Steak Oscar: The Ultimate Surf-and-Turf Recipe & Perfect Wine Pairings

Introduction

If you're searching for a dish that embodies decadence and culinary elegance, look no further than Steak Oscar. This iconic surf-and-turf recipe combines tender beef filet, succulent shrimp, crisp asparagus, and rich Bearnaise sauce into a restaurant-quality meal you can prepare at home. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a food enthusiast, Steak Oscar delivers a memorable experience—especially when paired with the right wine. In this guide, you’ll discover the story behind Steak Oscar, expert tips, and wine pairing recommendations curated for the American palate. With Vinomat, finding your ideal wine match is easier than ever.

About This Dish

Steak Oscar is more than just a steak recipe—it’s a celebration of luxury and contrasting flavors. The dish has its roots in classic American steakhouses but draws inspiration from European haute cuisine. Traditionally, Steak Oscar features a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin (often filet mignon), topped "Oscar style" with a layer of crab or shrimp, crisp asparagus, and a velvety Bearnaise sauce. The combination is beloved for its harmonious blend of rich umami, briny seafood sweetness, and herbal brightness.

The name "Oscar" honors King Oscar II of Sweden, who was known for his love of extravagant food, particularly dishes featuring both steak and seafood. Today, Steak Oscar remains a staple on upscale steakhouse menus across the United States—from New York to San Francisco, Chicago to Dallas. Its enduring popularity comes from its ability to impress: it’s special enough for celebrations, yet accessible enough for an elevated weeknight dinner. Whether you choose classic lump crab ("crab Oscar"), shrimp, or even lobster for your Oscar topping, the dish’s versatility is part of its charm.

In American food culture, surf-and-turf is synonymous with indulgence. Steak Oscar stands out as the pinnacle of this tradition, offering a show-stopping centerpiece for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or anytime you want to elevate your home dining experience. Pairing it with the right wine can turn an already impressive meal into a truly unforgettable feast.

Key Ingredients & Their Role

The magic of Steak Oscar lies in the interplay of its premium ingredients. Here’s a closer look at each, and why they work so beautifully together:

• Beef Fillet (Filet Mignon): The star protein, prized for its tenderness and mild flavor. Filet mignon’s subtlety allows the Oscar topping and Bearnaise sauce to shine, providing a buttery base for the dish.
• Shrimp (Scampi) or Crab: The "Oscar topping" traditionally features lump crab, but shrimp offers a sweet, briny alternative. Both add a luxurious seafood element, enhancing the surf-and-turf appeal. The shellfish’s natural sweetness balances the rich beef and sauce.
• Asparagus: Bright, grassy, and slightly bitter, asparagus cuts through the richness of the meat and seafood. Its crisp texture and vibrant color make it visually appealing and refreshing on the palate.
• Bearnaise Sauce: A classic French emulsion of butter, egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and tarragon. Bearnaise brings herbal depth and creamy luxury, tying together every layer of flavor. Some home cooks opt for Hollandaise as a shortcut, but Bearnaise’s tarragon and vinegar notes are a hallmark of authentic Steak Oscar.
• Baby Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes provide a comforting, earthy side that’s ideal for soaking up extra sauce without overpowering the dish.

When considering wine pairing, these ingredients offer key cues:

• Umami and richness from the beef and sauce call for wines with good body and structure.
• Seafood sweetness invites white wines with bright acidity or reds with soft tannins.
• Herbal and vegetal notes from asparagus and Bearnaise work well with wines that have herbal, citrus, or mineral elements.

The harmony of surf-and-turf flavors makes Steak Oscar a playground for wine lovers!

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 steaks (6 oz each) Beef fillet (Oxfilé)
• 12 pieces, peeled and deveined Large shrimp (Scampi)
• 16 stalks, trimmed Fresh asparagus
• 12 medium-sized Baby potatoes
• 8 tbsp (divided) Butter
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper
• 1 cup Bearnaise sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp, finely chopped Fresh parsley
• 2 cloves, finely minced Garlic

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baby potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast in the middle of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and tender.
2. Season the beef fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5 minutes per side for medium, or longer based on preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet, cover with foil, and set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
3. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the scampi for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and fully cooked. Remove and keep warm.
4. Steam or blanch the asparagus in lightly salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
5. Heat the Bearnaise sauce over low heat (if needed), stirring occasionally, until warm. Do not boil.
6. Prepare the plates by placing 3 roasted potatoes on each plate. Lay the steak beside the potatoes.
7. Top each steak with 4 spears of asparagus, followed by 3 scampi. Generously spoon Bearnaise sauce over the scampi and asparagus.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 40.0g
• Fat: 35.0g
• Carbohydrates: 25.0g
• Salt: 2.5g

Dietary Information: Gluten-free, Contains dairy, Nut-free

Perfect Wine Pairings

No Steak Oscar recipe is complete without the ideal wine pairing. The right bottle elevates the dish, balancing richness and highlighting every nuance. Here are expert recommendations tailored for American wine lovers:

What Wine Goes With Steak Oscar?

