Savory Surf and Turf Dinner

Savory Surf and Turf Dinner

Savor luxury with seared steak, buttery lobster tails, and creamy sides in this indulgent Surf & Turf dinner.

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Savory Surf and Turf Dinner Recipe

Surf and turf is the perfect mix of meat and seafood in one meal. It feels fancy like something you’d order at a 5 star restaurant but you can easily make it at home for a special occasion.

It might look complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple once you have everything ready. If you like to move around the kitchen and do a few things at once, you’ll finish it quickly. 

Even cooking the steak is easier than you think, and when done right, it turns out juicy and perfect. The best part? You don’t need heavy seasoning. The natural flavors of the steak and lobster really shine on their own.

Then check out a few other favorite on the blog: 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy steak and tender seafood come together for a rich, savory taste in every bite.
  • Feels fancy and restaurant style, perfect for date nights or celebrations at home.
  • Simple steps with big flavor, so you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
  • You can switch the steak, seafood, or seasoning to make it just how you like it.

    Savory Surf and Turf Dinner

    How to make butterfly lobster tail

    • I recommend following the Bhg.com Butterfly lobster tail by carefully cutting the top of the shell down the middle, then gently pulling the lobster meat up and resting it on top of the shell so it cooks evenly and looks nice when served.
    • Brush the butterfly lobster tail with melted butter and seasoning, then bake, grill, or broil it until the meat turns white, tender, and juicy without overcooking.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Protein Swaps: You can switch the steak or seafood with chicken, shrimp, or even fish based on your preference.
    • Sauce Variations: Try different sauces like garlic butter, creamy sauce, or a light herb sauce to change the flavor.
    • Side Options: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for variety.
    • Seasoning Twists: Adjust spices by adding herbs, chili flakes, or a smoky seasoning to match your taste.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve Fresh and Hot: Enjoy the surf and turf right after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
    • Pair with Simple Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
    • Add a Light Salad: A fresh salad on the side helps balance the rich flavors of the dish.
    • Use a Nice Platter: Present everything neatly on a serving plate to make it look more special and appealing.
    • Finish with Sauce or Butter: Drizzle a little sauce or melted butter on top for extra flavor and a perfect finish.

    Tips / Notes for Best Results

    • Season well and layer flavors: Use simple spices and taste as you cook to build a rich and balanced flavor in every bite.
    • Let it rest before serving: Allow the meat and seafood to rest for a few minutes so the juices settle and taste even better.
    • Don’t overcook the meat or seafood: Cook both just until tender so they stay juicy, soft, and full of flavor.

    Frequently Asked Questions

      1. What is a surf and turf dinner?

      It is a meal that combines seafood (like shrimp or lobster) with meat (like steak), giving you the best of both worlds in one dish.

      2. What meat and seafood work best?

      Steak pairs well with shrimp, lobster, or scallops because they all cook well together and balance each other in flavor.

      3. How do I cook both parts perfectly?

      Cook the steak and seafood separately so each one is cooked just right, then combine them at the end before serving.

      4. What can I serve with surf and turf?

      It goes well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and filling meal.

      Savory Surf and Turf Dinner

      By Tiffany Boakye-Korsah
      Prep time: 20 minutes
      Cook time: 45 minutes
      Servings: 2-3

      Ingredients

      For the Steak

      • - 2 New York strip steaks (10–12 ounces each)
      • - 1 cup beer
      • - 3 cloves garlic, minced
      • - 3 sprigs fresh thyme
      • - 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
      • - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
      • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
      • - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

      For the Lobster

      • - 2 lobster tails
      • - 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
      • - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
      • - 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
      • - ¼ teaspoon paprika
      • - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
      • - 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

      For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

      • - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
      • - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
      • - ½ cup heavy whipping cream
      • - 1 teaspoon Weber Garlic & Herb Seasoning
      • - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

      For the Garlic Herb Cream Sauce

      • - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
      • - ¼ cup yellow onion, finely diced
      • - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
      • - 1 packet garlic and herb sauce mix
      • - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
      • - Salt and black pepper, to taste

      For the Broccoli

      • - 2 broccoli crowns, cut into florets (about 12 ounces)
      • - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
      • - Salt, to taste

      Instructions

      Marinate the Steak: Combine the beer, garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Add the steaks and marinate for at least 1 hour. Remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking and pat dry.

      Cook the Steak: Season the steaks with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear for 4–5 minutes per side. Add the butter, garlic, and thyme, then baste the steaks for 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.

      Bake the Lobster: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the top of each lobster shell and lift the meat over the shell. Mix the melted butter, garlic, Old Bay, paprika, black pepper, and parsley. Brush over the lobster and bake for 12–15 minutes, until opaque. Brush with more garlic butter before serving.

      Make the Mashed Potatoes: Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with the butter, heavy cream, Weber Garlic & Herb Seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

      Prepare the Cream Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and garlic herb sauce mix. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until thickened, then stir in the parsley and season to taste.

      Cook the Broccoli: Boil the broccoli for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and toss with the butter and a pinch of salt.

      Assemble: Plate the mashed potatoes, steak, and lobster tail. Spoon the garlic herb cream sauce over the steak and potatoes, serve with the buttered broccoli, and enjoy.

      Notes

      Surf and Turf Dinner is definitely not your every day meal, so why not go all out! This meal may seem ‘exhausting’ or ‘time-consuming’ but in actuality once you have gathered all of the ingredients it is fairly simple.

      NUTRITION FACTS:
      - Calories: ~900 kcal
      - Protein: ~60 g
      - Fat: ~55 g
      - Carbohydrate: ~45 g
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