Introduction
Bring the steakhouse experience to your own kitchen with this Surf & Turf Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Sauce. Tender, butter-basted steak is topped with juicy shrimp in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, creating a meal that’s perfect for easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, and family dinner ideas. Elegant enough for celebrations yet simple enough to make in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Restaurant-quality surf and turf made at home.
- Rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce packed with flavor.
- Perfect for date nights, holidays, and special occasions.
- High-protein, family-approved, and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks (8 ounces / 225 g each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp
- 10 ounces (300 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare and Cook the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the cooking time to your preferred doneness.
2. Baste with Garlic and Herbs
Reduce the heat slightly and add the butter, smashed garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Tilt the skillet and continuously spoon the melted herb butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This butter-basting technique creates a restaurant-quality crust that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and tender. Remove and set aside to prevent overcooking.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Finish with the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This rich sauce is also great for meal prep and pairs beautifully with chicken or pasta.
5. Finish the Dish
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the creamy garlic sauce for 1 minute until heated through. Place each rested steak on a warm serving plate and generously spoon the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce over the top. This elegant yet budget-friendly weeknight dinner is ready to enjoy.
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Pro Tips & Variations
For the most tender steak, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking and pat it completely dry. A hot cast-iron skillet is essential for achieving the deep golden crust found in steakhouse-quality meals. Always allow the steak to rest before slicing or serving to keep it juicy.
For healthy substitutions, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, although the sauce will be slightly lighter. You can also substitute filet mignon with sirloin for a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing great flavor. Frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
For meal prep ideas, prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. Reheat gently before adding freshly cooked shrimp. This recipe is suitable for cooking for beginners because each component uses straightforward techniques that deliver impressive results. For extra flavor, stir sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach into the sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared ahead, but the steak and shrimp should be cooked fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for filet mignon?
Ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or strip steak are all excellent choices for this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. The sauce stores well, and the steak and shrimp can be portioned into meal prep containers for high-protein lunches.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Absolutely. The instructions are easy to follow, making this an approachable recipe even if it’s your first time cooking steak and shrimp together.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 860 |
| Protein | 61 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fat | 63 g |
| Saturated Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 790 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Surf & Turf Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Sauce alongside garlic mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus, roasted broccoli, grilled corn, or warm garlic bread for a complete steakhouse-inspired meal. It’s an outstanding choice for holiday dinners, anniversaries, family gatherings, or an unforgettable date night at home.
Conclusion
With perfectly seared steak, tender garlic shrimp, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, this Surf & Turf Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Sauce delivers everything you love about a premium steakhouse dinner in your own kitchen. It’s an impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to wow your guests. Looking for the perfect dessert to go with this? Sweet in 30 has you covered →