If you’re looking for a meal that brings together the best of land and sea, this Perfect Surf and Turf Dinner is your ticket to a memorable dining experience. Combining succulent steak with tender shrimp, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to impress. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a night to treat yourself, this recipe promises to deliver. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Prepare the compound butter by mixing softened butter with minced shallot, garlic, and parsley. Shape the mixture into a log using wax paper, freeze for 10 minutes to harden, and then refrigerate until needed.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil, spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Use kitchen shears to carefully cut the top shells of the lobster tails lengthwise. Gently loosen the lobster meat from the shell using an upside-down teaspoon.
- Arrange the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with lemon juice, and place pats of compound butter on top of the meat.
- Coat the steaks with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 1-2 minutes on each side, then transfer the skillet to the oven to bake for 4-8 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
- At the same time, bake the lobster tails in the oven for 6-8 minutes until the meat is firm and opaque.
- Once done, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes. Serve by placing a pat of compound butter on each steak and garnish with lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons minced shallot
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 lobster tails, each weighing 5-6 ounces
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 filet mignon steaks, each weighing 4 ounces, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
FAQ
- What does “surf and turf” mean?
- “Surf and turf” is a term used to describe a meal that includes both seafood and meat, typically featuring lobster as the surf and steak as the turf.
- How do I make compound butter?
- Compound butter is made by combining softened butter with other flavorful ingredients like minced shallots, garlic, and fresh parsley. It is then rolled into a log, chilled, and sliced as needed.
- What type of skillet is best for cooking steaks?
- A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking steaks because it retains heat well and provides a perfect sear. Plus, it’s oven-safe, which is necessary for this recipe.
- Can I prepare surf and turf in advance?
- Although surf and turf is best served fresh, you can prepare both the lobster and steak ahead of time and reheat them using an oven, rather than a microwave, to maintain their quality.
- Is it possible to substitute lobster with other seafood?
- Yes, you can replace lobster with shrimp or scallops. Both garlic butter shrimp and creamy garlic scallops make excellent alternatives.
- Can the recipe be doubled?
- Certainly! However, you may need to cook in batches to prevent overcrowding your oven and ensure even cooking.
Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steaks are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness without guesswork.
- Avoid Overcooking Lobster: Be cautious not to overcook the lobster, as it can become rubbery and lose its flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain its tenderness.
- Let Steaks Rest: Allow the steaks to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak when you serve it.
- Prepare Compound Butter in Advance: You can make the compound butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until needed. This will save you time and enhance the flavor of your lobster when you’re ready to cook.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Kitchen shears
- Meat thermometer
- Wax paper or plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Nonstick spray
