This can be done on the grill or Blackstone. The shrimp are a scampi recipe that is very popular at our house.
KC Strip Surf ‘n Turf
Ingredients:
Diamond R KC Strips
Favorite steak seasonings
2 dozen shrimp, peeled
½ stick of butter
1/3 cup of white wine
2T garlic, minced
2T flat leaf parsley, minced
Lemon to garnish
Directions:
Lay the steaks on a baking sheet, if you can put a rack under them so air can move around it will enhance the crust you will get. Add your steak seasonings to both sides of the steaks. I use kosher salt first, about 1t per side, then use Montreal Steak Seasoning and Weber’s Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoning generously on both sides. Put in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or as much as 12. The salt “dry brines” the steak removing moisture and allows for the seasoning to go back into the meat. This time period also allows the outside to dry to help get you that restaurant crust.
Heat your grill (I use a Big Green Egg and lump coal) to medium/high heat.
Cook the steaks to your liking, turning frequently. I pull at 125 degrees, rest and they come to a perfect medium rare. You want a good crust, but not to burn. If you are getting the crust you like, but they need more time, just move them to a cooler side of the grill and they will continue to cook. Remove and rest.
Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet on medium/high heat and lightly sauté the garlic. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, turning frequently, it will only take a few minutes.
When finished, add the wine and cook for one more minute. Take the shrimp and the drippings and put on a plate. The drippings will be great for your steak.
Add the parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon to bring out the flavor. Serve immediately with your KC Strips, don’t try to hold the shrimp or they will get over done.
Tips for Restaurant-Quality Surf and Turf
Dry brine the strips ahead of time. Salt them and let them sit uncovered in the fridge for two to twelve hours so the surface dries and the seasoning sinks in. That is how you get a restaurant crust.
Pull the steaks early. At 125 degrees they will rest up to a perfect medium rare. A good crust matters more than the clock.
Do not overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes and turn rubbery fast, so pull them as soon as they go pink.
Save the shrimp drippings. That garlic butter and wine is gold spooned over the sliced steak.
What to Serve With Surf and Turf
KC strip and shrimp scampi is already a plate to be proud of. A baked potato, grilled asparagus, or a simple salad is all you need on the side. Want another steakhouse dinner at home? Our surf and turf alfredo is a rich second option, and how to sear a perfect steak walks through the crust step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a KC strip steak?
A KC strip, or Kansas City strip, is a New York strip steak by another name. It is cut from the short loin, well marbled, and full of beefy flavor. It holds up beautifully on the grill and makes the turf half of this surf and turf.
Why dry brine the steak?
Salting the steak and resting it uncovered in the fridge draws moisture to the surface, then back into the meat with the seasoning. It also dries the outside so you get a deep, restaurant-style crust when the steak hits the grill.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp only until they turn pink and curl, which takes just a few minutes over medium high heat. Pull them right away and serve immediately. Holding cooked shrimp on heat is the fastest way to make them rubbery.
Can I make this on a Blackstone instead of a grill?
Yes, both work well. Sear the strips on the griddle for a great crust and cook the shrimp scampi in a cast iron skillet right on the flat top. The steps are the same whether you use a grill or a Blackstone.
Grab a Pair of KC Strips
This dinner starts with a great steak. Our Diamond R KC strip steaks are pasture-raised and grain-finished on our Southeast Kansas family ranch, single-source with no antibiotics and no added hormones. Pick up a couple, add some shrimp, and treat the family to surf and turf at home.