Global Surf & Turf 5 Exclusive Chicken & Shrimp Recipes: Global Flavors & Tips From Thailand to New Orleans
Five one-of-a-kind chicken and shrimp recipes crafted exclusively by Oliver & Natalia for Mangoes & Palm Trees. During our years cooking across continents, we discovered that chicken and shrimp is a universal pairing—from Bangkok street stalls to Valencian markets. This lineup blends family-tested technique with inspiration from our travels. Explore more at our Recipes Collection.
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The Universal Language of Surf & Turf
During our years cooking across continents, we discovered that chicken and shrimp is a universal pairing—from Bangkok street stalls to Valencian markets. This lineup of original chicken and shrimp recipes blends family-tested technique with inspiration from our travels. Each one is crafted and tested exclusively in our kitchen, ensuring it’s 100% unique and impossible to find anywhere else. Victor, our 8-year-old food critic (turning 9 in November!), helped us balance flavors to suit all ages. Explore more at our Recipes Collection. (Bon Appétit)
Featured: Thai-Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Surf ’n’ Turf
This dish marries Cajun spice and Thai aromatics with creamy coconut milk and a hit of fresh lime, inspired by a street vendor in Chiang Mai who taught us the art of wok balance. Perfect over jasmine rice, it’s a family favorite that reflects our time in Thailand.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, thinly sliced | 1 lb | Protein base |
| Jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 lb | Seafood component |
| Cajun spice blend | 1 Tbsp | Bold seasoning |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Aromatic base |
| Shallot, finely sliced | 1 | Sweet depth |
| Coconut milk | 14 oz | Creamy sauce |
| Fish sauce | 2 tsp | Umami enhancer |
| Lime zest & juice | 1 lime | Bright tang |
| Thai basil, chopped | ¼ cup | Fresh herb finish |
| Vegetable oil | 2 Tbsp | Cooking base |
Cooking Method
- Coat chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun spice. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
- Add shallot and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in remaining Cajun spice.
- Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime zest/juice; simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Return chicken, add shrimp, and cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Fold in Thai basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot over jasmine rice with a lime wedge.
Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 35g protein, 20g fat, 25g carbs, 3g fiber, 800mg sodium. (Serious Eats)
5 Signature Chicken & Shrimp Recipes
From quick-prep stir-fries to elegant paellas, these chicken and shrimp recipes showcase global flavors, tested and refined by Oliver, Natalia, and Victor for optimal flavor, nutrition, and family appeal. (Bon Appétit)
Thai-Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Surf ’n’ Turf
This dish marries Cajun spice and Thai aromatics with creamy coconut milk and a hit of fresh lime, inspired by a street vendor in Chiang Mai.
Thai-Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Surf ’n’ Turf, a family favorite, 2025.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, thinly sliced | 1 lb | Protein base |
| Jumbo shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 lb | Seafood component |
| Cajun spice blend | 1 Tbsp | Bold seasoning |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Aromatic base |
| Shallot, finely sliced | 1 | Sweet depth |
| Coconut milk | 14 oz | Creamy sauce |
| Fish sauce | 2 tsp | Umami enhancer |
| Lime zest & juice | 1 lime | Bright tang |
| Thai basil, chopped | ¼ cup | Fresh herb finish |
| Vegetable oil | 2 Tbsp | Cooking base |
Cooking Method
- Coat chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun spice. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside.
- Add shallot and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in remaining Cajun spice.
- Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and lime zest/juice; simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Return chicken, add shrimp, and cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Fold in Thai basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot over jasmine rice with a lime wedge. (Serious Eats)
Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 35g protein, 20g fat, 25g carbs, 3g fiber, 800mg sodium.
Authentic Valencian Chicken & Shrimp Paella
A traditional Spanish paella with chicken thighs, shrimp, saffron, and Bomba rice, inspired by our time in Valencia.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, bone-in | 2 | Protein base |
| Large shrimp, shell-on | 12 | Seafood component |
| Bomba rice | 1½ cups | Rice base |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 | Aromatic base |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 | Sweet crunch |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Aromatic depth |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Spanish spice |
| Saffron threads, soaked | Pinch | Signature flavor |
| Chicken stock, warmed | 4 cups | Cooking liquid |
| Fresh peas | 1 cup | Fresh topping |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp | Cooking base |
Cooking Method
- Heat oil in a paella pan, season chicken with salt and pepper, and brown for 5-6 minutes; remove.
- Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add smoked paprika.
- Stir in Bomba rice, coating it in oil for 2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in saffron-infused stock, return chicken, and scatter peas; cook without stirring for 18-20 minutes.
