If you want to bring an air of sophistication and celebration to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen, a surf and turf dinner might be the perfect solution.
With the right ingredients and a bit of planning, you can pull off an effortless meal that looks (and tastes!) over the top—and we’ve got just the recipes to show you how.
Lobster is a luxurious and decadent seafood that is often reserved for special occasions. When preparing a meal featuring lobster as the star of the show, it’s important to carefully consider what side dishes to serve alongside it. The right side can truly elevate your lobster feast to new heights of flavor and enjoyment.
In this article, I’ll share 19 of my favorite side dish pairings for lobster that are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving lobster tails, a whole boiled lobster, or incorporating lobster meat into pastas or tacos, these sides are sure to complement without overpowering the sweet succulence of the lobster.
Simple Sides That Let the Lobster Shine
Some of the best sides to serve with lobster are simple offerings that allow the natural flavor of the lobster to take center stage A few to consider
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Butter A pat of softened, clarified butter is one of the easiest ways to enhance lobster’s sweet brininess Butter’s salty richness perfectly matches the subtle flavors of lobster meat
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Baked potato: Russet or sweet potatoes, split and baked until fluffy, make a hearty, starchy accompaniment to let the lobster shine. Top with butter, sour cream, chives or crispy bacon bits.
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Corn on the cob: The summery sweetness of grilled or boiled corn cobs complements rich lobster beautifully. Slather with butter for extra indulgence.
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Crusty bread Slices of French baguette sourdough boule or bakery rolls are perfect for dipping in butter or soaking up juices.
Classic Seafood Pairings
In addition to simple sides, pairing lobster with other seafood can create an unforgettable surf and turf meal. Consider dishes like:
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Clam chowder: The creamy, briny broth of New England clam chowder makes a comforting pairing.
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Mussels and clams: Quick-cooking mussels and clams steamed in white wine elevate a lobster feast.
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Crab cakes: Crispy crab cakes studded with seasonings and fresh lump crabmeat balance lobster’s richness.
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Grilled scallops: The sweet smokiness of grilled scallops is a luxurious match for plump lobster meat.
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Shrimp cocktail: Chilled, poached shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce make a nice light starter.
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Lobster bisque: When in doubt, more lobster! Rich, velvety lobster bisque showcases the shellfish.
Hearty, Filling Sides
Since lobster delivers protein in smaller portions, balance your meal with hearty, filling vegetable or starch accompaniments like:
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Baked macaroni and cheese: The ultimate comfort food pairing – add lobster right into the cheesy sauce for a baked lobster mac and cheese dish.
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Risotto or rice pilaf: Creamy, cheesy risotto or fluffy rice pilaf complement lobster’s richness.
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Garlic mashed potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are a satisfying counterpoint to lobster’s lean protein.
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Pasta salad: Chilled pasta tossed with vegetables, Italian dressing and maybe some shredded cheese makes a tasty, filling side.
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Potato salad: Old-fashioned potato salad with a creamy mayo-based dressing is a classic option.
Bright, Fresh Vegetable Dishes
For lighter pairings, focus on bright vegetables simply prepared to keep the meal feeling balanced:
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Asparagus: Quickly grilled or steamed spears, dressed with lemon and olive oil.
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Green salad: Mix leafy greens, tomato, cucumber, onion and carrot with a light vinaigrette.
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Brussels sprouts: Roast halved Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil until caramelized and crispy.
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Coleslaw: Shredded raw cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy dressing provide crunch.
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Corn salad: Grilled corn kernels mixed with diced red pepper and herbs for a pop of color.
Savory Breads and Biscuits
Warm, savory breads and biscuits make indulgent additions to soak up rich lobster juices and butter:
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Cheddar biscuits: Flaky, tender biscuits flecked with sharp cheddar cheese.
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Garlic bread: Baguette slices spread with garlicky butter and toasted.
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Potato rolls: Soft, sweet yeast dinner rolls are perfect for lobster rolls or dipping in butter.
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Cornbread muffins: Slightly crumbly, corn-studded cornbread complements lobster beautifully.
Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth
Finally, don’t forget about dessert! Lobster’s salty brininess pairs wonderfully with something sweet. Consider options like:
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Lemon bars: Tart, refreshing lemon bars cleanse the palate after rich shellfish.
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Fruit salad: Fresh sliced melons, berries, citrus and more make a light, sweet dessert.
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Brownies or blondies: Rich, fudgy brownies or chewy blondies with chocolate chips satisfy chocolate cravings.
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Cheesecake: Smooth, creamy cheesecake makes an indulgent post-dinner treat.
With so many fantastic options, from simple sides to show-stopping desserts, you’re sure to find the perfect pairings to complement your lobster feast. Play around with different flavor combinations to discover new favorites!
Side Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Dinner
To round out your surf and turf dinner, add a side dish or two that adds a bit of color and freshness to the plate.
