If you’re looking to impress someone or just treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal, this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the way to go. Picture perfectly seared steak paired with succulent shrimp, all smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and totally indulgent. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy date night at home, this dish has “wow factor” written all over it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate combination of two favorite proteins: juicy steak and tender shrimp. The creamy garlic sauce brings everything together with its smooth, buttery richness that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make—no need for fancy equipment or long prep times. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet dinner on your table that tastes like it came straight from a 5-star restaurant.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at the main ingredients, and the full list is below!
- Ribeye or filet mignon steak (or your favorite cut)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
For the full list and exact measurements, see below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Steak
Start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the steak in the pan. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side (or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once it’s melted, add the shrimp to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Now, it’s time to make that dreamy garlic sauce. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, and bring it to a simmer. Once the sauce thickens a bit, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet, and spoon some of that creamy garlic sauce over the top. Let everything heat through for a minute or two, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Steak: Let your steak rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Creamy Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
- Shrimp Perfection: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly! As soon as they turn pink, they’re done.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Steak Options: Feel free to swap the ribeye or filet mignon for another cut of steak, like sirloin or New York strip.
- Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can replace them with scallops or even lobster tail for an extra indulgent twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free sauce, you can use coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Surf and Turf dish is rich enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. If you want to add a little more elegance to your meal, serve it with a glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Merlot, to complement the flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the steak and shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overheat the shrimp.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye or filet mignon are great for this recipe, you can use any steak you like, such as sirloin, T-bone, or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your cut. - Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding it to the steak and shrimp. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well as a substitute.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect combination of indulgent flavors with a little bit of elegance. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this dish will not disappoint. With its tender steak, succulent shrimp, and velvety garlic sauce, every bite is a little taste of luxury. Enjoy!
Print
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Seared, Simmered
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce features perfectly seared steak paired with succulent shrimp, all smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce. It’s an indulgent, restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any special occasion or cozy date night.
Ingredients
- Steak (Ribeye or filet mignon, or your favorite cut) – 2 steaks (about 6 oz each)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 12 large shrimp
- Butter – 2 tablespoons (divided)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Garlic (fresh or minced) – 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – 1/2 cup
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup (grated)
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the steak and let it rest.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese, stir until smooth, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring It All Together: Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and heat everything through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Perfect Steak: Let your steak rest after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- Sauce Thickness: Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker consistency or add more chicken broth for a lighter texture.
- Shrimp: Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of the recipe
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg