Ah, Christmas dinner—there’s just something magical about gathering with loved ones around a table of delicious food, sparkling decorations, and maybe even a few too many “cheers!” But if you’re sticking to a keto lifestyle, finding a holiday menu that doesn’t derail your low-carb goals can feel like a challenge. This Festive Surf & Turf Feast is your answer to enjoying every bite without a carb overload. We’re talking rich, marbled Wagyu ribeye, bright and fresh lemon-butter salmon, indulgent sides, and a few keto twists on holiday classics that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.
This feast brings out the best flavors of land and sea, adding that “wow” factor without the blood-sugar spike. Imagine kicking things off with a decadent crab dip, moving on to buttery Wagyu steak and baked salmon, and then rounding out the plate with sides like cauliflower au gratin and bacon-wrapped green beans. And we can’t forget dessert! A silky, low-carb chocolate mousse awaits you at the finish line, all topped with whipped cream and berries for that holiday sparkle.
Ready to make Christmas keto? Let’s get into the details so you can enjoy a festive meal that feels like an indulgence but stays true to your low-carb lifestyle.
Why Choose Surf & Turf for Christmas?
For a holiday meal, surf and turf really has it all. Combining the richness of a great steak with the delicate flavors of seafood brings something special to the table. Surf and turf is also a feast for the eyes—a beautiful pairing that looks (and tastes) like luxury. And with keto-friendly recipes, you get the flavor and the experience of indulgence without the carb guilt.
The Perfect Keto Christmas Meal: Keeping Flavor, Ditching the Carbs
One of the best parts of this keto feast is that it stays true to everything we love about holiday food. By focusing on high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and flavorful veggies, you’re filling up on what matters most. Plus, keto-friendly recipes mean you’ll feel satisfied and energized, not weighed down by carbs.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for this festive spread:
- Appetizer: A creamy crab dip that’ll get everyone at the table asking for more.
- Main Course: Wagyu ribeye and baked lemon-butter salmon, the dynamic duo of surf and turf.
- Side Dishes: Decadent cauliflower au gratin and crispy bacon-wrapped green beans.
- Salad: A fresh cherry tomato Caprese that’s light and festive.
- Dessert: A keto chocolate mousse to keep things sweet without sugar.
Make It Luxurious with Wagyu: Why It’s the Star
When it comes to steak, Wagyu is king. Its tender, buttery texture and rich marbling make it an indulgent choice that doesn’t need much to shine. Pan-searing Wagyu locks in its natural flavors and creates a beautiful crust on the outside while staying melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside. Paired with lemon-butter salmon, it’s a match that feels both extravagant and balanced.
Chef’s Tip: Wagyu is best cooked rare to medium-rare. This cut is incredibly tender and full of flavor, so avoid overcooking it to keep that buttery texture intact.
How to Time Your Feast Just Right
A multi-course feast is fun to serve, but it can feel intimidating when you’re in the kitchen juggling timing for each dish. Here’s a quick guide to help keep things running smoothly:
- Prepare the Dessert First – Since the mousse needs time to chill, it’s a great first task.
- Prep the Appetizer and Sides – Get your crab dip, cauliflower, and green beans ready next. They can bake or be assembled while you work on the main dishes.
- Cook the Surf & Turf – Sear the steak and bake the salmon last to ensure they’re served hot and fresh.
Let’s Get Cooking: The Full Keto Christmas Surf & Turf Feast
Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s dive into the recipes that’ll bring this keto Christmas meal to life.
Appetizer: Creamy Keto Crab Dip
The perfect way to kick off the meal, this crab dip is creamy, savory, and just a bit indulgent—everything a holiday appetizer should be. Plus, it’s super easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Plus, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works well with keto crackers or veggie sticks.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup lump crab meat (drain any liquid)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with keto-friendly crackers or sliced veggies like cucumber and bell peppers.
The rich creaminess of this crab dip sets the stage for a meal that’s all about indulgence without compromise.
Main Course: Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
Now, here’s the star of the table – a luxurious combo of pan-seared Wagyu ribeye and baked salmon. This “surf and turf” pairing is perfect for a Christmas feast because you get the buttery, rich flavor of Wagyu alongside the light, refreshing taste of lemon-butter salmon. Each bite feels like an experience!
Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
Wagyu is a true treat, and when it’s seared to perfection, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Here’s how to get it just right.
Ingredients:
- 2 Wagyu ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions:
- Remove the steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Add the butter to the skillet, then place the steaks in the pan, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. (Cook a little longer if you prefer medium or well-done.)
- Add the garlic and rosemary to the pan in the last minute or two of cooking, spooning the melted butter over the steaks.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Chef’s Tip: The key to a perfect Wagyu steak is not overcooking it. Since it’s so marbled, it only needs a quick sear to retain its juicy, tender texture.
Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
This baked salmon is the perfect match for the richness of Wagyu. It’s light, zesty, and keeps your meal balanced.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Pour the lemon-butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with dill and lemon slices before serving.
Fun Fact: This lemon-butter sauce also works great on roasted veggies, so if you have extra, don’t toss it! Use it to flavor up the rest of the meal.
Side Dishes
These sides are where we bring in that cozy, comforting feel that every holiday feast deserves. Both the cauliflower au gratin and bacon-wrapped green beans bring flavor and texture that pair well with the surf and turf.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Cauliflower is a keto go-to, and when it’s baked in a creamy cheese sauce, it tastes just as comforting as traditional potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower for about 5 minutes until just tender, then drain.
- Arrange the cauliflower in a baking dish.
- Pour the heavy cream over the cauliflower and sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
These green beans are crisp, smoky, and wrapped in bacon—what’s not to love? They add a nice crunchy element to the meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 8-10 strips of bacon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Take a small handful of green beans and wrap a slice of bacon around them, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Place the bacon-wrapped bundles on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Chef’s Trick: For a little extra flair, brush the bacon with a touch of sugar-free maple syrup before baking. This will give the bacon a slight caramelization that’s irresistible.
Salad: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
A fresh salad balances the richness of your main dishes, and the cherry tomato Caprese is as simple as it gets. It’s fresh, festive, and low-carb!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, or use a keto-friendly alternative)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
This salad adds a bright and colorful touch to the table, and it’s just the right light note before dessert.
Dessert: Keto Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream and Berries
Let’s end the meal on a sweet, satisfying note without kicking you out of ketosis. This chocolate mousse is rich, silky, and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream for a festive look.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and berries, for topping
Instructions:
- Heat ½ cup of the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just about to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Add the chocolate chips and vanilla to the warm cream, letting it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the remaining cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Divide the mousse into serving glasses and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Top with whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries.
Pro Tip: Make this mousse the day before if you’re short on time. It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it ideal for entertaining.