Surf N Turf Dinner to Delight and Impress

Few dishes evoke the same level of indulgence and luxury as Surf N Turf. Combining the finest meats from both land and sea, this iconic meal brings together the best of both worlds: juicy, tender steak and sweet, succulent seafood. Originating in North America during the 1960s, Surf N Turf quickly became a hallmark of opulent dining, often reserved for special occasions or fine dining experiences. The dish celebrates the contrast of textures and flavors—rich and meaty on one hand, light and delicate on the other—creating a perfect harmony in every bite.

Classic Surf N Turf

Perfect for an intimate dinner with you or friends, serving this flavorful dinner of filet mignon and lobster tail will have them whisked away to a fine dining experience right in your home.

Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons plus two tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
• 3 tablespoons of green onions
• 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8th teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup butter softened to room temp and 1/4th cup of butter, melted
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 4 lobster tails (8 to 10 oz each)
• 2 filet mignon steaks

To Cook:

1. For best results, remove streaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come up to room temperature before cooking for about 20 minutes.
2. In a small skillet with medium heat, sauté minced garlic with 2 teaspoons of oil until tender and fragrant, roughly 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat. In a small bowl, combine fresh parsley, green onions, thyme, and the zest of a lemon with salt, pepper, cayenne, and the sautéed minced garlic. Set aside ½ cup as a crumb topping.
3. Add softened butter to the remaining herb mixture; not set aside. Mix well. Shape into a 1-inch-thick log, wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Combine breadcrumbs, 1/4th cup of melted butter, and the reserved herb mix, and set aside.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°. Split the lobster tails in half lengthwise. With the cut side up, using scissors, cut along the edge of the shell to loosen the cartilage covering the tail meat from the shell, then remove and discard the cartilage.
6. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and top with reserved crumb topping. Bake until the meat is firm and opaque and the crumbs are golden brown, roughly 15-20 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, take the mignon steaks filet that have been sitting at room temperature and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook steaks in oil until meat reaches desired doneness, roughly 4-5 minutes on each side. For medium rare, a thermometer should read 135° in the thickest portion, and for medium well, the temperature should be 140°.
8. Unwrap the herb butter, cut into four ¼-inch slices from the log, and place on each steak after they have been plated. Serve with the lobster tail and enjoy.

Shrimp Surf N Turf

Made to impress, this Surf N' Turf features the classic steak, but pairs it with garlicky, buttery jumbo shrimp for an easy and elegant meal perfect for all special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ lb of preferred steak
• ½ lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, leave tails on for a more excellent presentation.
• 6 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook:

1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the steak and shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Place the steak in the pan and cook undisturbed for 4-7 minutes per side, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved or the temperature on your meat thermometer reaches temp.
3. Remove the steak from the pan and cover it with tin foil to keep it warm and let it rest.
4. Wipe out the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
5. Add your shrimp, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until pink and opaque.
6. Remove shrimp from the pan.
7. Melt the butter in the pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in 1 tablespoon of parsley.
8. Place the steaks back in your pan, arrange the shrimp on top of the steaks and liberally spoon garlic butter sauce over both. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of parsley and serve.

Tips and Trucks for the Ultimate Surf N Turf

No matter which version of Surf N Turf you decide to make, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your dinner is truly exceptional:

• Opt for premium cuts of steak like filet mignon or ribeye, and fresh, high-quality seafood like lobster tails or jumbo shrimp.
• Steak and shrimp cook at different rates, so we recommend cooking the steak first, and while the meat is resting, cook the seafood.
• The best way to cook a perfect steak is to use a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to determine whether it is at the doneness level you prefer. Always allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and flavor.
• Choose side dishes that pair well with Surf N' Turf like grilled or roasted zucchini, green beans, or asparagus along with sautéed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, or salt and vinegar fingerling potatoes.
• Experiment with the flavors of butter and herbs and use different steak cuts and seafoods. Try sriracha, lime or lemon juice, and Cajun or blackened spices.

Popular Surf N Turf Recipes

While lobster tail and filet mignon steak remain the classic version, many recipes, restaurants, and chefs now pair steak with many kinds of seafood for unique combinations. For example, you could pair the filet mignon with shrimp, scallops, or clams, or opt for the whole lobster and not just the tail. For those special occasions with your significant other, as a decadent treat to celebrate a milestone, or just because Surf n' Turf is an ideal combination. There are many ways to serve and cook Surf n' Turf, but we feel these recipes will impress and delight guests and even yourself! 

Where did Surf N Turf Originate?

The concept of pairing seafood with steak likely began as a way to emphasize abundance and decadence, catering to diners who wanted to experience a taste of the ocean without giving up the hearty satisfaction of red meat. Its rise to fame in steakhouses and high-end restaurants was fueled by a growing interest in gourmet dining during the mid-20th century. By the 1960s, Surf N Turf had become a symbol of celebration and indulgence, often featured on menus at luxury establishments as a quintessential "special occasion" dish.

Fast forward to today, and Surf N Turf is no longer just for restaurant dining—it’s now a dish that home chefs can prepare to impress guests or treat loved ones to a sophisticated dining experience right in their own kitchen.

Ready to bring the elegance of Surf N Turf to your dinner table? With Wholey’s Surf N Turf Dinner available for delivery, you can enjoy this luxurious meal from the comfort of your home. Order now and treat yourself to the perfect blend of land and sea, delivered fresh to your door!