How to Prepare Surf and Turf: Lobster Mornay & Scotch Steak

How to Prepare Surf and Turf: Lobster Mornay & Scotch Steak

The Ultimate Surf and Turf Recipe

Looking for a dinner that feels a little more special? Surf and turf brings together the best of land and sea in one impressive meal. In this recipe, tender Scotch steak is paired with rich, creamy lobster mornay for a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion, entertaining guests or simply want to treat yourself to an indulgent meal, this steak and lobster combination is hard to beat.

The best part? You can prepare both components in the oven and on the stovetop with minimal fuss, letting the quality of the ingredients do the work.

What Is Surf and Turf?

Surf and turf is a classic combination of seafood and meat, traditionally pairing steak with lobster, prawns or another premium seafood.

For this version, we're pairing a juicy Scotch steak with lobster mornay. The steak brings a rich, savoury flavour, while the lobster mornay adds creamy seafood richness and a golden, cheesy finish.

It's a simple combination that looks impressive on the plate.

Ingredients

For the Surf

  • Lobster mornay
  • Fresh lemon, to serve
  • Fresh herbs, optional

For the Turf

  • Scotch steak
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
  • Butter
  • Garlic, optional
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme, optional

Optional Steak Sauces

Take your surf and turf to the next level with a sauce served alongside the steak. Try:

How to Prepare Surf and Turf

1. Prepare the Lobster Mornay

Preheat your oven to 180°C.

Place the lobster mornay into the preheated oven and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top.

Once cooked, carefully remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tip: Keep an eye on the top towards the end of cooking. You want a beautifully golden crust without overcooking the lobster.

2. Prepare the Scotch Steak

While the lobster mornay is cooking, take your Scotch steak out of the refrigerator and allow it to come closer to room temperature before cooking.

Pat the steak dry with paper towel, then generously season both sides with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Heat a heavy-based frying pan or cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and wait until the pan is very hot.

Place the steak into the pan and cook until a deep golden-brown crust forms.

For a steak around 2–3 cm thick, a good starting point is:

  • Rare: approximately 2 minutes per side
  • Medium-rare: approximately 2–3 minutes per side
  • Medium: approximately 3–4 minutes per side
  • Well-done: approximately 4–5 minutes per side

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your pan, so use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate result.

3. Add Butter and Aromatics

For extra flavour, reduce the heat slightly and add a knob of butter to the pan along with crushed garlic and fresh rosemary or thyme.

Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the foaming butter over the steak for the final minute of cooking.

This creates a rich, buttery crust and adds plenty of flavour.

4. Rest the Steak

Transfer the cooked steak to a plate or board and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes.

Resting is an important step when cooking steak. It gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, helping keep the steak juicy and tender when sliced.

5. Serve Your Surf and Turf

Once the lobster mornay is golden and the steak has rested, it's time to plate up.

Place the Scotch steak alongside the lobster mornay and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Serve with your favourite steak sauce and sides such as:

  • Crispy roast potatoes
  • Creamy mashed potato
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Rocket salad
  • Charred broccolini
  • Fresh garden salad

For an extra-special presentation, slice the steak before serving and arrange it beside the golden lobster mornay.

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