Spanish Surf and Turf Recipes

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Meats and seafood in one dish? We are a creative people, especially in the north. Spanish surf and turf recipes highlight just how inventive we can be.

It was only a matter of time before certain ingredients were combined, which might seem odd to the untrained eye—until people tasted them.

In particular, the northwestern and northeastern coastal regions of Spain took the bold step of mixing meat and seafood, sparking both curiosity and delight.

A typical Spanish surf 'n turf dish, pork loin with venus clams.

Today, mar y montaña (surf 'n turf) dishes are widespread and easy for anyone to make, requiring no special effort. Refinement is optional, if you want.

The key is to make the right combinations, like chicken with shrimp or pork with clams. That’s where the true refinement lies.

Get this wrong, and your guests might not return—or at least not as often. I'm just having a little fun with you! 😉

A Versatile Country: There's Something for You

Spain historically welcomes a wide range of influences and stands out for how its food culture has evolved over the ages, creatively combining the country’s diverse produce and ingredients.

This culinary versatility reflects the country's landscape: mountain ranges with ski resorts, thousands of miles of beaches, rugged cliffs and coastlines, arid plains and canyons, and the endless forests of the north.

Later, new ingredients like potatoes, corn, and chocolate arrived from the Americas, broadening Spain's culinary spectrum. There’s truly something for everyone.

Merluza a la koxkera or hake with eggs and asparagus.

What do You Want to Combine?

I wouldn't worry too much about the rules. Sure, some meats pair better with certain seafood, but don’t stress over it.

A few simple tips are all you need, and when you read them, you’ll probably think, “Of course!” Would I combine cod with beef? I wouldn’t, but someone might surprise me!

Let your common sense guide you. Here’s a list to give you some inspiration:

• Chicken with langoustines
• Meatballs with squid
• Clams with sausage and mushrooms
• Pork cheeks with red mullet
• Pork with clams
• Calamari with sausages
• Chicken with shellfish and clams
• Lobster with bacon

Happy cooking and experimenting! Hopefully, the Spanish surf and turf recipes below will inspire you to create something unique of your own.

Surf 'n Turf, and Palm Trees in Torremolinos, Malaga.

*****

Edu's Excellent Surf 'n Turf Recipes

Lomo de Cerdo con Almejas (pork with clams)

Merluza a la Koxkera (hake with eggs)