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This ultimate surf and turf feast brings together tender grilled steak, sticky honey BBQ wings, spicy Cajun shrimp, and sweet corn on the cob all on one magnificent platter. Perfect for summer cookouts or special occasions when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.
I first made this spectacular spread for my husband's birthday dinner, and it's become our go-to celebratory meal. The combination of textures and flavors creates such a special experience that our guests always think I spent hours more in the kitchen than I actually did.
Ingredients
- Ribeye or sirloin steaks: Choose well-marbled cuts at least 1 inch thick for best results
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and promotes beautiful caramelization
- Garlic powder: Provides even garlic flavor without burning like fresh garlic
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that enhances the grilled flavor
- Salt and black pepper: The essentials that bring out the natural beef flavor
- Chicken wings: Look for meatier wings that are uniform in size for even cooking
- BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for the base flavor
- Honey: Creates that perfect sticky glaze and balances any acidity in the BBQ sauce
- Smoked paprika: Echoes the steak seasoning and adds depth to the sauce
- Garlic powder: Provides savory notes that complement the sweetness
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but adds a pleasant heat that balances the sweet sauce
- Shrimp: Choose large or jumbo size for easier cooking and better presentation
- Cajun seasoning: The star ingredient providing complex flavor without extra work
- Butter: Creates a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully
- Fresh garlic: Adds bright aromatic notes that elevate the seafood
- Fresh corn: Look for ears with bright green husks and golden silks for sweetest flavor
- Butter: Enhances the natural sweetness of corn
- Cajun seasoning: Ties the corn to the shrimp flavor profile for cohesive plating
- Mayonnaise: Creates a rich base that adheres well to the proteins
- Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and complexity
- Honey: Balances the sharp notes with subtle sweetness
- Cajun seasoning: Ties all the components together with consistent flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Steak:
- Combine olive oil with all seasonings in a small bowl to create a paste. Massage this mixture thoroughly into both sides of your steaks, working it into the meat with your fingertips. Allow steaks to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the meat can absorb the flavors and come to an even temperature for more uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until completely smooth. The honey may resist incorporating if cold, so microwave the mixture for 15 seconds if needed. Divide the sauce in half – one portion for the initial coating and one for final basting. Toss wings in the first portion of sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Arrange wings on a baking sheet with space between each piece for proper air circulation if baking, or prepare for the grill.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet until you can feel warmth hovering above the surface. Add butter and watch for it to melt completely and begin to foam slightly. Add minced garlic and stir constantly to prevent burning. The moment the garlic becomes fragrant, add shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over shrimp. Cook until the edges turn pink, then flip each shrimp individually to ensure even cooking. They're done when completely opaque but still slightly tender.
- Grill the Steak:
- Ensure your grill or pan is properly preheated – you should hear an immediate sizzle when the meat touches the surface. Place steaks down and resist the urge to move them for at least 4 minutes to develop a proper crust. Flip once and cook to desired doneness. For medium rare, remove when internal temperature reaches 130°F as it will continue cooking during rest. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Cook the Corn on the Cob:
- If boiling, use a large pot with heavily salted water brought to a rolling boil. If grilling, place husked corn directly on medium heat grates. Either method takes about 8 to 10 minutes until kernels are bright yellow and tender when pierced. Remove and immediately brush with melted butter so it melts into the hot corn, then dust with Cajun seasoning while still hot.
- Prepare the Drizzle Sauce:
- Whisk all ingredients vigorously until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. The sauce should have a pale orange hue and pourable but not runny consistency. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or small pitcher for easy drizzling over the final platter.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Slice steak against the grain into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Arrange all components on a large platter with steak at one end, shrimp at the other, and wings and corn filling the middle. Drizzle sauce in a zigzag pattern over the steak and shrimp. For maximum visual impact, place corn halves between protein sections to create height variation.
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The Cajun seasoning is truly the unifying element in this recipe. I discovered this when experimenting with different spice blends, and once I tried a quality Cajun mix, everything came together perfectly. My daughter actually calls this "celebration plate" because it only appears for birthdays and achievements.
Make Ahead Options
This feast may seem complex, but you can absolutely prepare components ahead of time. Marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated. The wing sauce can be mixed and stored for up to a week. Clean and devein shrimp a day ahead, and even prepare the drizzle sauce up to three days before serving. On the day of your meal, you only need to focus on the actual cooking, which significantly reduces stress if entertaining.
Customization Ideas
This recipe welcomes personalization based on preferences and what you have available. For the steak, any good grilling cut works beautifully. New York strip, T-bone, or even flank steak with adjusted cooking times make excellent substitutes. The wings can become chicken tenders for easier eating, and the shrimp can be swapped for scallops or even chunks of firm fish like swordfish. Vegetarians can enjoy the meal by replacing proteins with grilled portobello mushrooms, using the same seasonings and techniques.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this feast family-style on a large wooden board or platter for maximum impact. Add small ramekins of extra drizzle sauce and perhaps some hot sauce for those who enjoy heat. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment that doesn't compete with the main attraction. For drinks, consider a crisp lager beer, unsweet tea with lemon, or a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or Zinfandel that can stand up to both the beef and the spices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I achieve tender grilled steak?
Ensure you marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes with olive oil and spices. Cook it over medium-high heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- → Can the wings be baked instead of grilled?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat the wings with sauce and bake on a lined tray for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- → What is the best way to cook shrimp evenly?
Heat butter in a skillet before adding shrimp and seasonings. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn opaque and lightly golden.
- → How can I enhance corn on the cob flavor?
Boil or grill the corn and baste it with melted butter and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for added spice and richness.
- → Can I make the drizzle sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir before using.
- → What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper to create your own Cajun seasoning blend.