Description
Surf & Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
4 small filet mignons (or medallion steaks)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Shrimp:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
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Instructions:
Cook the Steak:
Season steaks with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust for desired doneness.
Add butter and baste the steaks during the last minute of cooking. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, heat olive oil.
Season shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Garnish:
Return the steaks and shrimp to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve:
Serve hot with your favorite side, like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Pat steaks and shrimp dry. Season steaks generously. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add steaks. Do not move them for 3-4 minutes to form a crust. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Add butter, tilt pan, and baste steaks for 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
4. Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and whisk, scraping up browned bits. Whisk in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3-4 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Season.
5. Final Assembly: Return steaks and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon sauce over everything and warm for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Plate this elegant dish with sides that complement the rich sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or parmesan risotto are classic choices. For a lighter option, try roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. A crusty baguette is essential for soaking up every last drop of the creamy garlic sauce.
How-to Summary
Create restaurant-quality surf and turf by searing seasoned steaks, then sautéing spiced shrimp in the same pan. Build a luxurious sauce with garlic, cream, and Parmesan in the flavorful drippings. Reunite everything in the skillet, warm through, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Ribeye or New York strip work well. Adjust cooking time for thickness.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let it simmer a bit longer. For a quick fix, create a slurry with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water, whisk into the simmering sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components separately, but assemble and sauce just before serving for best texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work but will yield a thinner, less rich sauce. Do not use milk.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the food instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Moving the Steak Too Soon: Let it sear undisturbed to develop a flavorful crust.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: They cook very quickly. Remove them as soon as they are opaque.
- Adding Cold Cream to a Hot Pan Too Fast: This can cause curdling. Pour cream in slowly while whisking.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate your cheese.
Conclusion
This Surf & Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce proves that a luxurious, impressive dinner is entirely achievable in your own kitchen. By mastering a few key techniques—proper searing, sequential cooking, and building a pan sauce—you create a harmonious dish where the sum is greater than its parts. The rich, garlicky sauce elegantly ties the tender steak and succulent shrimp together, making it a perfect centerpiece for a special occasion or a memorable weeknight treat.