New York strip, scallops, loaded baked potato and asparagus

Ingredients

For the New York Strip Steak:

• 2 New York strip steaks (about 1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Seared Scallops:

• 12 large sea scallops
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Loaded Baked Potato:

• 2 large russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Asparagus:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Loaded Baked Potato

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Potatoes:
   • Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Prepare Toppings:
   • While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble. Grate the cheddar cheese and chop the green onions.
4. Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
   • Once the potatoes are done, cut them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Add a pat of butter to each, then top with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Step 2: Cook the New York Strip Steak

1. Season the Steaks:
   • Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub each steak with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Steaks:
   • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until a crust forms.
3. Add Garlic, Rosemary, and Butter:
   • Reduce heat to medium. Add the smashed garlic, rosemary sprigs, and butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for another 1-2 minutes, until they reach desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
4. Rest the Steaks:
   • Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board, tented with foil, for at least 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Seared Scallops

1. Prepare the Scallops:
   • Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Scallops:
   • In the same skillet used for the steaks, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms and they are opaque throughout.
3. Add Garlic and Butter:
   • Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss the scallops gently in the sauce for another minute.

Step 4: Cook the Asparagus

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
   • Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast the Asparagus:
   • Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until tender and slightly crispy. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   • On each plate, place a New York strip steak, a portion of seared scallops, a loaded baked potato, and a serving of roasted asparagus.
2. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Garnish the scallops with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve the steaks with a drizzle of the garlic-rosemary butter from the skillet.

Tips and Variations

• Steak Doneness:
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired doneness. Medium-rare is 135°F, medium is 145°F, and medium-well is 150°F.
• Scallop Variations:
  • For a different flavor profile, try searing the scallops with a touch of smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning.
• Loaded Potato Toppings:
  • Customize the loaded potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as chives, jalapeños, or different types of cheese.
• Asparagus Cooking Methods:
  • If you prefer, you can grill the asparagus instead of roasting it. Simply toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Conclusion

This comprehensive recipe for New York Strip Steak, Seared Scallops, Loaded Baked Potato, and Asparagus is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home. The combination of tender steak, perfectly seared scallops, creamy loaded potatoes, and roasted asparagus creates a well-rounded and satisfying dish. Follow these detailed steps to impress your family and friends with a gourmet dinner. Enjoy!