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Perfect Steak and Lobster Surf and Turf Recipe for Easy Elegant Dining

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An elegant yet straightforward surf and turf recipe featuring perfectly seared ribeye steaks and buttery lobster tails, ideal for special occasions or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ribeye steaks (about 10 oz / 280 g each), preferably well-marbled
  • 2 large lobster tails (about 6 oz / 170 g each), thawed if frozen
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Coarse sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently lift the lobster meat out, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell. Brush the meat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Reserve about 1 tablespoon for serving.
  3. Season the Steaks: Pat the ribeyes dry with paper towels. Rub both sides generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and if desired, smoked paprika or cayenne. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat Your Pan: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
  5. Sear the Steaks: Place steaks in the skillet without crowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving. Flip, add a couple tablespoons of herb butter, tilt the pan and baste steaks for another 3-4 minutes until medium-rare (125-130°F / 52-54°C). Remove and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Cook the Lobster Tails: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place lobster tails meat side down and sear for 2 minutes until browned. Flip, add herb butter, and baste for 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Alternatively, finish in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes after searing.
  7. Final Touches: Plate steak and lobster tails together, spoon remaining herb butter over both, add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use USDA Choice or better steaks and wild-caught lobster tails for best results. Let steaks rest before cooking for even doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat and a good sear. Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect medium-rare. Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery, so watch for opaque color and firm texture. Herb butter can be made ahead and refrigerated. For grilling, cook steaks over high heat and finish lobster tails wrapped in foil with herb butter on the grill for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak, lobster, surf and turf, ribeye, lobster tails, herb butter, elegant dinner, easy recipe, special occasion