Classic surf n turf recipe with garlic butter sauce

Ever dreamed of making a surf n turf recipe like a restaurant’s in your kitchen? It’s magical to mix tender seafood with juicy beef. This turns a simple meal into a special dinner.

Imagine wowing your family with a dish that looks like it’s from a fancy steakhouse. The surf n turf pairs tender filet mignon with sweet lobster tail. It’s all covered in a rich garlic butter sauce that will make your taste buds jump for joy.

Whether it’s a special event or just a regular dinner, this recipe shows you can make gourmet food at home. With the right ingredients and techniques, you’ll create a meal that everyone will remember. They’ll definitely ask for more.

What Makes Surf N Turf the Ultimate Indulgent Dinner

Surf and turf is the top choice for a fancy seafood and beef dinner. It’s a classic dish that brings together two top proteins in one amazing meal. This makes it the ultimate treat for your taste buds.

The History Behind This Iconic American Dish

The surf and turf became a hit in North America in the 1960s. It was seen as a sign of luxury, pairing lobster with steak. Soon, it was a must-have in fancy steakhouses, showing off the best in food.

• Originated in the mid-20th century
• Symbolized culinary extravagance
• Became a marker of special occasions

Why Steak and Seafood Pair Perfectly Together

The magic of surf and turf is in its mix of textures and tastes. The beef’s bold flavor pairs well with the seafood’s sweetness. Each bite is a perfect mix of land and sea.

A great surf and turf dinner is more than just food. It’s a feast for your senses, turning a meal into a celebration of food art.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Your Surf N Turf Recipe

Creating the best surf n turf starts with picking top-notch ingredients. The right filet mignon and lobster tail can turn a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Your choice of proteins is key to a great surf n turf dish. Let’s look at what makes the best ingredients.

Selecting the Right Cut of Steak

Filet mignon is the top pick for surf n turf. It’s tender, has a mild flavor, and looks great on the plate.

• Exceptional tenderness
• Mild flavor that complements seafood
• Elegant presentation

Other steak options include:

1. Ribeye (for more marbling)
2. New York strip (balanced flavor)
3. Porterhouse (for larger appetites)
4. Sirloin (budget-friendly option)

Cold Water vs Warm Water Lobster Tails

Knowing the difference between cold water and warm water lobster tails is important for your surf n turf.

Lobster Tail Type	Characteristics	Price Range
Cold Water Lobster Tails	Sweeter, more flavorful, firmer texture	Higher price point
Warm Water Lobster Tails	Slightly chewier, yet tasty	Up to 40% cheaper

Pro tip: For those watching their budget, jumbo shrimp can be a great substitute. Choose 4-6 ounce tails for individual servings or 10-14 ounce tails for sharing.

Essential Equipment and Preparation Tips

Starting an easy surf and turf recipe means having the right tools and knowing some key techniques. Success comes from choosing the right equipment and organizing your cooking area well.

For your surf and turf journey, you’ll need some important cooking tools:

• Large cast iron or carbon steel skillet for perfect steak searing
• Non-stick frying pan for creating garlic butter sauce
• Large pot for poaching lobster tails
• Meat thermometer for precise cooking temperatures
• Kitchen tongs for handling proteins
• Wire rack for resting cooked meats

Getting ready for your surf and turf dish is key. Chefs call this mise en place. It means having all ingredients ready before you start cooking. This makes a complex dish easier to manage.

Here are some important preparation tips:

1. Pat steaks dry with paper towels for better browning
2. Try dry-brining steaks by salting and refrigerating 4-24 hours before cooking
3. Let steaks come to room temperature 30-45 minutes before cooking
4. Make all sauce and side ingredients ahead of time
5. Read the whole recipe before you start

By following these tips on equipment and preparation, you’ll be ready for a top-notch surf and turf dish in your kitchen.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

To make a top-notch surf n turf dish, you need a rich sauce. A garlic butter cream sauce can turn your meal into a feast. It adds a depth of flavor that goes well with steak and seafood.

Cooking the Bacon and Mushrooms

Begin by cooking bacon to make a flavorful base. Choose good-quality smoked bacon and cook it until it’s crispy. The fat from the bacon adds a lot of flavor to your sauce.

