Experience the perfect surf-and-turf feast with this Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp dish that combines juicy, tender steak with succulent shrimp. The rich garlic butter sauce enhances every bite, making it a showstopper for special dinners or weekend indulgences.
This recipe is not just about great flavors; it’s about creating a memorable meal that brings the comfort of buttery richness and the freshness of citrus in every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this surf-and-turf classic delivers elegance and ease all on one plate.
- The hearty steak and delicate shrimp pair beautifully in a savory garlic butter sauce.
- Quick cooking times make this dish perfect for weeknights or last-minute celebrations.
- Customizable with optional Worcestershire sauce and herbs for extra flavor depth.
- Pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh salads.
Ingredients
- Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice): Around 450g of your favorite cut, trimmed and sliced or cubed for quick cooking and perfect sear.
- Large shrimp: 450g peeled and deveined for tender, seafood flavor that cooks quickly alongside steak.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: To generously season both steak and shrimp for balanced flavor penetration.
- Butter: 3-4 tablespoons to create a rich, creamy base for the garlic butter sauce that coats the protein beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced: 4-5 cloves for an aromatic punch that infuses the butter sauce with intense flavor.
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons for searing the steak and shrimp, helping achieve an appetizing crust without sticking.
- Lemon juice: 1-2 teaspoons add brightness and acidity to cut through the richness and wake flavors.
- Optional Worcestershire sauce: 1-2 teaspoons for a tangy, umami boost that complements both steak and shrimp.
- Chopped parsley or chives: Fresh herbs to garnish, adding color and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, enhancing the dish with extra citrus if desired.
Instructions
- Prep & Season
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Pat the steak and shrimp dry using paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Generously season both with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors and help develop a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Cook the Steak
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium. This step locks in juices and builds a caramelized crust for flavor. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Shrimp
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Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking them briefly keeps them tender and juicy. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside with the steak.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add lemon juice and optional Worcestershire sauce to brighten the sauce and deepen the flavor profile. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Combine & Serve
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Return the cooked steak and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss gently to coat them thoroughly in the flavorful garlic butter sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Finish
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for optional extra citrus zing.
- For extra richness, finish the dish off with a pat of cold butter tossed gently off the heat.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cracked chili to the sauce if you love a little spice kick.
- This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or oven-roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook fast and should remain tender, not rubbery.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the shrimp from toughening and to preserve the buttery sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty warm bread, perfect for sopping up the delicious garlic butter sauce. Consider serving with garlic mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve the best sear and flavor development.
- Allow the steak to rest after cooking to redistribute juices for a tender bite.
- Fresh garlic offers the best aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced garlic for superior flavor.
- Customize the sauce with herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional complexity.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
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Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure proper searing.
- What cut of steak works best?
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Ribeye or sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor, but you can use your preferred cut.
- How do I know when the steak is medium done?
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For medium, cook about 3-4 minutes per side, or use a meat thermometer aiming for 135°F (57°C) internal temperature.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Yes, omit the Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free version to keep the dish gluten-free.
- What sides pair well with garlic butter steak and shrimp?
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Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad complement the rich flavors perfectly.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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While best fresh, you can cook steak and shrimp ahead and reheat gently, adding fresh garlic butter sauce just before serving.
Garlic Butter Steak Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking steak and shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak ribeye, sirloin, or preferred, sliced or cubed
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 to 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 to 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce optional
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish optional
- Lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
- Pat steak and shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak pieces until browned and cooked to desired doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- Add more olive oil to the skillet if needed, then cook shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside with steak.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce if using; stir to combine.
- Return steak and shrimp to skillet and gently toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Finish with a pat of cold butter off heat for richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Serve alongside crisp salad or crusty bread to enjoy the sauce.
