Surf and Turf for Special Occasions

Highlighted under: Seasonal Wonders

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions is the perfect dish to impress your guests with a delightful combination of juicy steak and succulent seafood.

Gwendolyn Reed

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-04T12:55:12.112Z

Surf and Turf is a classic dish that combines the best of both land and sea. This recipe is ideal for special occasions, combining tender steak with fresh lobster, all topped with a rich garlic butter sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of flavors and textures from steak and seafood
  • Impressive presentation that will wow your dinner guests
  • Rich garlic butter sauce that enhances every bite

Creating a Memorable Dining Experience

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions isn't just a meal; it's an experience that transforms any dinner into a memorable event. The combination of tender steak and delicate lobster creates a symphony of flavors that are sure to impress. This dish is perfect for celebrations, anniversaries, or romantic dinners, as it showcases your culinary skills while allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests.

By pairing the rich, savory notes of ribeye steak with the sweet, briny taste of lobster, this dish appeals to a wide range of palates. The contrasting textures of the juicy steak and the tender lobster meat provide an exciting dining experience. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to add a vibrant touch to your plate.

The Art of Cooking Steak and Seafood

Cooking steak to perfection requires attention to detail. Ribeye steak, known for its marbled fat and rich flavor, benefits from a quick sear over high heat to lock in juices. This method creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. For those who prefer their steak cooked to a specific temperature, using a meat thermometer can ensure perfect doneness every time.

When it comes to seafood, especially lobster, timing is essential. Lobster tails should be cooked just until they are opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking can lead to rubbery meat, so keeping a close eye on the grill is key. The garlic butter sauce adds an aromatic richness that complements both the steak and seafood beautifully, elevating the overall dish.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Surf and Turf experience, consider pairing it with a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a full-bodied Chardonnay. These wines complement the richness of the steak and the delicate flavors of the lobster, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon can refresh and cleanse the palate between bites.

Presentation is key when serving this dish. Arrange the steak and lobster tails on a warm plate, drizzling the garlic butter sauce artfully over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a pop of color. A well-set table with elegant dinnerware and soft lighting can further enhance the dining experience, making your gathering truly special.

Ingredients

For the Surf and Turf

  • 2 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick)
  • 2 lobster tails
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Lobster

Preheat your grill or broiler. Cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Steaks

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper. Sear the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

Grill the Lobster

Place the lobster tails on the grill, flesh side down, for about 5 minutes. Flip them and add the garlic butter sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.

Serve

Plate the steaks and lobster tails, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the top. Enjoy your Surf and Turf!

Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Lobster

Grilling lobster tails can be intimidating, but with the right technique, it can be an effortless process. Always ensure your grill is preheated before placing the lobster on it. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky flavor. For added flavor, consider marinating the lobster tails in a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

To check for doneness, look for the meat to turn from translucent to opaque. The lobster should also spring back slightly when pressed. A quick tip: If you want to prevent the tails from curling up while grilling, use skewers to hold them flat.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from your Surf and Turf meal, storing them properly is crucial to maintaining their quality. Allow the steak and lobster to cool to room temperature before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. This will help prevent them from drying out in the refrigerator.

Leftover steak can be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches, while lobster can be reheated gently to avoid toughening. To reheat, place the lobster in a steamer or a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature. Ensure not to overcook it, as this can ruin the delicate flavor and texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cuts of steak?

Yes, you can substitute ribeye with sirloin or filet mignon.

→ How do I know when the lobster is done?

Lobster meat should be opaque and firm when fully cooked.

→ Can I make the garlic butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and reheat before serving.

→ What wine pairs well with Surf and Turf?

A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak beautifully.

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions

Surf and Turf for Special Occasions is the perfect dish to impress your guests with a delightful combination of juicy steak and succulent seafood.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Gwendolyn Reed

Recipe Type: Seasonal Wonders

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Surf and Turf

  1. 2 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick)
  2. 2 lobster tails
  3. Salt and pepper to taste
  4. 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your grill or broiler. Cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise and season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ribeye steaks with salt and pepper. Sear the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

Step 03

Place the lobster tails on the grill, flesh side down, for about 5 minutes. Flip them and add the garlic butter sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 04

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.

Step 05

Plate the steaks and lobster tails, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the top. Enjoy your Surf and Turf!

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra touch, serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Total Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 50g