For a luxurious and indulgent meal, homemade Surf and Turf featuring a perfectly seared ribeye steak and tender, buttery lobster tails is the ultimate treat. This elegant combination brings the best of land and sea to your plate, making it perfect for a special occasion or an upscale dinner at home.
Preparation Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (for two people)
For the Ribeye Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 8 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
For the Broiled Lobster Tails
- 2 lobster tails (about 5-6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
- Pinch of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon is approximately 15 ml, and a teaspoon is approximately 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Preparing the Lobster Tails
Preheat your oven to broil and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise using kitchen shears. Gently pull apart the shells to expose the lobster meat. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the garlic-butter mixture over the lobster meat, then place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Broil for 8-10 minutes or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly golden. Brush with more garlic butter halfway through for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Ribeye Steak
While the lobster is broiling, let the ribeye steaks come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy pan over high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the steaks in the skillet. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or until the desired doneness is achieved (5 minutes per side for medium). Add butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan during the last minute of cooking. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks as they cook to infuse them with flavor. Remove the steaks from the skillet and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Plate each steak alongside the broiled lobster tails. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check your steak’s doneness:
- 52°C (125°F) for rare
- 57°C (135°F) for medium-rare
- 63°C (145°F) for medium
Avoid overcooking the lobster to keep the meat tender. It should be opaque and slightly firm but not rubbery. Butter-basting your steak during the last minute of cooking adds extra richness and flavor. For a more indulgent experience, drizzle garlic herb butter over the lobster and steak before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For the ultimate Surf and Turf experience, serve the ribeye steak and lobster tails with simple but luxurious sides like garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. You can also complement the meal with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon butter. For added indulgence, offer a side of garlic bread or a rich, creamy hollandaise sauce to dip the lobster.
Wine Pairing
For a balanced pairing, choose:
- For the Lobster: A buttery Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the lobster meat.
- For the Steak: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a medium-bodied Merlot pairs perfectly with the ribeye steak.
Enjoy your classic homemade surf and turf, a gourmet combination of juicy ribeye steak and succulent lobster tails that’s perfect for a special dinner!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Protein: 55g
- Fat: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Storage Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed fresh!
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked steak and lobster in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying it out, or use a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C). For the lobster tails, steam or reheat them gently in the oven, wrapped in foil with a bit of butter to maintain their tenderness. Consuming the leftovers within a day or two is best to preserve the flavors and textures.
About Surf and Turf
Surf and Turf is the ultimate luxury meal combining the best from the land and sea, pairing a succulent steak with fresh seafood. This dish celebrates the harmonious balance between rich, juicy beef and delicate, sweet lobster. Its roots trace back to North America in the mid-20th century when it became popular in high-end steakhouses and fine-dining restaurants. This dish brings elegance and indulgence, whether for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner at home.
Cultural Context
While the exact origin of Surf and Turf is unclear, it became prominent in the 1960s in North America, especially in steakhouses and seafood restaurants along the East Coast. The term represents a luxurious blend of two types of fine dining: “surf” for the seafood and “turf” for the meat. Lobster, often considered the crown jewel of seafood, pairs beautifully with the rich, marbled flavors of ribeye steak. Surf and Turf is frequently seen as the quintessential choice for celebratory dinners and gourmet menus, marking a special occasion, or simply elevating a dining experience at home. The dish has since expanded globally, taking on various forms with different meats and seafood depending on the region. However, the pairing of steak and lobster remains a classic.