Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce: A Surf & Turf Sensation 🌶️🍋

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce—a bold surf-and-turf combo that pairs juicy, seared steak with succulent shrimp in a rich, Cajun-spiced cream sauce. This dish is a flavor-packed masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2–4 ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin steaks (6–8 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce:
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ÂĽ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a gourmet twist)
- ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook the Perfect Steak
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large, heavy skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness (135°F/57°C for medium-rare).
- In the last minute, add smashed garlic and thyme/rosemary (if using) to the pan. Tilt the skillet and spoon the flavorful pan juices over the steaks.
- Remove steaks to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Cajun Shrimp
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring an even coating.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun spice if desired.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce and warm through.
- Plate and Serve
- Slice steaks (if desired) and arrange on plates. Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, Cajun fries, or fluffy rice.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Pro Tips
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer for precision—135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference or add a pinch of cayenne for extra fire.
- Sidekick Suggestions: Pair with roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the rich flavors perfectly.
This Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is the ultimate indulgence for date nights, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself. Ready to dive into this flavor explosion? Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! 🍤🥩