When you want a meal that feels luxurious and unforgettable, a Surf & Turf Platter with Garlic Herb Butter is the ultimate choice. Juicy, seared steak paired with tender, buttery seafood creates a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. The finishing touch—rich garlic herb butter—melts over everything and brings the whole platter together with bold, savory flavor.
Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or holiday dinners, this platter is impressive, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy both steak and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Steak
- 2 steaks (ribeye, strip, or filet), about 1–1½ lb / 450–680g total
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Seafood (Choose One or Mix)
Option A: Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Option B: Lobster Tails
- 2–4 lobster tails (depending on size)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges for serving
Garlic Herb Butter
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Platter Sides
- Roasted potatoes, fries, or asparagus
- Grilled corn or sautéed green beans
- Crusty bread for dipping
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
- Resting time: 5–10 minutes
- Total time: About 45–50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, chives (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Set aside at room temperature (or refrigerate if making ahead).
Step 2: Prep the Steak
Pat steaks dry and rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prep the seafood.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add butter and smashed garlic (and herbs if using).
Sear steaks 2–4 minutes per side depending on thickness, then reduce heat slightly and baste with butter for 30–60 seconds.
Transfer to a plate and rest 5–10 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
For shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and seasonings. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
For lobster tails:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the top shell lengthwise and gently lift the meat. Brush with melted butter, season, and bake 10–12 minutes (until opaque and tender).
Step 5: Assemble the Platter
Slice steak against the grain. Arrange steak and seafood on a large platter. Add sides if using.
Step 6: Finish with Garlic Herb Butter
Spoon garlic herb butter over hot steak and seafood so it melts into a glossy, flavorful sauce. Add lemon wedges and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes for a classic steakhouse vibe.
- Add a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the melted garlic herb butter.
- For a party platter, add dipping sauces like cocktail sauce or spicy aioli.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon over the seafood right before serving.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 platter) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 45 grams |
| Total Fat | 42 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 16 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 6 grams |
| Sugars | 1 gram |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 680 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Steak provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins.
- Seafood contributes lean protein and key minerals like selenium and iodine.
- Garlic herb butter adds richness—use less or serve on the side for a lighter option.
Tips for a Perfect Surf & Turf
- Pat steak and seafood dry for the best sear and browning.
- Don’t overcook shrimp—remove as soon as it turns pink and curls slightly.
- Let steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Make garlic herb butter ahead and keep chilled; it’s great on veggies too.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (medium-rare steak: 130–135°F / 54–57°C).
Variations to Try
- Spicy Butter: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the garlic herb butter.
- Grilled Version: Grill both steak and seafood for extra smoky flavor.
- Crab Legs Swap: Replace shrimp with crab legs and dip in the butter.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Add extra lemon zest and dill for a brighter butter.
- Low-Carb Platter: Serve with grilled veggies instead of potatoes.
This Surf & Turf Platter with Garlic Herb Butter brings steakhouse luxury straight to your table—juicy steak, tender seafood, and a buttery garlic herb finish that makes every bite feel special. It’s impressive enough for celebrations but simple enough to pull off at home with confidence.
Leave a Reply