Butter Seared Lobster and Steak: The Ultimate Luxurious Surf and Turf Dinner!
By Jason Griffith
Indulge in a truly extraordinary dining experience with this exquisite Butter Seared Lobster and Steak! This recipe brings together the unparalleled richness of tender, perfectly seared beef steak and sweet, succulent lobster tails, all bathed in a fragrant garlic butter. It’s the epitome of a luxurious surf and turf meal, surprisingly quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress for any special occasion or a decadent weeknight treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of dishes that deliver maximum impact with minimal fuss, and this Butter Seared Lobster and Steak is a showstopper. What I absolutely adore is the way the deep, savory flavor of the seared steak perfectly harmonizes with the delicate sweetness of the lobster, all elevated by the aromatic garlic butter. It feels incredibly indulgent and sophisticated, yet the cooking process is straightforward, allowing you to create a truly gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. The simple act of drizzling that infused garlic butter over both elements truly ties the whole decadent experience together. It’s a meal that celebrates the finer things in life, accessible right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails (about 4-6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
- 2 beef steaks (your choice of cut: 8-10 oz each, such as ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Lobster Tails: Use fresh or thawed frozen lobster tails. Ensure they are fully thawed for even cooking. You can use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the shell and expose the meat, making it easier to cook and eat.
- Beef Steaks: Choose your preferred cut! Ribeye (Ribeye Steak), New York strip, or sirloin are excellent choices for pan-searing. Adjust cooking times based on thickness and desired doneness.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is essential as it’s the primary fat for searing and infusing with garlic. Salt can be added separately to taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aroma and flavor for the butter sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme are classic choices for garnish, adding freshness and aroma. You can also add a small sprig of fresh rosemary to the butter as it cooks.
- Seasoning: A generous seasoning of salt and black pepper on the steaks and lobster is crucial for flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon juice brightens the rich flavors of both steak and lobster.
- Pan: A heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, is ideal for achieving a good sear on both the steak and lobster.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet: Start by placing a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works beautifully) over medium-high heat. Let it preheat for several minutes until it’s very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot skillet and let it melt until it’s foamy and lightly browned.
2. Season and Sear the Steaks: While the skillet is heating, pat the beef steaks dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and black pepper to taste. Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness (e.g., medium-rare is 130-135°F / 54-57°C internal temperature). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a cutting board or plate. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter: While the steaks are resting, reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the 2 cloves minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Cook the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails into the fragrant garlic butter in the skillet, cut side down (if you’ve split them). Sear for about 3 minutes until the meat begins to turn opaque. Then, flip the lobster tails over. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the lobster meat is completely opaque, firm, and cooked through. Make sure not to overcook the lobster; it should be tender and juicy.
5. Serve: Remove the cooked lobster tails from the skillet and place them alongside the rested steaks on a serving plate or platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet generously over both the lobster and the steaks.
6. Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or thyme, for a final touch of color and aroma. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze a burst of fresh citrus over their luxurious meal.
Notes:
- For added flavor, feel free to sprinkle some additional fresh herbs over the finished dish before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the lobster; it should be tender and juicy, not rubbery.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Steaks: Allow your steaks to come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before searing. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Hot Skillet: A very hot skillet is essential for a good sear and crust on both the steak and the lobster.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook steaks and lobster tails in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid lowering the pan temperature.
- Rest Steaks: This is a non-negotiable step for juicy steak!
- Don’t Overcook Lobster: Lobster cooks very quickly. As soon as the meat is opaque and firm, it’s done. Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery.
- Fresh Garlic and Herbs: These add immense flavor to the butter.
- Lemon is Key: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the richness of the butter, steak, and lobster.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Butter Seared Lobster and Steak is a show-stopping meal, perfect for a special occasion.
- Classic Sides: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Elegant Sides: Consider Caramelized Pearl Onions in Balsamic Glaze or Crispy Balsamic Thyme Potato Torte for a sophisticated touch.
- Wine Pairing: A rich, full-bodied Chardonnay or a robust Cabernet Sauvignon would be excellent choices.
- For other impressive steak or seafood dishes, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Ribeye Steak (for general steak grilling tips)
- Skirt Steak Recipe (Grilled or Pan-Seared)
- Decadent Herb-Infused Butter for Steak (you’re essentially making a version of this here!)
- Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
- Shrimp, Corn, Potatoes, and Smoked Sausage Foil Pack (for another easy seafood meal)
Storage and Leftover Tips
This luxurious dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Best Served Fresh: Both steak and lobster are at their peak flavor and texture right after cooking.
- Not Ideal for Leftovers: Reheated lobster can become rubbery, and steak can dry out.
- If You Must Store: If you have any leftovers, store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat very gently and quickly to try and preserve texture.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked steak and lobster is generally not recommended as their delicate textures will suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Seared Lobster and Steak recipe is a true indulgence, bringing the gourmet experience of a high-end restaurant right into your home. With perfectly cooked steak and succulent lobster, all bathed in aromatic garlic butter, it’s a symphony of flavors that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Get ready to savor every luxurious bite of this unforgettable surf and turf!
What are your favorite special occasion meals to cook at home, or do you have a secret for perfecting your seafood? Share your insights and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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