Whether it originated on the East or the West Coast, The Surf n' Turf pairing is still one of the most iconic dishes to merge land and sea. The traditional Surf N' Turf is a decadent meal of filet mignon, the most tender piece of meat from a steer, and the deliciousness of an entire lobster tail.
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 choice. There are many ways to serve and cook Surf n' Turf, but we feel these following recipes will surely impress and delight guests and even yourself!
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 Tricks for the Ultimate Surf N' Turf
• 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.
• Some side dishes that pair well with Surf N' Turf are grilled or roasted zucchini and green beans, sautéed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or salt and vinegar fingerling potatoes.
• You can experiment with the flavors of butter and herbs to your liking and use different steak cuts and seafood. Try sriracha, lime or lemon juice, and Cajun or blackened spices.
Surf n' Turf is the perfect melding of land and sea in one plate, bringing together two gourmet tastes. For a special treat and to make your next meal planning more straightforward than ever, why not consider Wholey's Surf N' Turf Dinner? Mouth-watching freshness, exquisite t Whether it originated on the East or the West Coast, The Surf n' Turf pairing is still one of the most iconic dishes to merge land and sea. The traditional Surf N' Turf is a decadent meal of filet mignon, the most tender piece of meat from a steer, and the deliciousness of an entire lobster tail.
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 choice. There are many ways to serve and cook Surf n' Turf, but we feel these following recipes will surely impress and delight guests and even yourself!