- Nestle shrimp into rice for the last 5 minutes until they turn pink.
- Remove from heat, rest for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges. (Serious Eats)
Yield: 6 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~380 kcal, 25g protein, 15g fat, 40g carbs, 2g fiber, 700mg sodium.
Bangkok Street-Style Chicken & Shrimp Stir-Fry Bowl
A quick stir-fry with oyster sauce, chili paste, and Asian greens, inspired by Bangkok street food.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloin, thinly sliced | 1 lb | Protein base |
| Shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 lb | Seafood component |
| Oyster sauce | 2 Tbsp | Umami sauce |
| Soy sauce | 1 Tbsp | Savory depth |
| Thai chili paste | 1 Tbsp | Spicy kick |
| Palm sugar | 1 tsp | Sweet balance |
| Red chili, thinly sliced | 1 | Fresh heat |
| Asian greens (e.g., bok choy) | 2 cups | Fresh crunch |
| Vegetable oil | 3 Tbsp | Cooking base |
Cooking Method
- Whisk oyster sauce, soy sauce, chili paste, and palm sugar in a bowl.
- Heat wok on high until smoking, add oil, and stir-fry chicken for 2-3 minutes; remove.
- Add shrimp, cook for 1-2 minutes until pink, then remove.
- Stir-fry red chili and greens for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Return chicken and shrimp, pour sauce, and toss for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over jasmine rice. (Serious Eats)
Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~320 kcal, 30g protein, 12g fat, 20g carbs, 2g fiber, 650mg sodium.
Santorini-Style Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken & Shrimp
A one-pan meal with chicken thighs, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and feta, inspired by our time in Greece.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs, bone-in | 4 | Protein base |
| Shrimp, peeled | 1 lb | Seafood component |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 pint | Sweet topping |
| Red onion, cut into wedges | 1 | Sweet depth |
| Medium potatoes, cubed | 2 | Carb base |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | Cooking base |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp | Bright tang |
| Dried oregano | 1 Tbsp | Greek herb |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup | Salty topping |
Cooking Method
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes, onion, and tomatoes with half the oil.
- Spread on a sheet pan, roast for 20 minutes.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano, add to pan with remaining oil, roast for 15 minutes.
- Place shrimp on top, roast for 5-7 minutes until pink.
- Sprinkle with feta and serve hot with crusty bread. (Serious Eats)
Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 28g protein, 18g fat, 30g carbs, 4g fiber, 600mg sodium.
New Orleans Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet
A bold skillet dish with bourbon flambé, bell peppers, and Creole seasoning, inspired by New Orleans flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cubed | 2 | Protein base |
| Shrimp, peeled | 1 lb | Seafood component |
| Bourbon | ½ cup | Flavor deglaze |
| Bell peppers (red/yellow), sliced | 2 | Sweet crunch |
| Onion, sliced | 1 | Sweet depth |
| Celery stalk, chopped | 1 | Classic base |
| Creole seasoning | 1 Tbsp | Spicy kick |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Aromatic base |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp | Cooking base |
| Chicken stock | 1 cup | Sauce base |
Cooking Method
- Rub chicken with Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet, brown chicken for 5 minutes; remove.
- Cook peppers, onion, celery, and garlic for 4 minutes.
- Off heat, add bourbon, ignite carefully, let flames subside.
- Add stock, return chicken, simmer 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cook 3-4 minutes, garnish with green onions, serve over rice. (Serious Eats)
Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~420 kcal, 32g protein, 22g fat, 15g carbs, 2g fiber, 750mg sodium.
Expert Tips for Chicken & Shrimp Recipes
Master-Level Skills from Global Kitchens
Protein Preparation
- Chicken slicing: Cut against the grain for tenderness
- Shrimp deveining: Remove vein for clean texture
- Seasoning timing: Salt just before cooking to retain moisture
Cooking Techniques
- High heat sear: Develops flavor through Maillard reaction
- Resting period: Allows juices to redistribute
- Acid balance: Lime or lemon cuts richness
Flavor Development
- Aromatics first: Build flavor base with onions and garlic
- Layered seasoning: Season at multiple stages
- Herb timing: Fresh herbs at end for vibrancy
Recipe Finder Quiz
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Conclusion: Global Surf & Turf Favorites
These chicken and shrimp recipes from Mangoes and Palm Trees bring global flavors to your table, from Thai-Cajun fusion to New Orleans flair. Crafted by Oliver, Natalia, and Victor, they reflect our 50+ country journey. Share your creations at [email protected] or #MangoesPalmTrees. Explore more at our Recipes or About Us. (Bon Appétit)
