For an indulgent dinner that is sure to impress, you can't go wrong with a perfectly cooked steak paired with a succulent lobster tail. This combo, known as surf and turf, brilliantly brings together the best of land and sea by marrying rich, tender cuts of beef with sweet, salty lobster.

While steak and lobster dinners may seem intimidating at home, this flavor-packed meal is surprisingly easy to pull off. With just a few quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-worthy surf and turf dinner the whole family will love.

In this article, we will walk through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering steak, lobster surf, and turf right in your kitchen. Be with us till the end to learn about this easy step-by-step surf and turf recipe.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steaks - 1-1.5 inches thick, 10-12 oz each, dry-aged preferred
• Lobster tails - 5-7 oz each, raw fresh or thawed frozen
• Butter - for compound garlic-herb butter
• Garlic - minced
• Fresh parsley - chopped
• Lemon - zested and juiced
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetable oil - for cooking
• Potatoes - Russet or Yukon Gold, for mashed side
• Asparagus - fresh, for roasted side
• Salad greens - for a simple green side salad

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1 - Preparing The Lobster Tails

First, grab a pair of kitchen shears or sharp scissors to cut down the middle of the lobster tails, slicing along the back of the shell from the wide end to the fin end. Cut through the shell in one long cut.

Then, gently pry open the split shell to expose the meat inside. Use your fingers to detach the lobster meat from the sides of the inner shell. Lift the meat out while resting it on the opened shell.

Next, make a shallow slit along the center of the lobster meat, cutting it about halfway through. This will allow the herb butter to absorb into the meat. Rinse the tails under cool running water to clean any shell debris. Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, melt 4 tbsp of salted butter. To this melted butter, mix in the juice of 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of black pepper. Use a basting brush or spoon to generously coat the top of the lobster meat with this herb garlic butter. Reserve any extra butter for serving.

Now, place the lobster tails on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the meat is opaque and cooked through. The meat will firm up and turn an opaque white-pink when done.

Step 2 - Cooking The Steak

Take the ribeye steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature on the counter for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Use paper towels to pat the steaks very dry, removing any excess moisture on the exterior. Then season both sides of the steaks with coarse salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Heat an outdoor grill pan over high heat. Make sure the grates are very hot. Lightly brush or rub the grates with vegetable oil before adding the steaks.

Put the steaks on the grill and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to get a good dark sear. With the help of tongs, flip the steaks and cook for another 4 minutes on the second side. This timing will give you steaks cooked to medium-rare doneness.

After flipping the steaks, use a spoon to baste the tops with the garlic-herb butter, the same mixture you applied to the lobster. Continue basting frequently as the steaks finish grilling. The butter will impart tons of flavor to the meat.

Once cooked, transfer the ribeyes to a cutting board. Leave it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting will allow the juices to redistribute through the meat. Slice the steaks against the grain into strips for serving with the lobster tails.

Step 3 - Surf And Turf Assembly

After cooking the ribeye steaks and lobster tails, let the steaks rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices within the meat to redistribute and prevents them from running out when you cut into the steak.

While the steaks are resting, slice the grilled or broiled lobster tails in half lengthwise. Arrange the steak slices and lobster tail halves on plates, with the lobster meat placed over the top of the steak. Garnish the surf and turf with a sprinkling of chopped parsley.

Drizzle the steak and lobster with any remaining garlic-herb butter from the cooking process. The compound butter adds a wonderful richness and bright flavor. Consider squeezing a little lemon juice over the seafood as well.

Pair the surf and turf with complementary side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus spears, or a fresh garden salad. The starchy, creamy potatoes help balance out the richness of the steak and lobster.

Crisp, vibrant asparagus adds color to the plate while cutting through the buttery flavors. A simple salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a fresh, light contrast to the heartiness of the entree.

Tips For Making Surf And Turf

• Let steaks and lobster tails come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Take them out of the fridge 20-30 minutes early.
• Pat steaks and lobster tails very dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear.
• Generously season steaks with salt and pepper. Consider using a steak rub for extra flavor.
• Use a cooking thermometer to monitor doneness. Cook steaks to 135F and lobster to 140F for optimal medium-rare textures.
• Let steaks rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
• Slice steak across the grain for tenderness. Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise before plating.
• Pair surf and turf with starchy sides like potatoes or rice to balance the richness.
• Try to add steak and lobster sauce for better flavors.
• Don't forget a baguette to soak up delicious juices!

Conclusion

Steak and lobster make for a match made in heaven, bringing out the absolute best in each other when paired together. The richness of perfectly grilled steak complements the sweet juiciness of lobster tail beautifully.

Though it may seem extravagant, this surf and turf duo is surprisingly approachable for any special occasion. You can assemble an incredible restaurant-caliber meal with quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques. This pairing is a true treat that any meat and seafood lover needs to try. Give a try to this surf and turf recipe today!