Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

Sophisticated yet simple, Surf and Turf is the best date night dinner ever! Buttery, tender lobster pairs famously with perfectly cooked filet mignon steaks. Serve this protein-heavy meal with some fresh greens of your choice and a glass of wine for an unforgettably good dinner – you deserve it!

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Steak and Lobster Dinner

Remember when all of the restaurants shut down just a few summers ago? We all had to make our own restaurant staples at home, and for so many of us, it was a summer of trials and errors. Through those long summer days, I can confidently say I’ve developed the BEST surf and turf recipe EVER! Trust me on this one – it’s really better than any restaurant.

The best thing about making steak and lobster at home is that you can personalize it just how you like it. If you like your steak cooked to just the right balance of pink in the middle and your lobster extra buttery, you can make sure it’s up to your standards without having to ask a server. Just follow these incredibly easy steps and you’ll have a Michelin worthy meal in the comfort of your own home!

Why You’ll Love this Surf and Turf Recipe:

  • BUTTERY: Making your own compound butter is what elevates the lobster tails to a whole new level of delicious. You can even add a little extra… I won’t judge.
  • FOOLPROOF: There are quite a few ways to ruin a steak or lobster tail, but don’t worry. The step by step instructions here are clear, low-stress, and foolproof!
  • SOPHISTICATED: Whether you’re planning a date night with your significant other or trying to impress the in-laws, you should use this tried and true sophisticated dinner recipe that always impresses.

Perfectly cooked steak and lobster made with homemade compound butter… Are you drooling yet?

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

How to Make Surf and Turf – Steak and Lobster

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Start off by making the compound butter. Simply combine all of the ingredients, then roll it into a log using wax paper. Freeze it for 10 minutes, then refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil before spraying it down.
  3. Prep the lobster tails by splitting the top shells of the lobsters with kitchen shears. Use a teaspoon to loosen the meat.
  4. Place the tails on the baking sheet, then drizzle them with lemon juice before patting butter into the shells.
  5. Time to prep the steaks! Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Sear the steaks for about 1-2 minutes per side. Bake the steaks in the skillet for about 4-8 minutes.
  7. Bake the lobsters for about 6-8 minutes.
  8. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)
Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

What is surf and turf?

The lobster is the surf, and the steak is the turf! Essentially, surf and turf is just a fun name for this classic lobster and steak dinner.

What is compound butter?

Simply put, compound butter is just butter that’s been mixed with other ingredients to make it more flavorful.

What kind of skillet should I use?

A cast iron skillet works best for making these steaks! Cast iron skillets are oven safe, and are known for giving steaks the most perfect sear.

Can I make surf and turf ahead of time?

While this is a dinner best served fresh, you can make both the lobster and steak ahead of time, then reheat it. To reheat both the lobster and steak, make sure to use the oven, not the microwave!

Serving Suggestions

Make sure to offer some fresh side dishes alongside this hearty meal! However, a serving of carbs is also great when plated with buttery lobster, as it helps absorb every last drop of that delicious compound butter.

  • Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
  • New England Clam Chowder
  • Classic Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Simple Smashed Potatoes

No matter what you serve this classic dinner with, it’s bound to be delicious. Just don’t forget to plate it with some extra lemon wedges!

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)
Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Tips!

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks, that way you know when they’re done to your liking.
  • Do NOT over cook the lobster! Over cooked lobster is rubbery and flavorless.
  • Letting the steaks rest for just 5 minutes helps prevent them from releasing all of their juices once cut.

Can I use shrimp or scallops instead of lobster?

You sure can! Garlic Butter Shrimp and Creamy Garlic Scallops are both tasty options.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll likely need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your oven.

More Date Night Dinner Recipes We Love

  • Easy Beef Wellington for Two
  • Rosemary Garlic Steak with Sherry Cream Sauce
  • Chicken Dijon in White Wine Sauce
  • Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Next time you’re searching for an easy seafood dinner, but you’re also in the mood for a perfect filet mignon, you’ve got to treat yourself to this simple surf and turf! This steak and lobster dinner is simply what dreams are made of.

More Easy Seafood Recipes to Try:

  • Lobster Mac and Cheese
  • How to Cook Crab Legs
  • Shrimp Creole
  • How to Cook Lobster Tails
  • Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
  • Baked Crab Rangoon Bites
  • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
  • Seafood Lasagna

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe

4.81 from 41 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 20 minutes minutes

Total: 40 minutes minutes

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Serves2

Print Rate

Save Shop our store

Sophisticated yet simple, Surf and Turf is the best date night dinner ever! Buttery, tender lobster pairs famously with perfectly cooked filet mignon steaks. Serve this protein-heavy meal with some fresh greens of your choice and a glass of wine for an unforgettably good dinner – you deserve it!

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

Email This Recipe

Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons minced shallot
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
  • 2 lobster tails 5-6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 4-ounce filet mignon steaks room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Make the compound butter. In a small bowl, use a fork to combine the softened butter, shallot, garlic, and parsley.

    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons minced shallot, 1 garlic clove, 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley

  • Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap. Form the mixture into a 1 ½-inch thick log. Roll tightly and freeze for 10 minutes to solidify, then refrigerate until ready to use.

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray; set aside.

  • Prepare the lobster tails. Using kitchen shears, carefully split the top shells of the lobster tails in half lengthwise. Gently insert an upside-down teaspoon between the underside of the shell and the meat and loosen the meat.

    2 lobster tails

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

  • Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each with lemon juice. Slice 1 pat of compound butter for each lobster tail, cut each pat of butter in half and arrange the two pieces on top of the meat; set aside.