• Use 4 strips of bacon, julienne-cut
• Cook in a non-stick pan over medium heat
• Remove crispy bacon and reserve the fat

For mushrooms, pick a mix like baby bella and oyster. Add olive oil to the bacon fat, spread mushrooms in a single layer, and season lightly with salt. Let them brown undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop rich, caramelized flavors.

Creating a Rich and Creamy Base

Make your sauce creamy by adding pearl onions and garlic. Deglaze the pan with a dry white wine to get those tasty browned bits. Then, add heavy whipping cream.

• Sauté 1 cup pearl onions
• Add minced garlic
• Deglaze with 1/4 cup white wine
• Simmer 2 cups heavy cream

Reduce the cream until it’s like Alfredo sauce. Before serving, reheat it with a bit of water. Add crispy bacon, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Your surf n turf sauce is now ready to wow your guests!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Filet Mignon

Getting the filet mignon just right is key for a great grilled surf and turf. It’s all about the prep and cooking. These steps turn a simple cut of beef into a dish fit for a restaurant.

Here’s how to start:

• Pat the filet mignon dry with paper towels
• Season it well with coarse salt and black pepper
• Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking

For pan-searing, follow these steps:

1. Heat a cast iron skillet until it’s very hot
2. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil
3. Put the steak in the pan and cook for 90 seconds without moving
4. Move the steak in circular motions to create a crust

The butter-basting method elevates your filet mignon. Reduce heat to low, add butter, fresh thyme, and garlic cloves. Spoon the foaming butter over the steak for about 3 minutes. This makes the crust rich and the inside perfectly cooked.

Here are the doneness temperatures for your filet mignon:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 135-145°F

After cooking, let your steak rest on a wire rack for 4-5 minutes. This step is important. It lets the juices spread, making the steak tender and juicy. Your grilled surf and turf will impress everyone.

Poaching Lobster Tails to Perfection

Cooking lobster tails needs precision and care. The poaching method keeps your seafood tender and full of flavor. It’s the perfect match for a well-cooked steak. Learning this technique will make your surf and turf dish unforgettable.

Preparing Your Court Bouillon

Court bouillon turns your lobster into a gourmet treat. This flavorful liquid brings out the lobster’s natural tastes. To make your court bouillon, use these ingredients:

• Fresh water or light stock
• White wine
• Butter
• Aromatics like garlic and onions
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)

Achieving the Ideal Internal Temperature

Cooking lobster is all about precision. You want to hit the perfect 135°F internal temperature without overcooking. Cooking times vary based on lobster tail size:

• 4-6 ounce tails: 8-10 minutes
• 10-14 ounce tails: 10-14 minutes

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Look for these signs of perfectly cooked lobster:

• Bright red shell
• Opaque white meat
• Firm yet tender texture

When serving with steak, you can serve the lobster meat out of the shell or keep it in. The goal is to keep it moist and flavorful.

Timing Your Surf N Turf Recipe for Success

Mastering surf and turf needs precise timing. The secret to a great dinner is to get all parts ready at once. This ensures everything is hot and tasty together. How you prepare and cook the marinade is critical.

1. 0:00 – Prepare garlic butter cream sauce
2. 0:25 – Start court bouillon for lobster
3. 0:30 – Begin poaching lobster tails
4. 0:35 – Start cooking steak
5. 0:42 – Rest steak and check lobster temperature
6. 0:47 – Plate and serve

Pro tips for perfect timing:

• Prepare surf and turf marinade 4-24 hours in advance
• Cook sauce first – it holds well for 25-30 minutes
• Lobster tails take 15-20 minutes total
• Steak requires 8-10 minutes including resting time

Ingredient	Preparation Time	Cooking Time
Garlic Butter Sauce	10 minutes	5 minutes
Lobster Tails	5 minutes	8-14 minutes
Steak	5 minutes	6-7 minutes

With practice, you’ll get better at cooking surf and turf. It can be done in under an hour. You’ll make a meal as good as a restaurant’s, right in your kitchen.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Steak and Lobster

Choosing the right side dishes can make your surf and turf meal unforgettable. When you’re cooking steak and shrimp, pick sides that enhance the flavors without taking over.

