which uses recycled shells to create natural habitats for various 
forms of sea life to thrive and proliferate. And that dedication to 
quality translates to every aspect of the menu, from the scratch-
made barbecue sauce whose proprietary blend of spices and herbs 
has won them awards, to their pickled onions. Naturally, their 
handcrafted burgers are made with fresh beef, and meats are slow 
smoked in-house over hickory oak to impart the best flavor and 
ensure that every bite is tender and juicy. 

And speaking of juicy…juiciness is served up in spades in their 

Stuffed Fried Shrimp, loading up a sextet of Gulf shrimp with 
house made jumbo lump crabmeat dressing and wrapping them in 
bacon, then frying up the lot to golden perfection. For something 
on the lighter side with a whole lot of kick, try the Blackened 
Shrimp Tacos, a best-seller that piles on the flavor with plump 
grilled shrimp coated in blackening spices served over a bed of 
crisp cabbage and topped with pico de gallo, zesty chipotle aioli, 
and creamy guacamole all nestled into flour tortillas that have been 
warmed over the grill. If you’re into a mix of surf and turf, dip your 
toes in the water while you stay on land with dishes like the BBQ 
Ribs and Shrimp Kabobs or the BBQ Ribs and Fried Shrimp, two 
fan faves whose popularity reflect the reason that this joint has 
received repeated accolades for its ‘cue. 

Whether you want to go whole hog or cast your line fully in the 

water, the menu at Surf Hut has the perfect blend of both worlds, 
offered in an atmosphere whose friendliness and laid back attitude 
are welcoming without ever losing sight of the standards that 
have made them such a success. “People come for the Gulf views 
and fresh seafood but leave with a smile because of the service,” 

says Marketing Director for Saltwater Restaurants, Inc., Misty 
Rae Ruthrauff. “Our outgoing, energetic team is what creates the 
Surf Hut experience for our diners, and they are the very core of 
our happy culture. We truly believe in exceeding expectation and 
treating each guest with genuine attention. Life is good at the Surf 
Hut, and our employees reflect that.” Good life, good food…Seems 
like surf’s up, dude.

Surf Hut Destin is located at 551 Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin, 

Florida 32550. Open daily 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. For more 
information, call (850) 460-7750 or visit www.surfhutdestin.com.

Seared Gulf Grouper

INGREDIENTS:

4 8 oz. fillets fresh Gulf grouper

2 cups milk

2 eggs

2 cups flour

8 oz. jumbo lump crabmeat

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

Lemon beurre blanc sauce (recipe to follow)

Olive oil

Salt 

Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and 

eggs to create a wash. Dredge fish through 

the wash, then dust each fillet lightly with 

flour. Coat the bottom of a large sauté pan 

with olive oil and heat over medium-high heat 

until the oil begins to simmer. Place coated 

fish fillets into the oil and sear on each side 

until golden, then remove from the pan. Place 

each on a serving plate and set aside.

In a smaller pan, heat crabmeat with butter 

until butter has melted and crab has warmed. 

Remove pan from heat, then top each fish 

fillet with and equal amount of crabmeat. 

Finish each plate with lemon beurre blanc 

sauce, season to taste with salt and pepper, 

and serve.

Lemon Buerre Blanc Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp. minced garlic

1 tbsp. dry white wine

1 small shallot, minced

1 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into 

   12 pieces (1 tbsp. each)

 

DIRECTIONS:

In small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir 

together lemon juice, garlic, white wine, and 

shallots. Bring to a low boil and cook until the 

liquid is reduced. Remove from the heat and 

whisk in butter one piece at a time, placing 

the pan on very low heat and continuously 

whisking in the butter to create an emulsified 

sauce. 

Recipe courtesy of Surf Hut Destin.

July 2018   |   57

56-57 CoastalCuisine - Surf Hut.indd   2

6/26/18   11:14 AM