Description
Surf and Turf Skillet with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A Luxurious One-Pan Meal for Special Occasions!
This surf and turf dish combines juicy steak medallions, succulent shrimp, and a decadent creamy garlic sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
4 filet mignon medallions
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and paprika to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Sear the Steak:
Season the steak medallions with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the shrimp, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything:
Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet for an elegant presentation.
Pro Tip: Pair this dish with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy garlic sauce!
Enjoy this Surf and Turf Skillet with Creamy Garlic Sauce—a perfect blend of land and sea flavors!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Pat steak medallions and shrimp dry. Season steak generously with salt and pepper. Season shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Mince garlic and grate Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.
2. Sear Steak Perfectly: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add steaks, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to form a crust, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Cook Shrimp: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and curled. Remove and place with the steak.
4. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to incorporate any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Finish the Sauce: Whisk in grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Final Assembly: Return the steak and any accumulated juices to the skillet, along with the shrimp. Spoon the sauce over everything and let it simmer together for 1-2 minutes to reheat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this luxurious skillet directly at the table for a dramatic presentation. Ideal pairings include:
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or parmesan risotto.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans.
- A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Chardonnay.
How-to Summary
Season and sear steak medallions, then set aside. In the same pan, sauté seasoned shrimp and set aside. Build a creamy garlic sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, while filet mignon is classic, ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin medallions work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning? Ensure the heat is at medium when sautéing the minced garlic, and stir constantly. It should become fragrant quickly; remove from heat if it starts to brown.
What if my sauce is too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a little more Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken it.
Can I prepare any elements ahead of time? You can season the steak and shrimp, and mince the garlic ahead. However, for best results, cook the dish just before serving.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Skillet: Searing too many steaks at once steams them instead of creating a flavorful crust. Cook in batches if needed.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are opaque to prevent toughness.
- Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Always grate fresh Parmesan for a smooth melt.
- Not Letting the Steak Rest: Allowing the steak to rest after searing ensures juicy, tender meat. Skipping this step lets the juices run out.
Conclusion
This Surf and Turf Skillet with Creamy Garlic Sauce proves that a spectacular, restaurant-worthy meal is entirely achievable in your own kitchen. By mastering a few simple techniques—like achieving a perfect sear and building a luxurious pan sauce—you create a harmonious blend of land and sea flavors. This one-pan wonder is perfect for impressing guests or making an ordinary evening feel like a celebration. With careful preparation and attention to the details outlined above, your result will be a decadent, memorable dish that everyone will love.