Description
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.
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.
Ingredients
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)
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.
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.