🥩🦐 The Ultimate Steak & Garlic Shrimp Combo
A restaurant-style surf & turf right at home — juicy steak paired with buttery, garlicky shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for date night or a weekend treat!
Description
This Ultimate Steak & Garlic Shrimp Combo brings together two indulgent favorites — tender, seared steak and plump, juicy shrimp — bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. The steak delivers deep, savory flavor, while the shrimp add a delicate sweetness, all tied together by a luxurious, silky sauce that’s bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels like fine dining, yet it comes together easily in one skillet!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 small steaks (about 6 oz each — filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin work best)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Shrimp:
- 12–16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine
Instructions
- Prepare the steaks:
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. - Sear the steaks:
Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.
Add the steaks and sear 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness.
Remove from skillet and let rest on a plate; cover lightly with foil. - Cook the shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika/Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Make the creamy garlic sauce:
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter (if needed) and pour in the cream. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine:
Return the steak and shrimp to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top, letting everything warm together for 1–2 minutes. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley (and a squeeze of lemon if desired). Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes & Tips
- Pan choice: A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook steaks and shrimp in batches if needed.
- Sauce consistency: If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. If too thin, simmer longer.
- Add depth: Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of white wine or beef broth before adding the cream.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the sauce.
- Resting steak: Always let steak rest before slicing — it helps keep the juices inside.
Serving Suggestions
- With starch: Mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or creamy risotto
- With greens: Steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or garlic green beans
- With bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up that sauce!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 4 servings with cream sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~540 kcal |
| Protein | 45 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Cholesterol | 210 mg |
Benefits
✅ High in protein – great for energy and muscle repair
✅ Keto-friendly & low-carb
✅ Rich, restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes
✅ Customizable – choose your favorite steak cut or add spice
✅ Perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner at home
✅ One-pan meal – easy cleanup!
Q&A
Q: What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
A: Filet mignon for tenderness, ribeye for flavor, or sirloin for an affordable but juicy option.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are perfect additions to the sauce.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of cream and skip the extra butter.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Store the steak, shrimp, and sauce separately and reheat gently over low heat.
Q: What wine pairs well with this?
A: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Cabernet Sauvignon complements the creamy, garlicky flavor beautifully.
Would you like me to include a Cajun-style or Lemon Garlic variation of this Surf & Turf recipe next (for extra flavor and spice)?