Chipotle Garlic Butter Basted Steak and Lobster (Surf and Turf on the Grill)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re aiming to impress with a backyard BBQ or a romantic dinner, this Chipotle Garlic Butter Basted Steak and Lobster delivers. The rich, smoky butter melts perfectly over juicy grilled steak and sweet lobster tails, turning an ordinary meal into something unforgettable. This surf and turf recipe gives you steakhouse quality at home, with just a few simple ingredients and a grill.

How do you avoid overcooking steak and lobster on the grill?

Overcooking is one of the most common pitfalls when making surf and turf. For steak, the key is using a two-zone grilling method—sear it over high heat to develop a crust, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking gently. Aim for an internal temperature of about 125°F for medium-rare, using an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. For lobster, cook it meat-side up over indirect heat and baste frequently with butter to keep it moist. The meat should be opaque and reach an internal temp of 140–145°F. Let both rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices stay locked in. This technique ensures a tender, flavorful bite every time.

Why use chipotle garlic butter?

Chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat that complements both steak and seafood. When blended with garlic and butter, it creates a rich glaze that clings beautifully to meat. It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by using fewer chipotle peppers if needed.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 2 thick-cut ribeye or NY strip steaks (1.25–1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Lobster Tails

• 2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional for color)

For the Chipotle Garlic Butter

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steaks

Start by patting your steaks dry with paper towels—this helps them sear properly. Rub both sides of each steak with olive oil. Then season generously with kosher salt, coarse black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prep the grill. This helps the meat cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Set your grill up for two-zone cooking. That means one side should be direct high heat (around 450–500°F), and the other side should be indirect heat with no flame directly under the food. Brush and oil your grates to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Place the steaks directly over the high heat. Grill them for 2–3 minutes per side until a dark brown crust forms. Once you have that crust, move the steaks to the cooler, indirect heat side. Cover the grill and cook until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Step 4: Make the Chipotle Garlic Butter

While the steaks cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lemon juice, salt, and parsley. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Once fragrant and fully combined, remove it from the heat but keep it warm.

Step 5: Add the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster tail to butterfly the meat. Pull the meat up and over the shell slightly. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place the tails on the indirect heat side of the grill, meat-side up. Baste generously with the chipotle garlic butter. Grill for 8–10 minutes, basting again halfway through, until the meat turns opaque and firms up (internal temp should be 140–145°F).

Step 6: Baste and Rest

Before removing the steaks and lobster from the grill, spoon some of the warm chipotle garlic butter over the meat. Then transfer everything to a clean plate or cutting board. Let the steaks and lobster rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Below is a printable recipe card!

Chipotle Garlic Butter Basted Steak and Lobster

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 thick-cut ribeye or NY strip steaks 1.25–1.5 inches thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Lobster Tails:

• 2 lobster tails 4–6 oz each
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika optional for color

For the Chipotle Garlic Butter:

• 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 –2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the chipotle can
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep the Steaks:

• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while you prep the grill.

Prepare the Grill:

• Set up your grill for two-zone cooking with a direct high heat area (450–500°F) and an indirect heat zone. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Sear the Steaks:

• Place the steaks over direct heat and grill for 2–3 minutes per side to form a crust. Then move them to indirect heat and cover the grill. Continue cooking until internal temp reaches 125°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium.

Make the Chipotle Garlic Butter:

• Melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over low heat. Stir in the garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lemon juice, salt, and parsley. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.

Grill the Lobster Tails:

• Use kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster tails. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place meat-side up over indirect heat and baste generously with the chipotle garlic butter. Grill for 8–10 minutes, basting again halfway through, until the meat is opaque and reaches 140–145°F internal temp.

Baste and Rest:

• Spoon more chipotle garlic butter over the steaks before removing from the grill. Let both the steaks and lobster rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Keyword easy surf n turf, grilled surf n turf, ribeye steak and lobster, steak and lobster, surf n turf recipe

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or garlic herb rice.
• Drizzle any remaining chipotle garlic butter over everything just before serving.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley for freshness and color.

Pro Tips for Grilling Steak and Lobster

• Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness.
• Don’t overcook the lobster—it gets rubbery quickly.
• Let the butter cool slightly before basting so it sticks better.

Variations

• Try Cajun seasoning instead of chipotle for a southern-style twist.
• Swap ribeye for filet mignon or use shrimp instead of lobster tails.
• Use ghee instead of butter for a nutty, higher smoke point option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes. Just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for about an hour before grilling.

What’s the best steak cut for surf and turf?

Ribeye offers great flavor from its marbling. NY strip or filet mignon are also excellent options depending on your preference for tenderness or richness.

Is chipotle too spicy?

Chipotle peppers have a smoky, medium heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with one pepper and taste the butter before adding a second.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~950
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 70g
• Carbs: 4g
• Sugar: 1g

Final Thoughts

This Chipotle Garlic Butter Basted Steak and Lobster is a bold, flavor-packed surf and turf recipe that’s easier to make than it looks. The garlic butter bastes both meats in smoky, buttery richness, and the grill gives you that beautiful crust and charred edge. Whether you’re grilling for a celebration or just want to treat yourself, this dish turns a simple cookout into something unforgettable.

Explore More Recipes

Want more recipes like this? Check out all of our grilling recipes here for more steak, seafood, and BBQ favorites that are perfect for your next cookout.

Items Used In This Recipe

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Knitted Gloves

Food Processor

Cast Iron Skillet 

Meater +

Charcoal Chimney