This is the kind of dinner that has a little something for everyone. Juicy shrimp, flaky salmon, tender steak, and grilled zucchini all come together over seasoned rice, finished with a creamy garlic sauce that ties the whole platter together. It’s a true feast, perfect for a special dinner or a gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Three proteins, one platter. Shrimp, salmon, and steak each get their own moment to shine.
- That creamy garlic sauce. Tangy, savory, and perfect drizzled over every element of the plate.
- A complete meal with vegetables included. Grilled zucchini rounds out the platter nicely.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Serves 6, making it ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked seasoned rice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb salmon, cut into chunks
- 1 lb steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ยฝ cup mayonnaise
- ยผ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Grilled Surf & Turf Rice Platter
1. Season the seafood and steak. Season the shrimp, salmon, and steak separately with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the salmon. Add another 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Cook the salmon pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned, flaky, and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the steak. Add another 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Cook the steak pieces for 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Add the minced garlic during the final minute and toss with the steak.
5. Grill the zucchini. In the same skillet or a grill pan, cook the sliced zucchini until tender and lightly charred. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Make the creamy garlic sauce. Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
7. Warm the rice. Warm the seasoned rice with the remaining 1 tbsp butter and a little chopped parsley.
8. Build the surf and turf platter. Spread the warm rice over a large serving platter. Arrange the garlic shrimp, salmon, steak, and grilled zucchini in sections over the rice.
9. Add the creamy garlic sauce. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the shrimp, salmon, and steak. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Surf & Turf Platter
- Cook each protein separately. This lets you control doneness for each one rather than compromising on timing.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp or salmon. Both cook relatively quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
- Use the same skillet throughout. This builds layers of flavor from each protein into the next.
- Assemble the platter just before serving. This keeps everything at its best temperature and texture.
What to Serve with Grilled Surf & Turf Rice Platter
This platter is a complete meal on its own with rice and vegetables included, but crusty bread or a simple side salad can be added if you’d like to round things out further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different vegetable instead of zucchini?
Yes, asparagus or bell peppers would both work well as substitutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp and salmon?
Yes, just thaw both completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to

Grilled Surf & Turf Rice Platter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the shrimp, salmon, and steak separately with paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add another 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Cook the salmon pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned, flaky, and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add another 1 tbsp butter to the skillet. Cook the steak pieces for 2 to 4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. Add the minced garlic during the final minute and toss with the steak.
- In the same skillet or a grill pan, cook the sliced zucchini until tender and lightly charred. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the seasoned rice with the remaining 1 tbsp butter and a little chopped parsley.
- Spread the warm rice over a large serving platter. Arrange the garlic shrimp, salmon, steak, and grilled zucchini in sections over the rice.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the shrimp, salmon, and steak. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a hearty seafood and surf and turf dinner.
