Steak and Creamy Garlic Shrimp: A Special Dinner (Print Version)

Steak and Creamy Garlic Shrimp makes an unforgettable meal. My simple recipe brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen, perfect for a special night.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - Steak (2 sirloin or ribeye cuts, 1-inch thick)
02 - Large Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, tails on or off)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

03 - Heavy Cream (1 cup)
04 - Garlic (6-8 cloves, minced)
05 - Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp)

→ Flavor Builders

06 - Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
07 - Salt (to taste)
08 - Black Pepper (to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
10 - Lemon Wedge (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that steak ready. Pat your sirloin or ribeye completely dry with paper towels—this is super important for a good sear! Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while you prep everything else. This helps them cook more evenly. While that's happening, make sure your shrimp are thawed and patted dry too. I always forget to pat the shrimp dry, and then they steam instead of sear, which is just sad.
02 - Heat your heaviest skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite here!) over high heat until it's smoking slightly. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place your steaks in the pan. Don't crowd it! Sear for 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your preferred doneness. You want a beautiful, crusty brown exterior. This is where the kitchen usually gets a little smoky for me, but the smell is just divine! I sometimes mess up the timing, but practice makes it easier.
03 - Once your steaks have reached your desired doneness, remove them from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This step is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy steak. Honestly, I used to skip this, and my steaks were always a bit tougher. Trust me on this one, patience is key for amazing Steak and Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
04 - While the steak is resting, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be super careful not to burn it; burnt garlic tastes bitter, and that’s a real bummer for the creamy garlic shrimp sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes. The aroma here is just incredible, truly the heart of the dish.
05 - Add your patted-dry shrimp to the simmering creamy garlic sauce. Cook for only 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. They cook super fast, so don't walk away! Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and sad, and we don't want that for our Steak and Creamy Garlic Shrimp. I once got distracted and my shrimp were a little tough, a moment I still regret! Stir gently to coat them in that luscious sauce.
06 - Slice your rested steaks against the grain into thick pieces. Arrange the sliced steak on plates, then spoon a generous amount of the creamy garlic shrimp and sauce right alongside or on top of the steak. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The vibrant green of the parsley, the rich brown of the steak, and the pink of the shrimp just look so inviting. It smells like a fancy restaurant, but it’s all yours!

# Notes:

01 - Always bring your steak to room temperature before searing for a more even cook; it makes a huge difference.
02 - For leftovers, gently reheat the creamy garlic shrimp sauce on the stovetop to prevent it from separating.
03 - If you're out of fresh parsley, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can work in a pinch for flavor, though fresh is best for brightness.
04 - Serving this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes is my absolute favorite way to make it a truly complete and comforting meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - tongs
05 - small whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 750 kcal
Total Fat: 55g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 55g

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