Step 1: Prepare the Loaded Baked Potato
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 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.
- 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
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!