    2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

  • Prepare the steaks. Drizzle the steaks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

    2 4-ounce filet mignon steaks, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Heat the remaining oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, then place the skillet in the oven and cook for 4-8 minutes, until the steaks reach the desired doneness (for medium-rare: a thermometer should read 125-130°F; medium: 135°F; medium-well: 145°F).

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

  • At the same time, place the lobster tails in the oven. Cook for 6-8 minutes until meat is firm and opaque.

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

  • Remove the steaks from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes while the lobster finishes cooking.

    Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (19)

  • To serve, arrange the filets and lobster on individual serving plates, top each filet with a pat of compound butter, and garnish with lemon wedges.

    Lemon wedges

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 512kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 43g (14%) Protein: 16g (32%) Fat: 39g (60%) Saturated Fat: 17g (106%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 16g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 141mg (47%) Sodium: 2607mg (113%) Potassium: 782mg (22%) Fiber: 13g (54%) Sugar: 11g (12%) Vitamin A: 815IU (16%) Vitamin C: 236mg (286%) Calcium: 185mg (19%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (20)

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (21)

Upload A PhotoTag on
Insta
Leave A Rating

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (22)

Claim your free ebook!

Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!

Sign Me Up

Surf and Turf (Steak and Lobster) Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How much surf and turf per person? ›

Surf and Turf for About $35 per Person

The crème de la crème of Surf and Turf – a Lobster Tail paired with a Tenderloin Filet is our pick for a high end Surf and Turf Dinner. For this price, you'll get a 12 oz. Tenderloin Filet and a big 8 oz. Lobster Tail.

Does surf and turf have to be lobster? ›

Filet and a lobster tail is the most common surf and turf duo, but there are many other variations. For those who are looking for something a little different, Ruth's Chris recommends trying a New York Strip with Shrimp or a Ribeye Oscar, served with lump crabmeat, asparagus and Bearnaise Sauce.

What do you serve with lobster dinner? ›

What Goes With Lobster
  • Seasonings and Sauces. A classic side dish to serve with lobster is drawn butter. ...
  • Asparagus. Asparagus is a classic vegetable to serve with lobster. ...
  • Green Beans. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Corn on the Cob. ...
  • Roasted or Grilled vegetables. ...
  • Salad. ...
  • Risotto.
Jan 24, 2023

What is a surf and turf meal? ›

As mentioned above, surf and turf involves a combination meal with both seafood and red meat. The “surf” part refers to the seafood, and the “turf” part refers to animals that feed on grass (cows). The red meat is typically grilled while the seafood can be grilled, fried, baked or boiled.

Why is surf and turf so expensive? ›

Surf and Turf is typically a larger meal with high-quality meats and seafood implemented into the dish. This means that Surf and Turf can be more expensive than other menu options making this meal reserved for special occasions.

What is a good side dish for steak and lobster? ›

Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice crunch to the meal. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic make for a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with both steak and seafood.

Why do people eat steak and lobster? ›

It's a popular American combination called Surf 'n' Turf, which can be any seafood and beef, but is usually steak and lobster and/or shrimp. It supposedly began by those who wanted to maximize extravagance by ordering the two most expensive items on the menu.

What does steak and lobster mean? ›

Surf and turf is often considered to symbolize the middle-class "Continental cuisine" of the 1960s and 1970s, with (frozen) lobster and steak as replacements for the middle class.

Is it illegal to catch lobster in Florida? ›

Harvesting lobster is illegal in the following areas: Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, specific areas in John Pennekamp State Park, and no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

What alcohol pairs with lobster? ›

Lobster with spirits

A classic gin and tonic can be an excellent match for lobster, particularly if the dish has a citrusy or herbal element. The botanicals in gin can echo the herbs used in the dish and really set your taste buds alive. To enhance the pairing, choose a high-quality tonic water that isn't overly sweet.

What sauce goes well with lobster? ›

Sauces for Lobster Meat Served Cold
  • Truffled mayonnaise (just a few drops of truffle oil)
  • Garlic and basil mayo.
  • Spicy avocado dip (with Greek yogurt, hot sauce or fresh chili)
  • Sour cream with exotic fruits (try pineapple)

What is McDonald's surf and turf? ›

While that promotion gave customers one Filet-O-Fish and one Double Cheeseburger to stack on top of one another, the latest version of the McDonald's “Surf And Turf” has reappeared in Canada as a single sandwich in which a piece of battered Alaska Pollock is placed underneath two beef patties, cheese slices, pickles ...

What sides go best with surf and turf? ›

The best side dishes to serve with surf and turf are mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, carrots and potatoes, crispy green beans, blooming onion, french fries, baked potatoes with, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, Parmesan truffle fries, and lobster mac and cheese.

Is 8 oz of steak a lot? ›

The general rule is 8 ounces of steak per person, but there are also other factors to consider. So we asked an expert, Jacob Dickson of Dickson's Farmstand Meats in New York City, to give us the lowdown.

How much steak do I need for one person? ›

When cooking something like steak, turkey or pork, where meat is the main dish of the meal and paired with a few side dishes, we recommend about 1/2 pound (eight ounces) per person, or up to 3/4 (12 ounces) pound for bigger appetites and those who love leftovers.

How much steak tips per person? ›

Buy Your Meat in Bulk

A general rule of thumb is about 8 oz. per person you expect at your party.

How much flank steak for 8 adults? ›

Flank steak has a fantastic beefy flavor. It's great in fajitas and burritos, but it is also good on its own with just a nice sauce and a side salad. To feed four to six adults, get 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of flank steak — you can stretch this amount to feed eight if you're serving appetizers or other side dishes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5888

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.