Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy seared steak paired with tender shrimp, all brought together with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce—this dish is luxury on a plate. Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-Worthy at Home – Elegant, flavorful, and easy to make.
Fast & Impressive – Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.
Perfect Flavor Pairing – Savory beef, succulent shrimp, and creamy garlic sauce are a match made in heaven.
Customizable – Choose your favorite steak cut or swap the shrimp for scallops or chicken.
Crowd-Pleaser – A dish that everyone at the table will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye or strip steaks (1-inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp butter (for basting)

For the Shrimp:

• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice
• Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Cutting board and knife
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add steaks and sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness).
Add butter and baste the steaks in the last minute.
Transfer steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add a little olive oil if needed, then cook shrimp in a single layer.
Season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Slice the steak if desired and plate with shrimp.
Spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over both.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Surf and Turf
Let Steak Rest – Always allow at least 5 minutes of rest after cooking for juicy results.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They only need 1–2 minutes per side.
Use Fresh Garlic – It brings deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Balance the Sauce – Add a splash of lemon juice if it feels too rich.
Prep Ahead – Season the proteins and prep the sauce ingredients in advance for quicker cooking.

Serving Suggestions
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Ideal for soaking up the garlic sauce.
Garlic Butter Pasta – Rich, indulgent, and perfect with surf and turf.
Steamed or Roasted Veggies – Adds freshness and balances the richness.
Caesar or Garden Salad – Serve on the side for a complete, refreshing meal.
Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread – Don’t let any of that creamy sauce go to waste!

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store steak, shrimp, and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze: Freeze cooked steak and shrimp (without sauce) for up to 1 month. The sauce is best made fresh.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently reheat steak and shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Warm sauce separately and stir well.
Microwave: Reheat in short intervals on medium power, adding a splash of cream to the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
   Ribeye, strip, or filet mignon are all great choices for their tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.
3. Can I make the sauce lighter?
   You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be thinner.
4. What if I don’t have Parmesan?
   You can use grated Romano or a mild white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! Just make sure your Parmesan and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. With juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a rich, garlicky sauce, it’s a recipe that elevates any dinner into something truly special. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together—even on a weeknight.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your creations and tag them so I can see your delicious results.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 42g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 38g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 620mg

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