As the days grow longer and the air fills with the scent of blooming flowers, spring signals the perfect time to fire up the BBQ. This season is all about fresh, vibrant flavours, making it the ideal moment to experiment with lighter meats and seafood alongside classic barbecue staples. Enter surf and turf, the ultimate way to combine the best of both worlds – succulent meats paired with delicate seafood, all kissed by the smoky goodness of charcoal grilling.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best surf and turf combinations for spring, offer grilling tips, and share mouth-watering recipes that will impress your guests.
Why Surf & Turf for Spring?
Spring is a time of renewal, and that should reflect in your BBQ choices. Unlike the heavier, sauce-laden barbecues of winter, spring grilling is all about freshness, brightness, and balance. Seafood pairs beautifully with leaner cuts of meat, and when cooked over charcoal, the smoky depth enhances the natural flavours of both elements.
Additionally, seasonal ingredients like citrus, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables elevate surf and turf dishes, making them feel light yet satisfying. Whether you're hosting a garden party or simply enjoying an al fresco meal, these combinations will bring a gourmet touch to your BBQ.
The Best Springtime Surf & Turf Pairings
1. Lamb Chops & Grilled Prawns with Rosemary-Lemon Butter
Lamb is a fantastic choice for spring, with its tender texture and slightly gamey flavour. Pair it with juicy grilled prawns and a fragrant rosemary-lemon butter for an elegant and flavourful dish.
How to Grill:
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Marinate lamb chops in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
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Skewer prawns and brush them with a mix of melted butter, lemon zest, and chopped rosemary.
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Grill both over medium-high heat, cooking lamb for 3–4 minutes per side and prawns for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
Serve with: A fresh minted pea purée or a simple grilled asparagus salad.
2. Ribeye Steak & Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
For a luxurious twist, nothing beats a well-marbled ribeye steak paired with rich and succulent lobster tails. The key is to let the ingredients shine without overcomplicating the flavours.
How to Grill:
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Season the steak generously with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika.
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Split lobster tails in half and brush them with garlic butter.
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Grill steak over high heat for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, while cooking lobster tails shell-side down for 5–6 minutes until opaque.
Serve with: A crisp rocket and parmesan salad and grilled lemon halves for squeezing over the seafood.
3. Chicken Thighs & Grilled Octopus with Chilli-Lime Marinade
For something a little different, grilled octopus is a springtime delight that pairs beautifully with smoky chicken thighs. A bright chilli-lime marinade brings everything together with a zesty kick.
How to Grill:
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Boil the octopus for 45 minutes, then marinate it in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chilli flakes, and parsley.
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Marinate chicken thighs in a similar mixture, adding smoked paprika for depth.
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Grill octopus over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side to get a charred finish. Cook chicken thighs over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side.
Serve with: Grilled corn on the cob with lime butter and charred bell peppers.
4. Pork Tenderloin & Honey-Glazed Salmon
The combination of juicy pork tenderloin and sweet, flaky salmon is a delightful balance of flavours. The mildness of the pork allows the salmon’s natural richness to shine.
How to Grill:
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Rub pork tenderloin with a mix of Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and thyme, letting it marinate for an hour.
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Brush salmon fillets with honey, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger before grilling.
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Grill pork over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip for another 1–2 minutes.
Serve with: Grilled courgettes and a light fennel slaw.
5. Beef Fillet Medallions & Scallops with Herb Butter
For an elegant and refined surf & turf pairing, tender beef fillet medallions with buttery scallops create a dish worthy of a five-star restaurant.
How to Grill:
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Season fillet medallions with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Sear over high heat for about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
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Cook scallops for 1–2 minutes per side, basting with garlic-herb butter.
Serve with: Grilled asparagus and a light citrus vinaigrette.
BBQ Tips for the Perfect Surf & Turf
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Use Two Heat Zones: Seafood cooks faster than meat, so create a two-zone grill by keeping one side hotter for searing meats and the other cooler for delicate seafood.
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Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times, especially for seafood, which becomes rubbery when overdone.
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Add Freshness: Spring is all about light, vibrant flavours. Garnish with fresh herbs, citrus, and crisp vegetables.
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Experiment with Wood Smoke: Consider using fruitwood charcoal (like apple or cherry) for a mild, sweet smokiness that complements both meat and seafood.
Spring is the perfect season to embrace light, fresh, and flavourful grilling. Surf and turf BBQs offer the ideal combination of rich meats and delicate seafood, creating a dining experience that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Whether you opt for classic ribeye and lobster, Mediterranean-inspired octopus and chicken, or a honey-glazed pork and salmon duo, these combinations are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the charcoal, and enjoy a delicious, smoky feast in the fresh spring air.