• Twice-baked potatoes with creamy cheese filling
• Roasted asparagus with garlic and lemon
• Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds
• Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts

Steak enthusiasts will love these sides for their unique textures and tastes. A roasted vegetable medley brings color and health to your dish, all while being easy to make.

Side Dish	Preparation Time	Flavor Profile
Twice-baked Potatoes	45 minutes	Rich and Creamy
Roasted Asparagus	15 minutes	Light and Fresh
Green Beans	20 minutes	Crisp and Nutty

Make sure your shrimp and steak have sides that are just as impressive. Try out these ideas to make your meal unforgettable for everyone.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Surf and Turf

Your homemade surf and turf is worth the extra care after dinner. To keep its amazing taste and texture, follow some key steps for storing and reheating.

Here’s how to keep your surf and turf fresh:

• Cool dishes to room temperature within 2 hours
• Store steak, lobster, and sauce in separate airtight containers
• Refrigerate for maximum 3 days
• Avoid freezing to prevent texture degradation

Reheating needs to be done right. For the garlic butter sauce, warm it gently in a small pot with a bit of water. Stirring often keeps it smooth and prevents burning.

To revive your steak, follow these steps:

1. Heat a lightly oiled skillet on medium-high
2. Sear steak 30-60 seconds per side
3. Aim to restore the exterior crust
4. Expect meat to reach medium or medium-well doneness

Lobster tails need gentle reheating to avoid becoming tough:

• Line baking sheet with parchment paper
• Brush tails with melted butter
• Cover with foil
• Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes
• Confirm internal temperature reaches 135°F

Pro tip: Turn leftover surf and turf into a pasta dish or breakfast hash for a tasty second meal!

Conclusion

Creating a restaurant-quality surf n turf recipe is easy. This guide shows you how to make a gourmet dish at home. It will impress everyone at your table.

The secret to a great surf n turf is using top-notch ingredients and mastering cooking techniques. It’s perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner. You’ll feel more confident in the kitchen.

Practice makes perfect. Each time you make this dish, you’ll get better at searing steak and poaching seafood. Don’t worry if it seems hard at first.

Your homemade surf n turf can be just as good as a restaurant’s. Add your favorite sides and a nice wine. Enjoy the delicious journey!

FAQ

What is surf and turf?

Surf and turf is a fancy American dinner. It combines a beef steak, like filet mignon, with seafood like lobster tail or jumbo shrimp. The dish is served with a rich garlic butter cream sauce. It’s a luxurious meal that you can make at home.

How long does it take to make surf and turf?

Making surf and turf at home takes about 45-60 minutes. This includes time for the sauce, cooking the steak and seafood, and letting the proteins rest before serving.

Can I use shrimp instead of lobster?

Yes, you can! Jumbo or colossal shrimp work great as a lobster substitute. They’re cheaper and easier to cook, but just as tasty.

What’s the best cut of steak for surf and turf?

Filet mignon is the top choice because it’s so tender and mild. But you can also try ribeye for more flavor, New York strip for balance, or flank or skirt steak for a budget-friendly option.

How do I know when my steak is cooked to the right temperature?

Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature. Aim for 120-125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, and 135-145°F for medium. Remember, the temperature will rise a bit after you take it out of the heat.

What sides go well with surf and turf?

Good sides include twice-baked potatoes, roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. You can also try creamed spinach or a simple arugula salad. These sides add texture and balance to the rich main dish.

How long can I store leftover surf and turf?

Leftover surf and turf can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in airtight containers. But it’s best to enjoy it fresh, as reheating can change the texture of the steak and seafood.

Can I prepare surf and turf in advance?

Yes, you can prep parts of it ahead. Make the garlic butter cream sauce first and keep it for 25-30 minutes. You can also salt and refrigerate the steak for 4-24 hours before cooking.

What’s the difference between cold water and warm water lobster tails?

Cold water lobster tails are sweeter and firmer. They come from places like Maine or Canada. Warm water tails, from the Caribbean or South America, are cheaper but chewier. Both are delicious when cooked right.

Do I need special equipment to make surf and turf?

You don’t need special equipment, but a cast iron or carbon steel skillet is best. You’ll also need a meat thermometer, tongs, a wire rack, and a pot for poaching seafood. A grill is optional but can be used too.