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Perfect Surf and Turf Garlic Butter Lobster Tail with Filet Mignon Recipe

garlic butter lobster tail with filet mignon - featured image

A quick and elegant surf and turf recipe featuring garlicky butter lobster tails paired with tender filet mignon, perfect for a special weeknight dinner or celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (about 68 oz each), thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 filet mignon steaks, about 6 oz each, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional, for basting)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Lobster Tails (10 minutes): Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it connected at the base.
  2. Make Garlic Butter Mixture (5 minutes): In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then brush generously over the exposed lobster meat. Set aside the remaining butter for basting during cooking.
  3. Broil the Lobster Tails (8-10 minutes): Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for about 4-5 minutes, then brush again with garlic butter and broil another 4-5 minutes until lobster meat is opaque and slightly golden on top.
  4. Prepare and Season Filet Mignon (5 minutes): While lobster broils, pat steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Sear the Filet Mignon (8-10 minutes): Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil, then carefully place steaks in pan. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip steaks and add butter, crushed garlic, and herbs. Tilt pan and spoon butter over steaks repeatedly for about 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130°F/54°C).
  6. Rest the Steak (5 minutes): Remove steaks from skillet and let rest loosely tented with foil.
  7. Final Touches and Serve: Garnish lobster tails with fresh parsley and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over both lobster and steak. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overcook lobster to avoid rubbery texture; watch closely during broiling. Let steaks rest at room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect medium-rare. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter. Start steak prep while lobster broils to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: surf and turf, lobster tail, filet mignon, garlic butter, quick dinner, elegant meal, steak recipe, seafood recipe