Filet Mignon with Shrimp & Lobster Cream Sauce
Description
Filet Mignon with Shrimp & Lobster Cream Sauce is an elegant surf-and-turf entrée that combines tender, buttery beef with sweet shellfish in a rich, velvety cream sauce. The perfectly seared filet mignon provides a flavorful foundation, while the shrimp and lobster add a delicate seafood element that elevates the entire dish.
This restaurant-quality recipe is ideal for anniversaries, holiday dinners, date nights, or any special occasion. Despite its luxurious appearance, the recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 20 minutes |
| Cook time | 30 minutes |
| Total time | 50 minutes |
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
For the Filet Mignon
- 4 filet mignon steaks (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Shrimp and Lobster
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Lobster Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped chives
- Lemon wedges
- Extra lobster pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
- Remove the filet mignon from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Cook the Filet Mignon
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes.
- Turn the steaks over and add butter, crushed garlic, and thyme.
- Spoon the melted butter over the steaks continuously.
Internal Temperatures
| Doneness | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium-rare | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Medium | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
- Remove the steaks from the skillet.
- Cover loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Lobster
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate pan.
- Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Add the lobster meat and cook for another minute.
- Transfer the seafood to a plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Lobster Cream Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the shallots and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the white wine and simmer until reduced by half.
- Pour in the heavy cream.
- Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the shrimp and lobster back to the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the parsley.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Place each filet mignon on a serving plate.
- Spoon the shrimp and lobster cream sauce over the steak.
- Garnish with parsley, chives, or additional lobster pieces.
- Serve immediately.
Chef’s Notes
- Filet mignon is naturally tender because it comes from the least-worked muscle of the cow.
- Fresh lobster produces the best flavor, but frozen lobster works well.
- Heavy cream creates the richest sauce and is less likely to separate during cooking.
- Letting the steaks rest is essential because it allows the juices to redistribute.
Tips for Success
Choose High-Quality Meat
Look for steaks that are at least 1½ inches thick with even marbling.
Avoid Overcooking the Seafood
Shrimp become rubbery when overcooked, and lobster can become tough if heated too long.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
Reduce the Wine Properly
Allow the wine to reduce by half before adding the cream. This concentrates the flavor.
Warm the Plates
Serving the dish on warm plates helps keep the cream sauce from cooling too quickly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 860 |
| Protein | 61 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 62 g |
| Saturated fat | 31 g |
| Cholesterol | 315 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 870 mg |
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Health Benefits
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef, shrimp, and lobster provide high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and tissue repair.
Rich in Vitamin B12
This meal contains significant amounts of vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell production.
Provides Important Minerals
The dish supplies:
- Zinc for immune support
- Selenium for antioxidant protection
- Iron for oxygen transport
- Phosphorus for bone health
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Shrimp and lobster provide beneficial omega-3 fats that support heart and brain health.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently over low heat.
Can I substitute another cut of beef?
Yes. Ribeye, New York strip, or beef tenderloin medallions are excellent alternatives.
What can I serve with this dish?
Popular side dishes include:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Parmesan risotto
- Buttered green beans
- Creamed spinach
Can I make this recipe without wine?
Yes. Replace the wine with beef stock, seafood stock, or chicken broth.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
The steak freezes well, but cream sauces may separate after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy the dish fresh.
Storage
| Method | Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2-3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months (steak only) |
| Reheating | Low heat on the stovetop |
Enjoy this luxurious surf-and-turf recipe with a glass of white wine or a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a truly memorable dining experience.