Lobster and prime rib are both luxurious and decadent foods that can make a wonderful pairing for a special meal. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to key questions about serving lobster with prime rib and how they can complement each other when done right.
Can you serve lobster with prime rib?
Yes, lobster and prime rib can absolutely be served together for an indulgent surf and turf dinner. Lobster is a delicate, sweet shellfish that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of prime rib. When paired together, they balance each other nicely.
What are the best ways to cook lobster to serve with prime rib?
There are a few excellent ways to prepare lobster to serve alongside prime rib:
- Steamed lobster: Steaming is a simple cooking method that allows the natural sweetness of lobster meat to shine through. Served with drawn butter, it’s a classic pairing with prime rib.
- Baked lobster: Lobster tails baked with lemon, garlic butter, or creamy lobster sauce complement prime rib’s richness.
- Broiled lobster tails: Quick broiling gives lobster tails a touch of smoky char while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Lobster thermidor: This elegant baked lobster dish with creamy cheese sauce offers rich flavors that match well with prime rib.
What are the best side dishes to serve with prime rib and lobster?
Here are some excellent side dish options to consider with the surf and turf pairing of prime rib and lobster:
- Baked potato: Russet or sweet potatoes are a hearty, satisfying side.
- Twice-baked potatoes: Scooped out potatoes re-stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream are decadent.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery, garlicky mashed potatoes are a prime rib staple.
- Asparagus: Steamed or grilled asparagus spears make an elegant, vegetable side.
- Creamed spinach: Buttery, rich creamed spinach complements the other dishes.
What sauce goes well with prime rib and lobster?
Here are some excellent sauce options to consider serving with prime rib and lobster:
- Béarnaise sauce: This classic French sauce with tarragon, shallots, vinegar, and butter is divine with beef and seafood.
- Horseradish sauce: The zing of horseradish cuts through the richness of prime rib.
- Au jus: Using the natural beef juices from prime rib for a simple au jus sauce adds great flavor.
- Garlic butter: Melted garlic butter over both prime rib and lobster tail is hard to beat.
- Hollandaise: The rich, eggy, buttery flavor of hollandaise is wonderful with seafood and meat.
What are good wine pairings for prime rib with lobster?
Here are some excellent wine options to consider pairing with the prime rib and lobster dinner:
| Wine | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied red that can stand up to the rich prime rib. |
| Malbec | Medium-bodied red that complements prime rib’s beefiness. |
| Pinot Noir | Light and elegant red that contrasts with the heavy meal. |
| Chardonnay | Full-bodied white that pairs well with buttery lobster dishes. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp, acidic white that cuts through the decadence. |
How can you make sure the prime rib and lobster are done at the same time?
Timing the doneness of prime rib and lobster can take some coordination for a seamless surf and turf dinner. Here are some tips:
- Cook the prime rib first since it likely takes longer. Let it rest before serving.
- Start cooking the lobster 10-15 minutes before the prime rib should be done resting.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness of the prime rib for accuracy.
- If needed, briefly warm up the rested prime rib in the oven when lobster is close to ready.
- Time the lobster according to its size, allowing 5-8 minutes per 1” of shell length.
- Err on the side of slightly undercooked since lobster keeps cooking a bit once removed from heat.
Conclusion
With its tender and succulent texture, lobster makes a fantastic accompaniment to richly marbled prime rib. Cooking methods like steaming, broiling, or baking and using decadent sauces like béarnaise or hollandaise complement both the steak and shellfish beautifully. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and roasted asparagus round out the meal nicely. With a good game plan and properly timed cooking, you can deliver both meats at their peak doneness for a sensational surf and turf dinner.