Surf & Turf Platter: Garlic Herb Butter Perfection

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Surf & Turf Platter with Garlic Herb Butter is the ultimate expression of indulgence done right. It brings together the bold richness of perfectly cooked steak and the delicate sweetness of seafood, all tied together with a fragrant garlic herb butter that melts beautifully over everything. This is the kind of meal that feels celebratory, yet it is surprisingly straightforward to prepare at home. I love making this platter when I want to impress without stress, because each component cooks quickly and rewards careful attention rather than complicated techniques. When I tested this recipe, I found that preparing the garlic herb butter in advance made the entire process feel calm and controlled. The contrast of textures, from juicy steak to tender shrimp or lobster, makes every bite exciting. Whether for a special occasion or a refined weekend dinner, this platter delivers elegance, balance, and unmistakable comfort.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (ribeye or sirloin)
Steak forms the hearty foundation of the platter. Ribeye offers rich marbling, while sirloin provides a leaner but still flavorful option.

Seafood (shrimp or lobster tails)
Seafood brings sweetness and tenderness. Shrimp cook quickly and absorb butter well, while lobster adds a luxurious touch.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps achieve a beautiful sear on both steak and seafood without overpowering their natural flavors.

Butter
Butter is essential for richness and acts as the base for the garlic herb sauce.

Garlic
Garlic provides aromatic depth and sharpness that balances the richness of the butter and proteins.

Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color, keeping the butter vibrant and balanced.

Fresh thyme
Thyme contributes subtle earthiness and complements both beef and seafood.

Lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the butter’s richness.

Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of steak and seafood.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.

Directions

Start by preparing the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear the steak for several minutes on each side until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and allow it to rest before slicing.

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add a bit more butter if needed. Cook the shrimp or lobster tails until opaque and just cooked through, turning once for even cooking. Spoon garlic herb butter over the seafood as it finishes cooking.

Arrange the sliced steak and seafood on a serving platter. Finish by topping everything with additional garlic herb butter and allow it to melt naturally before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves two to four people, depending on portion size. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes. The entire platter can be ready in roughly 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak or seafood. Adding a small amount of butter helps restore moisture.

Variations and Customizations

This Surf & Turf Platter is highly adaptable. For the seafood component, scallops or salmon can be substituted with excellent results. I have tested this with scallops, and their caramelized exterior pairs beautifully with garlic herb butter. For the steak, filet mignon offers an especially tender option if you prefer a softer texture.

You can customize the herb butter by adding rosemary, chives, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat. If you prefer grilling, both steak and seafood can be cooked outdoors for a subtle smoky flavor. A splash of white wine added to the pan after cooking the steak creates a quick pan sauce that blends seamlessly with the butter. These adjustments allow you to tailor the platter while maintaining its luxurious appeal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein and rich in healthy fats. It is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb eating patterns. Due to the butter content, it is calorie-dense and best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfect steak doneness
Use a meat thermometer to achieve precise results.

Juicy seafood
Avoid overcooking shrimp or lobster to preserve tenderness.

Flavorful butter
Prepare the garlic herb butter in advance for deeper flavor.

Balanced finish
A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving brightens the entire platter.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for surf and turf?

Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices for flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can this be grilled instead of pan-seared?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky depth to both steak and seafood.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn opaque and curl slightly when fully cooked.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared up to two days in advance.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Yes, it is ideal for celebrations and elegant dinners.

Can I add vegetables to the platter?

Yes, grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes pair well.

What herbs work best in the butter?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives all work well.

How do I prevent steak from drying out?

Allow it to rest after cooking before slicing.

What can I serve alongside this platter?

A simple salad or crusty bread complements the dish well.

Conclusion

Surf & Turf Platter with Garlic Herb Butter is a refined yet approachable dish that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. With carefully cooked steak, tender seafood, and rich herb butter, it offers balance, elegance, and unforgettable flavor. This is a recipe worth returning to whenever you want a truly impressive meal.

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