Key pairing considerations:

• The beef fillet calls for wines with good body and supple tannins.
• The "Oscar topping" of shrimp or crab benefits from acidity and freshness.
• Bearnaise sauce and asparagus add herbal and buttery elements, which pair well with wines featuring citrus, mineral, or herbaceous notes.

Top Wine Recommendations

1. California Cabernet Sauvignon

• Why it works: The classic pairing for steak, Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold fruit, firm but smooth tannins, and herbal undertones stand up to beef and rich Bearnaise. Opt for a more elegant style (not overly oaked) to avoid overpowering the seafood topping. Napa Valley and Sonoma offer excellent options in the $15–$30 range, widely available at Total Wine and BevMo.

1. Oregon Pinot Noir

• Why it works: Pinot Noir is a versatile match for surf-and-turf dishes. Its bright acidity, silky tannins, and earthy, cherry-driven flavors complement both beef and seafood. The herbal notes play beautifully with asparagus and Bearnaise. Look for Willamette Valley producers—Trader Joe’s, Total Wine, and local shops carry many excellent bottles.

1. French White Burgundy (Chardonnay)

• Why it works: An unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy or California brings citrus, apple, and mineral notes that echo the brightness of the sauce and asparagus while providing enough body for the beef. Try Louis Jadot or Sonoma-Cutrer for bottles under $30, available at Total Wine and local wine shops.

1. Spanish Rioja Reserva

• Why it works: Rioja combines red fruit, spice, and subtle earthiness with a medium body and gentle tannins. It’s a great match for filet Oscar, adding complexity without overwhelming the seafood or sauce. Find quality Rioja at BevMo and Trader Joe’s for $15–$25.

1. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

• Why it works: For a festive touch, sparkling wine’s lively acidity and bubbles refresh the palate. Choose a Brut Champagne or California sparkling for an elegant, crowd-pleasing pairing. Domaine Carneros and Schramsberg are excellent picks from Total Wine.

Shopping Tips

• Total Wine: Offers a wide selection at every price point, including California, Oregon, French, and Spanish wines.
• Trader Joe’s: Great for value-driven bottles, including Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Spanish reds.
• BevMo: Reliable source for Champagne and high-quality California Cabernet.

Use Vinomat to discover tailored wine recommendations for Steak Oscar based on your taste, budget, and local shop availability.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Achieving restaurant-level results with Steak Oscar is all about technique. Here’s how to make your dish shine:

• Steak Doneness: Use a digital thermometer for precision: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Always let steaks rest after searing to ensure juiciness.
• Oscar Style Topping: Gently warm shrimp or crab to preserve their texture. Avoid overcooking, which can make seafood rubbery or dry.
• Bearnaise Sauce: Keep Bearnaise warm, but never boiling; overheating will cause it to separate. If you’re new to emulsion sauces, try a blender version for simplicity.
• Asparagus: Steam or blanch until just tender-crisp and vibrant green. Overcooked asparagus loses its snap and color.
• Plating: Layer the Oscar topping neatly for visual impact—presentation is key to the steakhouse experience.
• Common Mistakes:
• Overcooking the seafood or steak.
• Letting Bearnaise sauce get too hot.
• Skipping the resting step for steak.
• Not seasoning each component generously.

Professional chefs recommend prepping all ingredients in advance so you can focus on timing and assembly. A little extra care transforms Steak Oscar into a showpiece.

Serving Suggestions

To serve Steak Oscar at home and recreate the steakhouse experience:

• Plating: Use large, warm plates to keep everything hot. Place roasted baby potatoes to one side, steak on the other, topped with asparagus and Oscar topping, then finish with Bearnaise sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables. For a special touch, add a side of broccolini or sautéed mushrooms.
• Setting: Dim lighting, cloth napkins, and elegant glassware help set the mood. Light candles and play soft music for an upscale vibe.
• Wine Service: Decant red wines for 30 minutes before serving. Chill whites and sparkling wines to 45–50°F. Use Vinomat to match the wine to your guests’ preferences and the dish’s flavors.

Conclusion

Steak Oscar is the ultimate surf-and-turf dinner for food lovers, home cooks, and wine enthusiasts seeking a luxurious yet approachable meal. With its harmonious blend of beef, seafood, and Bearnaise sauce, this classic recipe offers endless pairing possibilities—especially when explored with Vinomat’s wine recommendation tools. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, Steak Oscar brings steakhouse sophistication home. Gather your ingredients, uncork a favorite wine, and experience the magic of food and wine pairing tonight.