Description
Surf & Turf Alfredo
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
2 ribeye or filet mignon steaks (about 8 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, smashed
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
For the Shrimp:
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
4 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine pasta
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Pat the steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust to your preferred doneness).
Lower the heat, add butter, garlic, and thyme sprigs. Baste the steaks with the melted butter for 1–2 minutes.
Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Toss shrimp with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil.
In the same skillet, cook shrimp over medium heat for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
In a clean skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with the Alfredo sauce.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Plate the fettuccine Alfredo as the base.
Top with sliced steak and cooked shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Pair this luxurious dish with a glass of red wine
or crisp white wine
for the ultimate dining experience!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for a perfectly timed and executed meal. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. As it heats, prepare your ingredients: season the steak, toss the shrimp, and mince the garlic. Cook the steak first, as it needs time to rest. While it rests, cook the shrimp in the same pan to build flavor. Remove the shrimp and immediately start your Alfredo sauce in a clean pan. Once the sauce is simmering, add your pasta to the boiling water. The goal is to have the creamy sauce ready just as the pasta reaches al dente. Finally, slice the rested steak, toss the pasta with the sauce, and assemble.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this rich dish on warmed plates to keep it hot. A simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For vegetables, roasted asparagus or garlic sautéed spinach are excellent choices. As noted, a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak, while a crisp Chardonnay pairs well with the shrimp and Alfredo. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing.
How-to Summary
In short: Season and sear steak, then baste with butter. Set aside to rest. Cook seasoned shrimp in the same pan. Make Alfredo sauce by simmering cream and butter, then whisking in Parmesan. Boil fettuccine until al dente. Toss pasta with sauce, then top with sliced steak and shrimp. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Ribeye offers rich marbling, while filet mignon is tender. Sirloin or New York strip are also great, budget-friendly options.
How can I prevent my Alfredo sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat low after adding the cheese. Never let it boil vigorously. Use full-fat cream and freshly grated Parmesan, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause graininess.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
You can season the steak and shrimp, and grate the cheese ahead. However, for best results, cook everything fresh. The Alfredo sauce is best made just before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A combination of whole milk and cream cheese can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich and stable. Reduce the milk slowly before adding the cream cheese to mimic the texture.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating will likely cause the sauce to separate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Searing the steak in a pan that’s too small steams it instead of creating a proper crust.
- Not Letting the Steak Rest: Slicing immediately causes all the flavorful juices to run out onto the plate.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt smoothly into the Alfredo sauce, resulting in a grainy texture.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They become rubbery very quickly. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Rinsing the Pasta: This washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Conclusion
This Surf & Turf Alfredo is a show-stopping meal that combines the best of land and sea in one luxurious, creamy dish. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can execute it seamlessly for a special occasion or an impressive weekend dinner. The key lies in quality ingredients, proper technique, and timing. With its rich flavors and elegant presentation, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.