Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Treat yourself to a restaurant-style dinner at home with this luxurious Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Perfectly seared steak and tender shrimp come together in a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that’s perfect for special occasions, romantic nights, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Flavor-Packed – Juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and a rich garlic cream sauce.
Simple Ingredients – Easy to find, no complicated steps.
Quick Cooking – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Perfect for Date Night – Looks fancy, tastes amazing.
Customizable – Choose your favorite cut of steak and preferred shrimp size.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak & Shrimp:

• 2 beef steaks (ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin – 6 to 8 oz each)
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for the shrimp)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or parsley

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth, optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Sides for Serving:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice
• Steamed or roasted asparagus
• Buttered green beans
• Crusty bread to mop up the sauce

Tools You’ll Need
Cast iron skillet or large pan
Tongs or spatula
Small saucepan (for the sauce, if cooking separately)
Meat thermometer (optional)
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Steak
Remove steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add steak and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for desired doneness).
Use tongs to sear the edges if using a thick cut.
Transfer steak to a plate and tent with foil to rest.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed.
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sauté shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Remove from skillet and set aside with the steak.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet.
Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard (if using).
Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet and warm briefly in the sauce.
Serve steak on a plate with shrimp and a generous spoonful of creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with your chosen sides.

Tips for Perfect Surf and Turf
Use High-Quality Steak – Ribeye, filet, or sirloin works beautifully.
Don’t Overcook – Use a thermometer for perfect doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
Let the Steak Rest – This helps retain juices and keeps it tender.
Use Large Shrimp – They cook quickly and stay juicy.
Cream Sauce Consistency – Don’t boil the cream too hard; simmer gently to thicken.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing for steak and sauce.
Over Pasta – Turn this into a creamy surf and turf pasta dish.
With Grilled Vegetables – A light, fresh contrast to the richness.
As a Special Plated Dinner – Serve with elegant touches like a microgreen salad.
With Sparkling Water or Lemonade – For a refreshing balance.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the steak and shrimp separate from sauce for best results.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently reheat steak and shrimp in a skillet over low heat.
Sauce: Reheat slowly, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen.
Microwave: Use low power and short bursts to avoid drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grill the steak and shrimp instead?
Yes! Grill steak to your desired doneness and cook shrimp on skewers. Make sauce separately and drizzle over when serving.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

3. What’s the best wine to pair with this?
A non-alcoholic white grape juice or sparkling apple cider works beautifully for a sophisticated touch without alcohol.

4. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Final Thoughts
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate in home-cooked luxury. With tender steak, buttery shrimp, and a luscious sauce that ties it all together, it’s a meal that feels special yet doesn’t require a chef’s skills. Whether it’s a date night, celebration, or you just want to treat yourself, this recipe will leave you fully satisfied and seriously impressed.

Give it a try, and turn your kitchen into a fine-dining experience—one plate at a time.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American / Fine Dining

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 2):
Calories: 620 | Protein: 46g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 44g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 540mg

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