Some classic side dishes to pair with surf and turf include:
- Sautéed Mushrooms. Melt down thinly sliced mushrooms in plenty of garlic and butter for a side dish that doubles as a sauce for your steak.
- Grilled Asparagus. Throw thick stalks of asparagus on the grill alongside your shrimp and fillet for an instant splash of brightness with minimal effort.
- Mashed Potatoes. This steakhouse classic is always welcome next to the steak. Add fresh herbs for a lighter touch to compliment your seafood.
- Caesar Salad. Crisp romaine, savory parmesan, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing counterpoint to the feast on your dinner plate.
- Boston Seafood Chowder. We’re always partial to a creamy seafood soup as a first course. Don’t forget the oyster crackers for the full New England experience.
How to Plan a Surf and Turf Menu
To put together a surf and turf menu of your own, start with a bit of planning to make sure your dinner comes together perfectly.
One of the best parts about surf and turf is that you can often cook both the meat and seafood in the same pan, which means less mess. Whether you use a grill, broiler, or stovetop, you can first sear the meat, then quickly cook the seafood while your steak rests.
First, choose your surf and your turf entrees. The most classic surf and turf menus feature red meat, often steak. However, if you’re not a fan or don’t eat red meat, you can certainly substitute steak for some chicken or pork.
| If you want to stand out even more, put your own spin on turf entree with a unique protein like lamb or duck. There really are no rules, so now’s your time to experiment in the kitchen! |
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Likewise, for the surf side of things, you have plenty of options. The most classic and extravagant surf and turf plates feature a bold red lobster, either whole or just the tail. Sometimes the tail is stuffed for added visual and flavor appeal. Other surf options include succulent shrimp, seared scallops, crab cakes, or your favorite fish fillet.
Finally, round out your surf and turf menu with one or two side dishes. These don’t have to be complicated or overdone. The meat and seafood are the stars of the show, so the sides are the supporting actors there to help the proteins shine. See below for the best side dish ideas to pair with your surf and turf.
The best side dishes for seafood
FAQ
What are good sides for lobster?
- Drawn Butter : While not a traditional side dish, melted drawn butter is a classic accompaniment that enhances the lobster’s flavor.
- Corn on the Cob : Sweet, boiled corn complements the richness of lobster and adds a nice crunch.
- Garlic Bread
- Coleslaw
- Potato Salad
What appetizers go well with lobster?
Charcuterie boards. These trendy appetizers are a perfect entertaining addition to a lobster dinner. Make your charcuterie board your own by adding cheeses, crackers, grapes, jams, prosciutto, honey, jam, olives, nuts, and more!
What kind of potatoes go well with lobster?
Roasted Red Potatoes
These potatoes are loaded with flavor from fresh herbs, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. They are the perfect side dish for seafood like lobster, as well as roasted chicken, braised beef, grilled pork, or baked fish.
What to serve with lobster tails and crab legs?
- Corn on the Cob. This classic seafood side dish pairs perfectly with crab legs. …
- Roasted Potatoes. …
- Coleslaw. …
- Garlic Bread. …
- Grilled Asparagus. …
- Lobster Tails. …
- Shrimp Scampi. …
- Steamed Clams or Mussels.
What is a good side dish for lobster?
Find crowd-pleasing side dishes for lobster such as corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad, clam chowder, and more. Get the lobster side dish ideas here.
What to serve with a lobster tail?
A scoop of flavorful risotto is a great side for your lobster tail. This easy Homemade Rice Pilaf is a classic rice dish that’s simple to make in one pot or skillet, is packed full of flavor, and is a favorite side dish of many!
What to serve with grilled lobster?
It’s one of the best sides for lobster when you’re preparing a tropical menu. Topped with crunchy walnut dressing and spicy roasted sweet potatoes, this kale salad is a perfect way to round out your weeknight meal. Serve Sweet Potato Kale Salad with your grilled lobster for a light meal.
What are the best side dishes?
The quest for the best side dishes often feels like a balancing act, with the desire to complement the main dish, whether it’s a whole lobster, lobster rolls, or meaty lobster tails. Getting started with appetizers from eye-catching Christmas, Easter, or Fourth of July charcuterie board seems like an easy choice. But what to do about the sides?
What to eat with lobster?
Potatoes are drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with herbs and seasonings, roasted to crispy perfection, then topped with Cheddar cheese. Potato salad pairs perfectly with lobster. This creamy mayonnaise-based recipe is flavored with garlic and lots of mustard. Looking for a lighter lobster side dish that still packs a flavorful punch?
What to eat with Lobster Thermidor?
Pesto pasta is a fitting side dish for indulgent seafood dishes such as lobster Thermidor. This pasta preparation is light and simple enough to let the lobster take center stage and offers nutrition and satisfaction in one easy side dish. You can also top it with grilled or sauteed shrimp for easy weeknight dinners.