Description
Steak and Shrimp with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce: A Surf-and-Turf Feast!
Caption:
Indulge in the ultimate surf-and-turf dinner! Juicy steak paired with succulent shrimp, all smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat!
Ingredients:
For the steak:
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the creamy garlic butter sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the steak:
Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
Add butter to the skillet and baste the steaks with the melted butter. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
Cook the shrimp:
In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce:
Melt butter in the skillet and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble and serve:
Return the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Place the steak on a plate and pour the shrimp and sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate dining experience!
Enjoy this luxurious, restaurant-quality surf-and-turf dish at home!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect execution. First, bring your steaks to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels—this is key for a good sear. Season liberally. For the shrimp, ensure they are patted dry as well to avoid steaming. When searing the steak, do not move it for the first 3 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. After removing the steak, let it rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil. Proceed with the shrimp and sauce in the same pan to capture all the delicious browned bits.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the luxurious sauce. Serve over a bed of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, parmesan risotto, or a simple portion of angel hair pasta. For lighter options, consider roasted asparagus, green beans almondine, or a crisp Caesar salad. A crusty baguette is essential for mopping up every last drop of sauce. For wine, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak, while a buttery Chardonnay echoes the sauce’s richness.
How-to Summary
In summary: Season and sear steaks in oil, finish with butter basting, then rest. In the same pan, sauté garlic and cook shrimp until pink; remove. For the sauce, melt butter, sauté garlic, then simmer with cream, parmesan, and seasoning until thickened. Combine shrimp with sauce and pour over sliced steak. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. While ribeye and sirloin are excellent, filet mignon offers tenderness, and New York strip provides a robust flavor. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
2. How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Use medium heat when sautéing the garlic for both the shrimp and sauce. Burnt garlic turns bitter. Add it just as the butter melts and stir constantly.
3. What if my sauce is too thin?
Let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce and thicken. For a quicker fix, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
4. Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can peel and devein the shrimp ahead, storing them covered in the fridge. Measure all your sauce ingredients (mise en place) to streamline the cooking process, which is fast-paced.
5. How do I reheat leftovers without overcooking?
Gently reheat the steak, shrimp, and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave, which can toughen the proteins.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear steaks one or two at a time to ensure a proper crust, not a steam.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. Cook just until opaque and “C”-shaped.
- Adding Cold Cream: Let the heavy cream sit out for 15-20 minutes before using to prevent curdling when added to the hot pan.
- Skipping the Rest: Not letting the steak rest causes the juices to run out on the plate. Always rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grate a block of Parmesan fresh for a smooth melt.
Conclusion
This steak and shrimp with creamy garlic butter sauce is a show-stopping meal that demystifies restaurant-quality surf-and-turf. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and pairing it with thoughtful sides, you can create a memorable dining experience at home. The harmony of juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a decadent, aromatic sauce is well worth the effort. Impress your guests or treat yourself to this ultimate comfort food feast.