Surf and Turf Recipe | Creamy American Pan Shrimp Steak

Creamy shrimp and steak, or surf and turf, is the perfect indulgent meal to impress or treat yourself to something special. This mouthwatering combination of tender, juicy steak paired with succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy sauce creates a delightful explosion of flavours. The best part? This easy to make surf and turf recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why Creamy Shrimp and Steak Is So Popular

Creamy shrimp and steak bring together two of the most beloved proteins: beef and seafood. The surf and turf concept is a classic, blending the earthy flavours of a well-seasoned steak with the delicate, buttery taste of shrimp.

The addition of a creamy garlic sauce ties it all together, creating a meal that feels luxurious yet comforting. The contrast of textures, the juicy, tender steak against the tender, slightly chewy shrimp, provides a satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you’re a steak lover, a seafood fan or both, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

To create the best creamy shrimp and steak, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. This makes it a fantastic choice for home cooks looking to whip up something impressive without needing a long shopping list. Here is what you will need:

1. Steak Choose your favourite cut, ribeye, filet mignon or sirloin works well. Aim for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick for the perfect sear.
2. Shrimp Go for medium, peeled and deveined. This ensures they cook quickly and absorb the flavours of the creamy sauce.
3. Creamy Sauce The sauce is the star of this recipe. Made with garlic, cream, and a splash of lemon juice, wine and Worcestershire sauce or white wine, it elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
4. Seasonings A simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne if you like spicy enhances the natural flavours of the steak and shrimp.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to make this delicious, easy-to-make surf and turf meal.

Instructions for Making Surf and Turf Recipe

This easy to make surf and turf recipe comes together in just a few simple steps.

Sear the Steak Start by seasoning the steak generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large  over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Once done, set the steak aside to rest.

Cook the Shrimp In the same skillet, add butter followed by the shrimp, onion and garlic. Sauté until  fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt, paprika and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Make the Creamy Sauce Lower the heat and add the Worcestershire sauce, and wine. Stir then pour in the cream. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens. You can add a splash of chicken broth if it is too thick.

Combine and Serve Add the cooked shrimp back to the creamy sauce and stir to coat then splash with the lemon juice. Slice the rested steak and serve it alongside the creamy shrimp. Drizzle the sauce over the steak for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Creamy Shrimp & Steak (Surf n' Turf)

Tender, flavourful steak seared in butter and seasoning served with a creamy shrimp sauce.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 497 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 medium beef steak about 1.5" thick
• 370 g shrimp deveined, tail off (or 14-15 medium pieces)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil or oil of choice
• 2 tsp garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp onion diced
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp cooking wine
• 1/2 cup half & half
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat then add cooking oil
• Pat dry steak with a paper towel then season generously with salt and black pepper on one side
• Add the steak (salted side facing down then sprinkle more salt and pepper on the top) and sear for about 4 minutes. Flip and sear for another 3 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees (medium) or to your desired doneness.
• Remove from the pan and set aside. Cover with a foil to rest
• In the same pan add the butter to melt followed by the shrimp. Sautee for a few minutes until pink then flip and saute the other side. Add onion and garlic and saute until fragrant.
• Add the cayenne pepper, salt and paprika, and mix well. Add the cooking wine, and Worcestershire sauce, then cook for a minute before adding the cream.
• Let the cream simmer down to a thick consistency.
• Drizzle the lemon juice then remove it from the heat
• Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Please note that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 43gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 335mgSodium: 730mgPotassium: 1490mgFiber: 4gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 3599IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 241mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Beef, Dinner, Fancy Dinner, Shrimp, Steak, Surf and Turf Recipe, Valentine's Day Dinner

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Tips for Making This Easy to Make Surf and Turf at Home

Making a restaurant-quality creamy shrimp and steak at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish comes out perfect every time:

• Choose High-Quality Ingredients Since this dish is simple, using fresh, high quality steak and shrimp make a big difference in the final flavour.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape, this is when they’re done.
• Rest the Steak Letting the steak rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender, juicy bite every time.
• Adjust the Creaminess If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer. For a lighter version, add a splash of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Creamy shrimp and steak is a delightful twist on the classic surf and turf, blending the rich, hearty flavours of steak with the delicate sweetness of shrimp in a luxurious creamy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make surf and turf recipe that promises to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your dinner, this dish is a surefire winner.

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Ready to try this delicious creamy shrimp and steak recipe at home? Gather your ingredients and get cooking! Share your experience with us and let us know how it turned out. This dish is best eaten the same day, however, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of wine or your favourite side like:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best cut of steak to use for surf and turf?

Ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin all work well, ideally at least 1 inch thick for a good sear. Thicker steaks hold up better and stay juicy inside while getting a nice crust outside.

2. How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook fast, so watch for them to turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. That’s your sign they’re done, leaving them longer can make them rubbery.

3. Can I make the sauce without wine?

Yes, the wine mainly adds depth, so you can skip it or swap in a splash of broth instead. The garlic, cream, and Worcestershire still carry plenty of flavor on their own.

4. How can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Simmering it longer makes it thicker, while adding a splash of chicken broth thins it out. This makes it easy to get the consistency you like best.

5. What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed or loaded baked potatoes and asparagus or Brussels sprouts round out the meal nicely. A glass of wine finishes off the restaurant-style experience at home.