Get ready to elevate your dinner game! There's something undeniably luxurious about surf & turf, and this Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers all the decadence you could wish for, right in your own kitchen. Imagine: perfectly seared, juicy steak paired with succulent, plump shrimp swimming in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that's surprisingly easy to achieve.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a romantic dinner, or simply treating yourself to an extraordinary meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. It looks fancy, tastes incredible, and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Steak & Shrimp Combo
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory steak, sweet shrimp, and aromatic garlic cream is simply divine.
- Surprisingly Simple: Don't let the fancy name fool you; this recipe is straightforward and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.
Key Ingredients for Success
This dish relies on a few key ingredients to bring out its incredible flavor:
- Your Favorite Steak Cut: Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin work beautifully for their flavor and tenderness. Choose a good quality cut for the best results.
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly too!
- Heavy Cream: The star of our luscious, creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Plenty of fresh minced garlic is essential for that irresistible aroma and taste. For easy and efficient mincing, a good quality chef's knife makes all the difference.
- Butter & Olive Oil: For searing the steak and building the sauce base.
- Spices & Herbs: Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick), and fresh parsley for garnish.
Tips for Perfect Steak
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let your steak sit out for 20-30 minutes before cooking for a more even cook.
- Pat Dry: Excess moisture prevents a good sear. Pat your steak thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- High Heat: Get your pan smoking hot before adding the steak to achieve that beautiful crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook steaks one or two at a time if necessary to maintain high heat in the pan.
- Rest Your Steak: Crucial for juicy results! Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. They're done when they turn pink and opaque, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Dry Shrimp: Like steak, patting shrimp dry ensures a better sear and prevents a watery sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in your cream sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and satisfying dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic parmesan roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that amazing cream sauce!
Now that you're armed with all the tips, it's time to create this show-stopping meal!
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for Steak with Creamy Garlic Shrimp?
For this dish, cuts like ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin work wonderfully. They are flavorful and cook quickly, ensuring a tender and juicy result that pairs well with the creamy shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and to prevent the creamy sauce from becoming watery.
How can I make the creamy garlic sauce less rich?
To reduce the richness, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk for some of the heavy cream. You can also increase the amount of chicken or vegetable broth and use less cream. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
While the steak and shrimp are best cooked fresh, you can mince your garlic, chop your parsley, and measure out your spices ahead of time. You can also mix your creamy sauce base (without heating) if you're using a pre-made broth, which will save a few minutes when you're ready to cook.
Steak With Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
This decadent recipe pairs perfectly seared steak with succulent shrimp coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, creating an unforgettable surf & turf experience.
Ingredients
2 (10-12 oz) boneless ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin steaks
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot.
Step 3: Carefully place the seasoned steaks into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your desired doneness. For medium-rare (130-135°F internal temperature), flip once and cook until a nice crust forms. Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board, covered loosely with foil.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Step 6: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce. Slice the rested steaks against the grain into desired thickness. Serve the sliced steak immediately with the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce spooned generously over top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak or cooking the shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary. Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Leave a Reply