The best date night dinner ever is Surf and Turf, which is both fancy and easy. Buttery, tender lobster goes great with perfectly cooked filet mignon steaks. Serve this protein-packed dish with your favorite fresh greens and a glass of wine for a dinner you’ll never forget. You deserve it!
Steak and lobster are already stars on their own. Put them together and you have a match made in culinary heaven! But the right side dishes can take this surf-and-turf combo to even greater heights.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 sensational sides to serve with steak and lobster. From classic baked potatoes to fresh salads, these accompaniments will perfectly complement the hearty steak and sweet lobster. Let’s dive in!
The Classics: Baked Potato, Rice Pilaf, Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong pairing steak and lobster with timeless classic side dishes. A baked potato is the quintessential companion. Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, it’s perfect for drizzling with butter, sour cream or lobster sauce.
For something a little different, try cheesy bacon ranch potatoes loaded with all the fixings. Rice pilaf provides a simple base to soak up the buttery flavors. And warm garlic bread is ideal for mopping up any remaining sauce.
Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, Asparagus, Corn
Grilled veggies add a pop of color and smoky char that pairs beautifully with surf and turf. Try marinated zucchini or squash slices chargrilled until slightly charred. Grilled corn on the cob slathered in spicy chipotle mayo is amazing in summer. And grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a fresh note.
Fresh Green Salads
A light salad provides the perfect counterbalance after rich steak and lobster. An arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan and balsamic dressing offers tangy crunch. Or try a baby spinach salad with sweet strawberries, feta cheese and candied pecans.
Pasta Salads
For heartier salad options pasta salads are very satisfying. Rotini or bowtie pasta with bell peppers olives, artichoke hearts, fresh basil and Italian vinaigrette is vibrant and delicious. Or a Greek orzo pasta salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and lemon herb dressing.
Roasted Vegetables – Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Beets
The deep flavors of roasted veggies pair sublimely with surf and turf. Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits, toasted almonds and a balsamic glaze are irresistible. Honey glazed heirloom carrots or roasted baby rainbow carrots are naturally sweet. And roasted beets with feta and pistachios offer gorgeous color contrast.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash in all its forms makes for an elegant, seasonal side. Options include sage brown butter roasted butternut squash, curry spiced butternut squash soup, or farro salad with roasted butternut squash, cranberries and kale.
Scalloped or au Gratin Potatoes
For the ultimate indulgence, try scalloped or au gratin potatoes. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce take comfort food to new levels. Just a small serving alongside the steak and lobster provides rich satisfaction.
Gruyère and cheddar cheese make for an unbeatable scalloped potato duo. But you can also explore interesting cheese choices like goat, blue or fontina cheese.
Stuffing or Bread Dressing
Warm, savory stuffing is a welcome addition to this feast. Try traditional sage stuffing with sausage, cranberries and pecans for a classic Thanksgiving-style flair. Southwest stuffing with spicy chorizo, black beans, corn and cilantro offers a fun twist.
Creamed Spinach or Creamed Corn
For velvety richness, you can’t top creamed spinach or creamed corn. Slowly simmered in creamy béchamel sauce, they’re indulgent compliments to a special meal. Just a small serving alongside the filling steak and lobster does the trick.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleasing favorite. For an elevated version, use unique cheese combinations like gruyère and Camembert, or goat, mascarpone and Parmesan. Topping buttery lobster with mac and cheese takes this childhood staple to a whole new level.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch and richness from the creamy dressing and parmesan cheese. Little gems lettuce, shaved parmesan and garlic croutons dressed in an eggy Caesar dressing make an ideal palate cleanser between rich bites.
Crispy Potatoes – Smashed, Lyonnaise, Hasselback
Potatoes shine in so many forms beyond baked potatoes. Crispy smashed fingerling or baby potatoes provide irresistible texture contrast. Lyonnaise potatoes sautéed in butter are comfort food at its finest. And Hasselback potatoes sliced and baked until gorgeously golden brown look impressive on the plate.
Steak and lobster demand side dishes with character. Baked potatoes, fresh green salads, grilled veggies, roasted vegetables, and mac and cheese are all excellent choices. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and vary textures, colors and flavors to complement the stars of the show. With the right sides, your surf and turf dinner becomes an extraordinary feast. Surprise and satisfy your guests by taking the entire meal over the top.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding your oven.
If you want an easy seafood dinner and a perfect filet mignon at the same time, you should try this simple surf and turf! This steak and lobster dinner is what dreams are made of.
Why You’ll Love this Surf and Turf Recipe:
- BUTTER: Making your own compound butter is what makes the lobster tails taste infinitely better. You can even add a little extra… I won’t judge.
- You can mess up a steak or lobster tail in a lot of different ways, but don’t worry. The clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions here will work every time!
- For a classy dinner that always makes a good impression, whether you’re planning a date night with your partner or trying to impress your in-laws, this is the recipe you should use.
Perfectly cooked steak and lobster made with homemade compound butter… Are you drooling yet?
Side Dishes to Accompany Lobster Tails, Steak, Chicken, Fish and Pork
What is a good side dish for lobster?
Find crowd-pleasing side dishes for lobster such as corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, clam chowder, and more. Get the lobster side dish ideas here.
What to eat with lobster?
Potatoes are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with Cheddar cheese. Potato salad pairs perfectly with lobster. This creamy mayonnaise-based recipe is flavored with garlic and lots of mustard. Looking for a lighter lobster side dish that still packs a flavorful punch?
What sauce goes with lobster meat?
Mix mayo with a splash of hot sauce for a spicy, creamy kick. Saffron Cream Sauce: A luxurious, rich sauce that adds a touch of elegance to the tender lobster meat. Chive Sour Cream: A tangy, oniony contrast to the lobster’s sweetness, this sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition.
What to eat with Lobster Thermidor?
Pesto pasta is a fitting side dish for indulgent seafood dishes such as lobster Thermidor. This pasta preparation is light and simple enough to let the lobster take center stage, and offers nutrition and satisfaction in one easy side dish. You can also top it with grilled or sauteed shrimp for easy weeknight dinners.