This Surf N Turf recipe is the ultimate flex for a dinner date or treating yourself to a bougie night in! There’s something so satisfying about that perfect crust on the ribeye and the juicy lobster, all dressed up in herb-infused butter and fresh lemon wedges—seriously, it’s vibes.
I love the harmonious pairing of land and sea in my Surf N Turf recipe. With a rich 12 oz ribeye steak and a succulent 8 oz lobster tail, this dish combines protein and omega-3s for great nutritional value.
Infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, each bite is deliciously savory.
Surf N Turf Recipe Ingredients
- Ribeye Steak: Rich in protein and packed with iron, offering a savory juiciness.
- Lobster Tail: High in protein and low in fat, delivering a tender and sweet flavor.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that enhance flavor and add smoothness.
- Garlic: Boosts tangy flavor with antioxidant properties.
- Lemon Wedges: Provide a refreshing acidity to balance richness.
Surf N Turf Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 12 oz ribeye steak (about 1 inch thick)
- 8 oz lobster tail
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How to Make this Surf N Turf Recipe
1. Using paper towels, dry the ribeye steak well, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to reach the proper baking temperature.
3. In a cast iron skillet heated to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is just starting to smoke, add the steak to the skillet.
4. Brown the steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a nice, even brown crust forms. Add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan and cook for 1 more minute, tilting the pan to baste the steak with melted herb butter.
5. Move the skillet containing the steak to the preheated oven. Roast it for approximately 5-7 minutes if you want it medium-rare (or longer if you prefer it more done).
6. Take the steak out of the oven, put it in a pan, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest in a nearby warm zone for 5-10 minutes.
7. At the same time, get the lobster tail ready by cutting it in half from top to bottom. Brush the meat with the leftover 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place split lobster tail on grill with shell side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes. Remove and let lobster rest for 5 minutes.
9. Grill the lobster tail flesh side down for 3-4 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
10. Present the steak and lobster tail with lemon wedges. You may prefer to add a little fresh chopped parsley to the plates to give them some color before presenting this dish. Enjoy your Surf N Turf!
Surf N Turf Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Paper towels
2. Cast iron skillet
3. Oven
4. Tongs
5. Aluminum foil
6. Knife
7. Basting spoon
8. Grill or grill pan
9. Cutting board
10. Basting brush (for olive oil)
11. Plate for resting
12. Serving plates
FAQ
- What is Surf N Turf?– Surf N Turf is a dish that combines seafood and red meat, usually showcasing steak with lobster or shrimp. As dish suggestions, we have: – Surf N Turf with lobster – Surf N Turf with shrimp
- How do I cook the ribeye steak?– The steak should be seasoned with salt and pepper and then seared in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat—3 to 4 minutes a side for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing.
- How do I prepare the lobster tail?Paint the lobster tail with olive oil and dust with salt and pepper. Broil or grill it for 6 to 8 minutes, shell side down, until the meat is firm and opaque and cooked all the way through.
- Can I substitute the herbs?– Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh thyme and rosemary are not available. Use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh.
- What should I serve with this dish?Accompany with lemon wedges and, if desired, sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley.
- How do I make the garlic butter for the dish?– In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Drizzle over the steak and lobster before serving.
- Can I cook the steak on the grill instead? – Yes, grilling the steak is an excellent option. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak for the same amount of time as pan-searing, adjusting for your desired doneness.
Surf N Turf Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Ribeye steak: Swap in sirloin steak or filet mignon for a different texture and flavor.
Lobster tail can be swapped out for jumbo shrimp or scallops. or even other large shellfish with a similar seafood flavor and texture. Use the same amount by weight.
When it comes to cooking with olive oil, you have options. Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent substitutes, each with a higher smoke point, a mild flavor, and health benefits similar to those of olive oil.
Thyme, fresh: If you don’t have it on hand, try using dried thyme (half the amount called for in the recipe), or use fresh oregano for an entirely different herbal flavor.
Rosemary, fresh: Substitute with dried rosemary (use half the amount) or fresh sage for a unique aroma.
Pro Tips
1. Dry-Brining the Steak Prior to seasoning with salt and pepper, consider dry-brining the steak by salting it and letting it sit uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This enhances flavor and improves the steak’s crust.
2. Clarified Butter for Basting Use clarified butter instead of regular butter for basting the steak. It has a higher smoke point, which prevents burning and allows for a flavorful and even sear.
3. Garlic and Herb Infusion Crush the garlic cloves slightly instead of mincing them, ensuring they infuse the butter without burning. Add the thyme and rosemary to the butter early, so they release more of their aromatic oils.
4. Lobster Preparation To ensure the lobster cooks evenly, crack the shell slightly before grilling. This helps the heat penetrate the meat more evenly and results in a tender texture.
5. Resting the Lobster Similar to the steak, allow the grilled lobster tail to rest briefly before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a more juicy and flavorful bite.
These tips will enhance the flavors and texture of your Surf N Turf, making it even more delicious.
Surf N Turf Recipe
My favorite Surf N Turf Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Paper towels
2. Cast iron skillet
3. Oven
4. Tongs
5. Aluminum foil
6. Knife
7. Basting spoon
8. Grill or grill pan
9. Cutting board
10. Basting brush (for olive oil)
11. Plate for resting
12. Serving plates
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ribeye steak (about 1 inch thick)
- 8 oz lobster tail
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Using paper towels, dry the ribeye steak well, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to reach the proper baking temperature.
3. In a cast iron skillet heated to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is just starting to smoke, add the steak to the skillet.
4. Brown the steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a nice, even brown crust forms. Add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan and cook for 1 more minute, tilting the pan to baste the steak with melted herb butter.
5. Move the skillet containing the steak to the preheated oven. Roast it for approximately 5-7 minutes if you want it medium-rare (or longer if you prefer it more done).
6. Take the steak out of the oven, put it in a pan, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest in a nearby warm zone for 5-10 minutes.
7. At the same time, get the lobster tail ready by cutting it in half from top to bottom. Brush the meat with the leftover 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place split lobster tail on grill with shell side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes. Remove and let lobster rest for 5 minutes.
9. Grill the lobster tail flesh side down for 3-4 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
10. Present the steak and lobster tail with lemon wedges. You may prefer to add a little fresh chopped parsley to the plates to give them some color before presenting this dish. Enjoy your Surf N Turf!