Seared Steak and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

This luxurious surf and turf dish pairs perfectly seared steak with tender shrimp, all brought together under a rich and savory garlic butter cream sauce. It’s an indulgent, high-impact meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and ideal for special occasions or a sophisticated weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its elevated flavor, balanced textures, and impressive presentation. It brings together the best of land and sea in one skillet while delivering a restaurant-style result in under an hour. The creamy garlic butter sauce enhances both the steak and shrimp, making it a memorable and satisfying main course.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• garlic cloves, minced
• heavy cream
• butter (unsalted)
• olive oil
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for sauce)
• salt and pepper
• paprika (optional, for shrimp)
• fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. Bring steaks to room temperature, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), adjusting time for thickness and desired doneness. Remove from pan and let rest.
4. In the same pan, add a tablespoon of butter. Sauté the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan if using. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return shrimp to the pan and coat in the garlic cream sauce.
8. Plate each steak and spoon shrimp and sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 2.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 20 minutes.
Total time: approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or season shrimp with Cajun spice.
• Lemon twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce for brightness.
• Surf-only version: Serve the shrimp and garlic cream sauce over pasta or rice for a seafood-only alternative.
• Different proteins: Use filet mignon, strip loin, or even grilled chicken instead of steak.

storage/reheating

• To store: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat: gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed. Avoid microwaving the steak, as it may overcook.
• Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce and texture changes in shrimp.

FAQs

What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?

Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and marbling.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook quickly — they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, about 1–2 minutes per side.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking.

What can I serve with this surf and turf?

Mashed potatoes, garlic butter pasta, roasted asparagus, or a crisp salad are ideal side options.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

How do I avoid overcooking the steak?

Use a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Let it rest before slicing.

Is the Parmesan cheese necessary in the sauce?

It’s optional, but adds depth and a savory finish to the cream sauce.

Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?

Yes — grill to desired doneness, then prepare the shrimp and sauce separately.

Can this dish be doubled?

Yes, just work in batches when searing steaks and shrimp to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

This seared steak and shrimp with creamy garlic butter sauce is the perfect combination of indulgence and simplicity. With minimal ingredients and one skillet, you can create a restaurant-quality surf and turf experience right at home. Whether served for a date night or celebratory dinner, this dish never fails to impress with its rich flavor and elegant presentation.

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