Surf & Turf Feast Plate: Grilled Ribeye, Steamed Asparagus, Loaded Baked Potato, Creamy Mac & Cheese, and Herb-Garnished Crab Meat
Ingredients
For the Steak
1 ribeye or sirloin steak (1.5 inches thick)
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Fresh chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, chives)
For the Asparagus
8–10 asparagus spears, trimmed
Salt
Optional: drizzle of olive oil or melted butter
For the Baked Potato
1 large russet potato
Olive oil & sea salt for the skin
2 tbsp sour cream or butter
2 tbsp crispy bacon bits
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Mac & Cheese
1 cup elbow macaroni or cavatappi
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan
Salt, pepper, pinch of paprika
Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
For the Crab Meat
1/2 cup fresh lump crab meat, picked over
1 tsp melted butter
Squeeze of lemon juice
Salt & pepper
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
Instructions
Grill the Steak
Season steak liberally with salt and pepper.
Heat a cast iron skillet or grill until very hot. Add oil and sear 3–4 minutes per side.
Add butter, garlic, and herbs in the final minute and baste.
Rest 5–7 minutes, slice against the grain. Garnish with herbs.
Steam the Asparagus
Steam or blanch asparagus for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
Season with salt and a light drizzle of olive oil or butter.
Prepare the Baked Potato
Rub potato with olive oil and salt, prick with fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour until tender.
Slice open, fluff interior, top with sour cream or butter, bacon bits, and parsley.
Make the Mac & Cheese
Cook pasta until al dente.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
Stir in cheeses, season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Fold in pasta. Transfer to a small baking dish, top with breadcrumbs if using.
Broil or bake until golden and bubbling.
Serve the Crab Meat
Warm crab gently in melted butter with a splash of lemon.
Season lightly, sprinkle with herbs.
Plating Suggestion
Place the sliced steak in the center of a dark matte plate.
Fan the asparagus to one side, position the baked potato upright with toppings visible.
Spoon the mac and cheese in a rounded mound, showing off the crust.
Arrange the crab meat delicately in a small pile with herbs.
Scatter a few red rose petals around the plate or on the marble for the romantic touch.