grill it alongside your proteins for added smoky flavor.
Grill the Flank Steak: Once the grill is ready, place the flank steak on the grates. Rotate it every 90 seconds to develop even grill marks and a flavorful crust. Flip the steak and repeat until it reaches an internal temperature of 128°F for medium-rare perfection.
Grill the Shrimp: At the same time, grill the shrimp for 3–4 minutes, flipping every 90 seconds to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Shrimp are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and turn opaque.
Rest and Slice the Steak: After grilling, let the flank steak rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in juices. Then, slice the steak thinly and against the grain to guarantee tenderness and avoid chewiness.
Plate and Serve: Finally, arrange the sliced steak, shrimp, and asparagus on a platter. Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious, budget-friendly surf and turf that tastes like a restaurant meal without the high price.
Notes
Proper Slicing Maximizes Tenderness – Flank steak is lean and flavorful, but slicing it against the grain transforms it into tender, easy-to-eat pieces. This simple technique makes an affordable cut feel just as satisfying as a more expensive steak, delivering a restaurant-quality texture on a budget.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 16gSodium: 900mgProtein: 52g