Romantic Surf and Turf Steak Shrimp (Printable)
Savor tender, seared steak crowned with buttery, garlicky shrimp. An elegant combination, ideal for a special dinner or romantic evening.
# What You'll Need:
→ Steak
01 - 2 (6 oz) filet mignon steaks, approximately 1½ inches thick
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
07 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed
→ Shrimp
08 - 8 large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - Juice of ½ lemon
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
15 - Salt, to taste
16 - Black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
17 - Lemon wedges
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make It:
01 - Remove steaks from refrigeration 30 minutes prior to cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. Pat the steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned steaks to the hot pan. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes, achieving a deep golden-brown crust.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, fresh thyme sprigs (if using), and crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Baste the steaks continuously with the melted butter for 1 to 2 minutes, cooking to your desired doneness (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare). Transfer the finished steaks to a plate, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and allow them to rest while preparing the shrimp.
04 - If necessary, wipe out any excess fond or burnt bits from the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan over medium heat.
05 - Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant. Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink.
06 - Stir in the lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes (if using). Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution.
07 - Place the rested steaks onto individual serving plates. Top each steak with the sautéed garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- It's surprisingly easy to achieve a gourmet meal that will truly impress, without needing a culinary degree.
- The combination of tender, juicy steak and succulent garlicky shrimp is an absolute dream team for your taste buds.
02 -
- Letting the steak rest is absolutely non-negotiable; skipping this step means all those lovely juices will run out onto your plate instead of staying in your meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; they'll steam instead of sear, and you'll miss out on that amazing tender-crisp texture.
03 -
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your exact preference every single time; it takes all the guesswork out.
- For an extra layer of flavor, melt a tiny knob of compound herb butter over the resting steak.