Description
Garlic Herb Butter Steak and Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 ribeye steak (10 oz or 280g)
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the steak:
Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the steak:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your preference. Remove from skillet and let it rest.
3. Cook the shrimp:
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the garlic herb butter:
Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and serve:
Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet, spoon the garlic herb butter over them, and let them warm for a minute.
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed sequence. First, ensure your steak is at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking; this ensures even searing. Pat it extremely dry—this is crucial for a good crust. Season aggressively with salt and pepper just before it hits the pan. Heat your skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high until the oil shimmers. Sear the steak without moving it for 4-5 minutes to develop a deep brown crust, then flip. Add the butter for basting during the last minute of cooking the second side. Remove the steak to a plate to rest, tented loosely with foil. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp as instructed, ensuring not to crowd them. Finally, create the sauce by gently cooking the garlic and herbs in butter until aromatic but not browned.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious garlic herb butter. Consider serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy jasmine rice, or buttery pasta. For a lighter option, roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp arugula salad provide a fresh contrast. Don’t forget the lemon wedges—a squeeze of fresh juice brightens the entire plate. For a restaurant-style presentation, slice the rested steak against the grain before arranging it on a platter with the shrimp and drizzling all the pan sauce over the top.
How-to Summary
In brief: Bring steak to room temp and pat dry. Sear in hot oil until desired doneness, then rest. In the same pan, sauté shrimp until pink. Make a quick sauce by cooking garlic and fresh herbs in butter. Return steak and shrimp to the pan, coat with sauce, and serve immediately with lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, New York strip, filet mignon, or sirloin work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness and fat content.
How do I know when the shrimp are done? Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? You can, but use only 1/3 the amount (about 1/3 tsp each), as dried herbs are more potent. The flavor of fresh is superior for this sauce.
Why is resting the steak important? Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut it immediately, the juices will run out onto the plate, leaving the steak dry.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can compound the garlic herb butter in advance. Form it into a log on parchment paper, chill, and slice discs to melt over the hot steak and shrimp just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying the steak thoroughly, which prevents a proper sear.
- Moving the steak constantly in the pan instead of letting it develop a crust.
- Overcrowding the skillet with shrimp, which steams them instead of sautéing.
- Burning the garlic by cooking the sauce over too high heat; garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.
- Slicing the steak immediately after cooking, which releases all the flavorful juices.
Conclusion
This Garlic Herb Butter Steak and Shrimp recipe is an impressive yet approachable meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen. The key lies in the simple technique of building layers of flavor in one pan, culminating in the rich, aromatic butter sauce that ties everything together. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a truly special dinner that is sure to become a favorite. The combination of juicy, perfectly cooked steak and succulent shrimp bathed in garlic herb butter is simply unbeatable.