An Unforgettable Valentine’s Surf and Turf: Filet Mignon & Lobster with Gourmet Sides
There’s no better way to express love and appreciation than through a meticulously prepared, exquisite meal. This Valentine’s Day, elevate your celebration with an extraordinary Surf and Turf dinner featuring a perfectly cooked filet mignon and succulent Northern Atlantic lobster tail. These luxurious proteins are beautifully complemented by creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, a vibrant Moscato Asparagus Slaw, and a rich, buttery Lemon Cream sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed to make your partner feel truly cherished and special. This post was sponsored.
Discovering The Fresh Market: Your Destination for Gourmet Ingredients
This post delves into a truly exciting collaboration, not with a single product, but with an entire store – The Fresh Market! If you haven’t yet experienced the delights of The Fresh Market, I highly recommend a visit. For me, with one conveniently located across the street from my gym, it has become my go-to for countless quick yet gourmet dinner ingredients. It’s a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, offering everything from vibrant, seasonally fresh produce to premium cuts of meat and seafood, artisanal baked goods, and a thoughtfully curated selection of organic products. They truly embody their philosophy of providing “all the foods you love.”
One of my absolute favorite sections is their deli, boasting an array of delicious pasta salads and other prepared foods that make meal planning effortless. Beyond their daily selection, The Fresh Market also excels with their weekly “meal kits.” These kits are a lifesaver for busy individuals and families, providing all the necessary, high-quality ingredients for a delectable and easy dinner at a remarkably reasonable price. It’s convenience without compromising on flavor or quality, a concept I absolutely adore.
The Irresistible Valentine’s Meal for Two by The Fresh Market
For this special Valentine’s Day, The Fresh Market is rolling out an extraordinary offer: an Irresistible Valentine’s Meal for Two, priced at just $49.99. This isn’t just a dinner; it’s a complete romantic experience packaged thoughtfully for you and your loved one. Here’s what this incredible kit includes:
- Choice of Entrée:
- Two Premium Choice 9oz Chateaubriand Cut Filet Mignons
- OR Two North Atlantic Cold Water Lobster Tails
- OR A combination of one Premium Choice Chateaubriand Cut Filet Mignon and one North Atlantic Cold Water Lobster Tail
- Accompaniments:
- 1 lb Yukon Gold Whipped Mashed Potatoes
- 1 Bunch of Fresh Asparagus Tips
- 12 ct Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
- 1 Dozen Roses (available in a variety of colors!)
Ordering for this magnificent meal kit is available until February 11th, with convenient pick-up dates scheduled from February 12th to 14th. Having personally experienced the quality and flavor that comes together from this kit, I can wholeheartedly tell you that it is nothing short of delicious. The Chateaubriand Cut Filet Mignons are truly exceptional, meticulously selected from the most tender and flavorful center of the tenderloin roast, guaranteeing an unparalleled melt-in-your-mouth experience. The North Atlantic lobster tails offer a delicate sweetness that is the hallmark of truly good lobster. The Yukon Gold Whipped Mashed Potatoes are a dream – made simply with cream, butter, and potatoes, they arrive pre-cooked, requiring nothing more than a quick reheat. And to top it all off, the dark chocolate-dipped strawberries are a decadent treat, while the vibrant dozen roses add a touch of classic romance to your evening. I personally picked a stunning mix of colors, and they were absolutely gorgeous.
Crafting My Gourmet Valentine’s Surf and Turf Dinner
While The Fresh Market kit provides an incredible foundation, I couldn’t resist adding my own gourmet twists to truly elevate this Valentine’s Surf and Turf Filet Mignon and Lobster recipe. The beauty of this meal is how easily these enhancements integrate without adding significant complexity.
Elevating the Sides: Mashed Potatoes and Moscato Asparagus Slaw
First, I put my own spin on the already delicious Yukon Gold Whipped Mashed Potatoes. By incorporating fresh chives, a generous spoonful of prepared horseradish, and an extra splash of cream, these potatoes transformed into something truly unforgettable. The horseradish adds a subtle, zesty kick that beautifully cuts through the richness, while the chives introduce a fresh, aromatic note. Trust me, these potatoes alone are worth the effort!
Next, I created what I’ve affectionately dubbed a “slaw” for the asparagus. It’s not a traditional slaw, but the technique of using a vegetable peeler to create long, delicate asparagus “shreds” results in an elegant and tender texture. These slender strands are then sautéed with finely diced shallot and just a hint of garlic – enough to add depth without overpowering the delicate flavors, perfect for a romantic dinner. The true stroke of genius, however, came from an unexpected inspiration: a splash of sparkling Moscato wine. I was enjoying a glass of Salvatore Principe Sparkling Moscato while cooking, and it struck me that its fruity sweetness and effervescence would be a fantastic addition to the asparagus. The result was absolutely amazing! This Moscato Asparagus Slaw is a perfect, sophisticated topper for any fancy dish, adding a unique, bright, and slightly sweet complexity.
The Final Touch: Buttery Lemon Cream Sauce
To tie all these exquisite components together, I crafted an easy yet incredibly rich Lemon Cream sauce. This luscious sauce combines unsalted butter, cream, a hint of fresh herbs, generous amounts of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, and a bright, zesty note from lemon peel. The result is a velvety, flavorful sauce that adds a touch of brightness and indulgence to every bite. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you go “ooohhhhhhh yass,” truly enhancing the entire dish.
Surprisingly Simple: Mastering the Quick-Cook Technique
At this point, you might be thinking that this Valentine’s Surf and Turf Filet Mignon and Lobster dinner sounds like a monumental effort. However, I assure you, it honestly wasn’t! Every single component of this meal is designed for quick cooking. We’re talking *real* quick. The secret lies in efficient prep and a well-orchestrated cooking sequence. Once all your ingredients are prepped and organized (mise en place!), it’s a “bang bang bang” approach, and voilà – a gourmet meal is on the table in record time!
Perfecting the Proteins: Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail
For the stars of our show – the surf and turf – I chose both filet mignon and lobster tail. While this recipe is perfectly adaptable if you prefer just filet or just lobster, having both creates that ultimate indulgent experience. I believe there’s only one way to truly cook a filet mignon to perfection. While I typically grill most steaks, filet, being from the tenderloin, is incredibly tender but lacks the marbling that benefits from a grill’s char. Grilling can sometimes make it tough. My preferred method is a high-heat stove-top sear, followed by a finish in the oven. This technique creates a beautiful, caramelized crust while ensuring a perfectly tender, juicy interior, just right every time. For the lobster, simplicity is key: a quick minute under the broiler is all it takes to cook the delicate meat through, ensuring it remains sweet and succulent. See? Quick cook, indeed!
Seamless Execution: Timing is Everything for a Stress-Free Dinner
One final note to emphasize the surprising ease of this Valentine’s Surf and Turf Filet Mignon and Lobster dinner: the cooking workflow is designed for maximum efficiency. I prepped the horseradish mashed potatoes ahead of time, then simply reheated them in the microwave for just 3 minutes when it was time to serve. The Moscato Asparagus Slaw cooks in a mere couple of minutes. Crucially, I prepared the luscious Lemon Cream sauce while the steaks were in the oven. The lobster tails went under the broiler just as the steaks were resting, ensuring everything was perfectly warm and ready simultaneously. This strategic timing means your total active cook time is approximately 15 minutes, give or take. The key to keeping it stress-free and easy is to gather and organize all your ingredients before you even turn on the stove, especially while your oven is preheating. That’s truly all it takes to pull off this impressive meal.
A Culinary Expression of Love
So, there you have it, folks. A fantastic deal from The Fresh Market provides the foundation for an unforgettable romantic dinner, coupled with my perfected recipe for an elevated preparation. Nothing communicates love quite like preparing a special, thoughtful meal for someone, and this Valentine’s Surf and Turf Filet Mignon and Lobster dinner is guaranteed to do just that. It’s a testament to quality ingredients, smart cooking, and a dash of creativity, all coming together to create an evening that will be cherished.
Valentine’s Surf and Turf Filet Mignon and Lobster
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Ingredients
For the Horseradish Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 lb Yukon Gold mashed potatoes from Fresh Market deli
- ½ cup regular cream see Notes
- 1 Tbs snipped fresh chives
- 2 tsp prepared horseradish
For the Moscato Asparagus Slaw:
- 1 bunch asparagus, made into long strips using a vegetable peeler
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter
- 1 shallot diced
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- splash sparkling Moscato wine such as Salvatore Principe Moscato available at Fresh Market
For the Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail:
- 1 or 2 Chateaubriand cut filet mignon see Notes
- 1 North Atlantic lobster tail
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Lemon Cream:
- 4 Tbs unsalted butter
- ½ cup regular cream see Notes
- 2 Tbs heaping freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- zest of a whole lemon
- 2 tsp flat-leaf parsley chopped
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
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Heat oven to 500F.
For the Horseradish Mashed Potatoes:
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Combine the ingredients for the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside.
For the Moscato Asparagus Slaw:
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Heat a medium, nonstick skillet on high heat. Add the butter, shallot, and garlic and saute until fragrant. Add the asparagus and wine, and cook, stirring often, until liquid is mostly evaporated. Season with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
For the Filet Mignon:
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Season the filet with kosher salts. Season generously with fresh cracked pepper. Heat a skillet, preferably cast iron, on high heat. Add the butter. Once butter is melted and hot, add the steaks. Sear the first side well. Flip filets to sear the other side. Put the skillet into the oven and cook to desired doneness, 6-8 minutes for rare to medium-rare. Remove from the oven and set aside to rest 5 minutes.
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Set oven to broil.
For the Lemon Cream:
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While the filets are cooking in the oven, heat a medium, nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the butter and cream and simmer a minute or two until slightly thickened. Add the cheese, lemon zest, and parsley and cook until cheese is melted and cream is thickened.
For the Lobster Tail:
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While the steaks are resting, split the lobster tail with a large chefs knife. Put the split tail on a bake sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season LIGHTLY with salt and pepper. Broil for 1-2 minutes until meat is cooked through.
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Also, while the steak is resting, microwave the potatoes ~3 minutes or until heated through.
To serve:
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On a plate, layer Horseradish Mashed Potatoes. Top with filet mignon and a half lobster tail. Top the filet with Moscato Asparagus Slaw, then drizzle Lemon Cream lightly over all the dish. Yields: 2 servings.
Notes
For the filet, the Chateaubriand cut filet mignon are thick enough that you can get 1 filet and 1 lobster tail in The Fresh Market kit, then cut the filet horizontally to make 2 portions and proceed. However, if you want two full filet steaks, then get those in the kit and add the lobster tail extra.
