Steak and shrimp — the classic surf and turf — is seared steak and juicy shrimp tossed together in a rich garlic butter sauce, and it’s easy to make at home in about 30 minutes. This one-skillet version tastes like a steakhouse dinner for a fraction of the price, with big garlicky, buttery flavor in every bite.
What Is Steak and Shrimp (Surf and Turf)?
Surf and turf simply pairs seafood with red meat — here, tender steak and plump shrimp. It’s a restaurant favorite because the two cook quickly and complement each other: the beef brings a savory, meaty depth while the shrimp stay sweet and tender. A garlic butter sauce ties them together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One skillet, ~30 minutes — fast enough for a weeknight.
- Steakhouse flavor at home — for a fraction of the cost.
- High-protein and low-carb on its own.
- Easy to dress up — serve over pasta or rice for a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
Steak: sirloin is budget-friendly and tender; ribeye is richer if you want to splurge. Shrimp: large or jumbo, peeled and deveined, cook fast so they stay juicy. Garlic butter is the heart of the dish, and a squeeze of lemon brightens everything at the end.
Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the steak dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over high heat.
- Sear the steak 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked to your liking (145°F for medium), then remove.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and garlic, then add the shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Return the steak to the pan, add the lemon juice and parsley, and toss everything in the garlic butter for 1 minute.
- Serve hot on its own or over rice or pasta.
Notes
How to Cook Steak and Shrimp
The key is cooking them separately so each is perfect. Sear the steak hot and fast, then pull it before it overcooks. Shrimp need only a few minutes — they’re done the moment they turn pink and curl. Bringing both back together in the garlic butter at the end keeps the steak juicy and the shrimp tender.
Easy Variations
- Cajun: add Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Steak and shrimp pasta: toss with fettuccine and a splash of cream.
- Hibachi-style: serve over fried rice with a yum-yum sauce.
- Kabobs: thread and grill for a summer version.
Tips for the Best Results
- Pat everything dry so it sears instead of steaming.
- Use high heat for the steak and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — pull them the moment they’re pink.
- Finish with lemon to balance the richness.
What to Serve With It
Steak and shrimp is a full plate on its own, but it’s fantastic with garlic mashed potatoes, rice, buttered pasta, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad and crusty bread round out a steakhouse-style dinner. For a special-occasion feel, add a wedge of warm garlic bread and a light dessert to turn it into a full celebration meal.
Choosing the Right Cuts
For the beef, sirloin gives you tenderness at a friendly price, while ribeye or New York strip add more marbling and richness. For the seafood, reach for large or jumbo shrimp — they stay juicy and do not overcook as fast as small ones. Fresh or frozen both work; if using frozen, thaw and pat them very dry so they sear rather than steam.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is overcooking the shrimp — they need only a couple of minutes and turn rubbery fast. Cooking the beef and seafood together is another; they finish at different times, so sear them separately. Skipping the pat-dry step leaves everything wet and pale instead of golden, and crowding the pan drops the heat and steams the food. Give each ingredient room and high heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the shrimp don’t turn rubbery. Always cook steak and shrimp to safe temperatures, following foodsafety.gov’s guidance.
Calories & Nutrition
A serving has roughly 430 calories and about 44g of protein (estimated). On its own it’s naturally low-carb; the carbs come from whatever you serve alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is steak and shrimp called?
The combination of steak and seafood is known as surf and turf.
What is the best steak for steak and shrimp?
Sirloin is a great budget choice; ribeye is richer and more tender.
How do you keep shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them just 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, and pull them right away.
Can I serve it over pasta?
Yes — it’s delicious tossed with fettuccine and a little cream or garlic butter.