A Luxurious Surf-and-Turf Delight
Treat yourself and your loved ones to this indulgent dish combining juicy, perfectly cooked steaks and tender shrimp, all smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a romantic date night, a celebratory dinner, or even just to elevate your weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For the Steaks:
- 2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or New York strip—choose your favorite cut)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for searing
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (block Parmesan preferred for flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Steaks
- Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a great sear. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
- Heat the Skillet: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) and heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Sear: Add the steaks to the hot skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust timing based on thickness and desired doneness):
- Rare: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium-well: 150°F (65°C)
- Baste (Optional): For extra flavor, during the last minute of cooking, add a small pat of butter to the pan and spoon it over the steaks.
- Rest: Transfer the steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting redistributes the juices and keeps the steaks tender.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet (do not clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid overcooking as garlic burns quickly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery.
- Remove Shrimp: Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Deglaze the Skillet: If the pan is dry, add a splash of heavy cream to loosen any stuck-on bits before adding the rest of the cream.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens. This will take 2–3 minutes.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. For added brightness, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return Shrimp to the Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back into the creamy sauce, stirring to coat them evenly.
- Warm the Steaks: Place the seared steaks back into the skillet briefly to warm them, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Plate: Serve the steaks with shrimp and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously poured over both.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce.
- Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy, flavorful rice is an excellent complement.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, flavorful side.
- Pasta: Serve over linguine or fettuccine for a surf-and-turf pasta twist.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every bit of the delicious sauce!
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the steaks and shrimp in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Customize: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra depth.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as the shrimp may become rubbery.
Wine Pairing
Pair this dish with a full-bodied white wine (like Chardonnay) or a medium-bodied red wine (like Pinot Noir) to complement the richness of the sauce and the savory notes of the steak.
Enjoy every decadent bite of this Garlic Parmesan Steak & Shrimp in Creamy Sauce—a perfect harmony of flavors and textures! Let me know if you’d like any further tips or adjustments!