There’s something undeniably magical about a surf and turf dinner. It’s the kind of dish that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting—perfect for celebrating life’s little wins or pulling out all the stops for someone special. For me, this recipe brings back memories of cool-weather evenings spent gathered around the dinner table, the kitchen still warm from cooking, and laughter echoing off the walls.

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The combination of tender steak and succulent shrimp feels like a love letter to indulgence. And when you add in a creamy garlic sauce that’s velvety and rich, it takes everything to the next level. This dish has that perfect balance of elegance and heartiness. It’s fancy enough for a date night at home but simple enough that you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all evening.

While surf and turf might be seen as a “special occasion” meal, I truly believe we can—and should—create our own occasions. Light a candle, pour a sparkling mocktail, and turn an ordinary night into something memorable. This recipe helps you do exactly that.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Perfectly balanced flavors – Juicy, seared steak pairs beautifully with buttery shrimp, all wrapped in a creamy garlic sauce.
Quick and impressive – This meal comes together faster than you’d think, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours.
Restaurant quality at home – Skip the reservation and the bill—this dish brings that high-end steakhouse experience to your own kitchen.
Versatile and customizable – Use your favorite cut of steak or shrimp size, and pair it with veggies or mashed potatoes.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Steak and Shrimp:

2 beef steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon), about 1 inch thick
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE SURF AND TURF WITH CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep the steak
Let your steaks come to room temperature—this helps them cook more evenly. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the steaks
In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, place the steaks in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. I like mine medium-rare, so I pull them around the 125–130°F internal temp mark. Remove and let them rest while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the creamy garlic sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about a minute to cook off the raw taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until it’s smooth, rich, and irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Plate and serve
Return the shrimp to the pan to warm through. Serve the steak with a generous spoonful of garlic cream sauce over the top, and pile the shrimp alongside (or right on top!). Sprinkle with chopped parsley for that fresh pop of color.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Let the steak rest – Don’t skip this! Resting helps the juices redistribute and keeps your steak tender and flavorful.
Use fresh shrimp – Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp will give the best texture and flavor.
Thicken the sauce – If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
Grate your own Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated will give you that dreamy, velvety texture.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: High Protein

NOTES:

You can easily double this recipe if you’re cooking for more people—just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the steak or shrimp. Want to add a side? Garlic mashed potatoes or a simple roasted asparagus pair beautifully with the creamy richness of the sauce.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Estimated per serving
Calories: 720
Protein: 45g
Fat: 52g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. You can swap out the steak for lamb or even chicken breast, and use scallops instead of shrimp if you’re feeling fancy.

Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! It’s rich and garlicky with a little kick from the paprika. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using a plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan, though the flavor and texture may vary a bit.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. I don’t recommend freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

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CONCLUSION

Surf and turf with creamy garlic sauce is one of those meals that instantly makes the evening feel special. It’s cozy yet elegant, indulgent yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love or just treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), this recipe never fails to impress. So go ahead—grab your skillet, pour some sparkling juice, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner right at home.