If you’re craving a meal that feels indulgent yet achievable, this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is exactly what you need. Juicy, perfectly seared steak paired with tender shrimp and finished with a velvety garlic cream sauce creates a balance of bold, comforting flavors. Ideal for special occasions, date nights, or when you simply want to elevate dinner, this recipe brings steakhouse quality straight to your kitchen—without stress or complicated steps.
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Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye or strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter (for basting)
For the Shrimp
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice
- Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
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2. Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting as needed for thickness. During the last minute, add butter and baste the steaks. Remove from the skillet, tent loosely with foil, and let rest.
3. Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Finish with fresh lemon juice and set aside.
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4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken for 3–5 minutes, then season to taste.
5. Assemble and Serve
Slice the steak if desired. Plate with shrimp and spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
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Pro Tips
- Always rest steak after cooking to lock in juices
- Use fresh garlic for the most flavorful sauce
- Avoid overcrowding shrimp to ensure proper searing
- Simmer sauce longer for a thicker consistency
Why This Recipe Works
- Combines rich protein flavors with a balanced, creamy sauce
- Quick enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests
- Uses simple ingredients with impressive results
- Easily customizable to different tastes and diets
Substitutions & Variations
- Seafood Swap: Use scallops or lobster instead of shrimp
- Grilled Version: Grill the steak for a smoky flavor
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or salad
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Make-Ahead: Sauce can be prepared one day in advance
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop; add a splash of cream if needed
Serving Ideas
- Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce
- Light pasta tossed with olive oil
- Roasted vegetables for color and texture
- Fresh lemon wedges for brightness
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~750
- Protein: ~50g
- Fat: ~50g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Sodium: ~800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What steak cut works best?
Ribeye and strip steaks offer the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
Can the sauce be made lighter?
Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Cook just until pink and opaque—shrimp cook very quickly.
This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience. With tender steak, juicy shrimp, and a luxurious garlic cream sauce, every bite feels indulgent yet comforting. It’s a recipe you’ll return to whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- heavy skillet or cast iron pan
- saucepan
- tongs
- meat thermometer (optional)
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or strip steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp butter (for basting)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Let rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Add butter during the last minute and baste. Remove and rest under foil.
- Lower heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Cook shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque. Finish with lemon juice.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season to taste.
- Slice steak if desired and plate with shrimp. Spoon creamy garlic sauce over the top and garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
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