Blackened Surf and Turf: A Meat-Lover's Dream Come True

The cajun blackening method of cooking is all about bold, spicy flavors. It involves coating a protein (such as fish, chicken, or steak) in a mixture of cajun blackening seasoning and butter, then grilling or frying it until it's crispy and caramelized. The high heat of the grill or frying pan creates a flavorful crust on the outside of the protein while keeping the inside moist and tender.

It all started in the swamps of Louisiana. Back in the day, Cajun folks had to make-do with whatever ingredients they had on hand. And let's be real, there wasn't a whole lot to work with. So, they came up with creative ways to add flavor to their food, and cajun blackening seasoning was born. 

With that being said, we know we've got a meal that's gonna make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle. I'm talking about BLACKENED surf and turf! This classic combination of succulent seafood and juicy meat is a meat-lover's dream come true.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Surf and turf? Isn't that just a fancy way of saying "filet mignon and lobster tail"? Nope. Surf and turf can be any combination of seafood and meat that you can dream up. Steak and shrimp, pork and scallops, the possibilities are endless.

But here's the thing: surf and turf isn't just about the food. It's about the experience. It's about indulging in the finer things in life and treating yourself to a decadent, indulgent meal. So if you're ready to elevate your dining game and treat yourself to a little bit of luxury, then grab your fork and knife and let's dive into some surf and turf!

SURF & TURF TIP

Our favorite technique is to mix the DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning into softened butter and keep it in the fridge. We later coated the meat with the butter and a little more seasoning and seared it hot in a cast iron skillet. While it was searing, we kept adding butter and basting until it was done to our liking. We opted for a dark brown crust as opposed to a fully black Crust, we guarantee that either way will be very flavorful. This gave our Surf and Turf (Steak and Shrimp) a buttery, spicy and herby twist that blew our minds.

ADDITIONAL DOWN RANGE Blackening Meal Ideas

• Cajun blackened catfish: This classic Cajun dish is made by coating catfish fillets in a mixture of DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and butter, then grilling or frying them until they're crispy and flaky. Serve it up with a side of hush puppies and coleslaw for a true taste of Cajun cuisine.
• Cajun blackened shrimp: Coated in DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and pan-fried until they're crispy and golden, Cajun blackened shrimp are a delicious and easy dinner option. Serve them up with a side of rice and steamed vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• Cajun blackened chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and buttermilk, then grill them up until they're nice and juicy. Serve them with a side of sweet potato wedges and a green salad for a tasty dinner.
• Cajun blackened steak: Rub some DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning onto a ribeye steak and grill it up until it's nice and tender. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables and some creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
• Cajun blackened veggies: Coat some sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in DOWN RANGE Cajun Blackening Seasoning and grill them until they're tender and caramelized. Serve them up as a side dish or toss them into a wrap with some black beans and avocado for a tasty vegetarian meal.