Creamy Cajun Surf and Turf Steak

If you are craving something bold and comforting, this is it. It is 6pm and you want a restaurant-quality meal without the bill. This Creamy Cajun Surf and Turf delivers big flavor with very little stress.

You get juicy ribeye and succulent shrimp in one pan. The spicy garlic cream sauce ties everything together perfectly. It is the perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Make This Creamy Cajun Surf and Turf Again

This recipe is a total game-changer for your weekend rotation. It feels fancy but only takes 35 minutes to prepare. You do not need a culinary degree to master this dish.

The flavors are rich and deeply satisfying for a cold Winter evening. It is naturally low-carb and packed with high-quality protein. Your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen.

How This Comes Together

Everything happens in one large skillet for easy cleanup. You sear the steaks first to get a beautiful crust. Then, you use those same pan juices to flavor the shrimp. The sauce builds right on top of those savory bits.

What You’ll Need

Grab these simple pantry staples and fresh proteins from the store.

• 2 (10-ounce) ribeye steaks, room temperature
• 8 large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Pat the steaks dry and season generously with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (135°F/57°C).
4. Remove steaks from the pan and tent with foil to rest.
5. Lower heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter and the shrimp.
6. Season shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and sauté until pink.
7. Remove shrimp and add the remaining butter, garlic, and shallot.
8. Pour in heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning.
9. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Whisk in Parmesan and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth.
11. Return shrimp to the skillet to coat in the sauce.
12. Serve rested steaks topped with the shrimp and fresh parsley.

How to Serve It

This dish is the star of any special occasion table. Serve it over garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. A side of roasted asparagus adds a nice crunch and color. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.

Leftovers & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream if the sauce gets too thick. Do not microwave on high or the shrimp will get rubbery.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Always let your steaks sit at room temperature before cooking.
• Pat the meat very dry to get a perfect sear.
• Do not skip the resting time for the steaks.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat distribution.
• Swap the ribeye for filet mignon for an extra special treat.
• Add a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.
• Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the heavy cream sauce.
• Watch the shrimp closely so they do not overcook.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Try it with scallops instead of shrimp for variety.
• Add fresh spinach to the sauce for a veggie boost.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
• Use chicken thighs if you are on a budget.

Quick Questions

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer for the best results. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F. The temperature will rise slightly while the meat rests.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry. This prevents extra water from thinning out your sauce.

I hope you love this decadent meal as much as I do. It is proof that fancy food can be simple. Give it a try tonight!

— Ethan

Creamy Cajun Surf and Turf Steak

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 845

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 (10-ounce) ribeye steaks, room temperature
• 8 large jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 small shallot , finely minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Method

 

1. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
3. Place steaks in the skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 135°F/57°C). Remove steaks from the pan and tent with foil to rest.
4. Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the shrimp. Season shrimp with 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and sauté until pink and opaque, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and shallot for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce reduces and thickens.
7. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet to coat them in the sauce.
9. Serve the rested steaks topped with the creamy Cajun shrimp mixture and garnish with fresh parsley.