Some meals are meant to celebrate. Others are just the kind you treat yourself to when nothing else will do. This Indulgent Surf and Turf with Creamy Sides falls solidly in both categories. It’s steak, shrimp, and lobster—perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection—served alongside rich mac and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, and garlicky green beans. Every component has its moment to shine, but together, they create a restaurant-quality experience you can easily make at home.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating something special, or just craving a high-end plate without leaving the house, this surf and turf spread is your ticket to indulgence.

Why This Meal Is Pure Luxury on a Plate

This isn’t just about loading a plate with fancy ingredients—it’s about balance, technique, and flavor. Here’s why I love making this:

• Perfect pairings: The seared steak, succulent shrimp, and buttery lobster complement each other beautifully.
• Creamy, comforting sides: Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes bring richness, while green beans add a crisp, fresh contrast.
• Each bite feels special: From the garlic-lemon shrimp to the cheesy pasta, every element adds to the experience.
• It’s easier than it looks: With a little timing and prep, this whole spread comes together in under 90 minutes.

Let’s walk through the process.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2–4 | Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 45–60 mins)

For the Surf and Turf:

• 1 lb ribeye or filet mignon steak
• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 lobster tails, split
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Buttery Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic Green Beans:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Step-by-Step: How I Make This Indulgent Surf and Turf Dinner

1. Start with the Creamy Sides

I always begin with the mac and cheese and mashed potatoes—they can keep warm while I cook the seafood and steak.

For the Mac and Cheese:

• Cook macaroni and set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux, and slowly whisk in the milk.
• Simmer until thickened, then melt in both cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the macaroni and keep warm.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 mins).
• Drain, mash with butter and cream, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

2. Sear the Steak

• Season the steak with salt and pepper.
• Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side.
• In the last minute, add butter and fresh rosemary or thyme, spooning melted butter over the top.
• Remove and rest for 5–10 minutes.

3. Cook the Shrimp

• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add shrimp, season, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
• Finish with lemon juice and parsley.

4. Broil or Grill the Lobster

• Brush the split lobster tails with butter, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper.
• Broil or grill for 6–8 minutes until the meat is opaque and flaky.

5. Sauté the Green Beans

• In a hot skillet, cook the green beans in olive oil with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir occasionally for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly charred.

Plating the Surf and Turf

Now comes the fun part—assembly:

• Plate the steak front and center, topped with the juicy garlic shrimp.
• Nestle a buttery lobster tail beside it.
• Add generous scoops of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.
• Finish with a portion of vibrant green beans.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for that final restaurant-quality touch.

My Pro Tips for a Seamless Meal

• Cook the steak first, rest while doing shrimp/lobster
• Prep sides ahead: Make the mac and potatoes early and reheat gently.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect steak doneness—130°F for medium-rare.
• Add breadcrumbs to mac before broiling for a crispy crust if desired.

What I Serve This With

This meal is rich, so I keep pairings simple:

• A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah for the steak
• Chardonnay or sparkling wine for shrimp and lobster
• Sparkling water with lemon for a fresh contrast
• Light salad with arugula, lemon, and shaved Parmesan if I want something green

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yes—make the sides early and reheat. Shrimp and steak should be cooked fresh for best flavor.

Q: Can I substitute the lobster?
A: Totally! Scallops or crab legs are great alternatives.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet for the steak?
A: Sear it on the stove, then finish it in the oven on a baking sheet if needed.

Why This Meal Feels Like a Celebration

This Surf and Turf with Creamy Sides is more than just a dinner—it’s an experience. It combines bold, indulgent flavors with comforting sides for a plate that looks and tastes like a five-star splurge. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a holiday, or a much-deserved treat for yourself, it always delivers on flavor, comfort, and wow factor.

This Surf and Turf with Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Greens Is the Decadent Dinner You Deserve

Some meals are meant to celebrate. Others are just the kind you treat yourself to when nothing else will do. This Indulgent Surf and Turf with Creamy Sides falls solidly in both categories. It’s steak, shrimp, and lobster—perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection—served alongside rich mac and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, and garlicky green beans. Every component has its moment to shine, but together, they create a restaurant-quality experience you can easily make at home.

By Jason GriffithPublished on April 25, 2025

Prep Time30 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time1 hr

Servings2 servings

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb ribeye or filet mignon steak
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp butter (divided)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb lobster tail, cooked and sliced
• 1 lb fresh green beans
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Cook to desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. In a separate pot, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, bringing it to a simmer. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. In another skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add green beans and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. In the same skillet, add shrimp and lobster, cooking until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve the steak alongside the mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans, topped with shrimp and lobster.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 1200 calories

Protein Content: 80g

Carbohydrate Content: 90g

Fat Content: 70g

Tags: surf and turf, steak and shrimp, decadent dinner, restaurant-quality, celebration meal

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