Surf and Turf

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surf and Turf offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures: the rich, savory beef contrasts beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the seafood. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. You can customize the steak and seafood to your preference, from a flavorful ribeye to a tender filet mignon, paired with succulent shrimp or lobster. With a simple yet delicious garlic butter sauce to tie everything together, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

For the steak:

• 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or your choice of steak, such as filet mignon or New York strip)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

For the seafood:

• 2 lobster tails (or 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined)

• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the steak:

1. Remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.

2. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot.

4. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steaks to the pan. For ribeye steaks, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness. For filet mignon or other cuts, adjust the time accordingly.

5. During the last minute of cooking, add butter, crushed garlic, and rosemary (optional) to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks to baste them for extra flavor.

6. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest while you prepare the seafood.

2. Prepare the seafood:

1. For lobster tails: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of the lobster shell to expose the meat. Gently lift the meat and lay it on top of the shell.

2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture.

3. Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and fully cooked. For shrimp, you can sauté them in the same pan you used for the steaks, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

4. Once cooked, garnish the lobster with fresh parsley and serve.

3. Make the garlic butter sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble and serve:

1. Plate the cooked steak and top with the lobster tails or shrimp. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over both the steak and seafood.

2. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled version: You can grill the steak and seafood instead of pan-searing for a smoky, charred flavor. Just be sure to oil the grill grates and monitor the cooking times.

• Other seafood options: If lobster or shrimp aren’t your favorites, you can substitute with scallops, crab legs, or any other seafood you prefer.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat, or drizzle with spicy sriracha for an extra kick.

• Steak rub: For more flavor, season the steaks with a steak rub or marinade before cooking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the steak and seafood separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the steak and seafood in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use any cut of steak that you prefer, such as filet mignon, New York strip, or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut.

2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just be sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight or by running cold water over them before cooking.

3. Can I make this dish with shrimp instead of lobster?

Absolutely! Shrimp is a great substitute for lobster. Just cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

4. How can I make the garlic butter sauce richer?

To make the garlic butter sauce richer, you can add a splash of heavy cream or use a combination of butter and cream to create a more indulgent sauce.

5. Can I grill the steak and seafood?

Yes, grilling both the steak and seafood is a great option! Just make sure to oil the grill grates and monitor the cooking times. For lobster tails, you can grill them by placing them flesh-side down for a few minutes, then flip them to cook the other side.

6. Can I serve this dish with a side?

Yes! Surf and Turf pairs wonderfully with side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a light salad. You can also serve it with rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

7. Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving.

8. How do I know when the lobster is done?

Lobster is cooked when the meat is opaque and white, and the shell turns bright red. If you insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, it should read 140°F (60°C).

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Surf and Turf is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the steak and lobster separately, then reheat when ready to serve. The garlic butter sauce can also be made in advance.

10. How do I keep the lobster meat tender?

To keep the lobster meat tender, avoid overcooking it. Lobster cooks quickly, so once it’s opaque and firm, remove it from the heat immediately.

Conclusion

Surf and Turf is a luxurious, yet surprisingly simple dish to make at home. The rich, savory steak and delicate seafood come together beautifully with the addition of garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this dish is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!

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