Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

When you’re looking to impress with a decadent, restaurant-quality meal at home, look no further than this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy, tender steak meets buttery, golden-seared shrimp in a luxurious garlic cream sauce that ties it all together. It’s a date-night favorite, celebration-worthy dish, and surprisingly simple to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic & Elegant – A timeless pairing of steak and seafood.
Rich Garlic Cream Sauce – Ties the flavors together with velvety smoothness.
Quick to Prepare – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Customizable – Choose your favorite cut of steak and shrimp size.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Or when you just want to treat yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for pan flavor

For the Shrimp:

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Squeeze of lemon juice

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
• Saucepan
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

1. Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add steaks and cook 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
5. Add herbs to the pan during the last minute for aroma.
6. Remove steaks, tent with foil, and let rest while you cook the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked.
4. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and squeeze in lemon juice.
5. Transfer shrimp to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Plate the rested steak and top with shrimp.
2. Generously spoon creamy garlic sauce over both.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Perfect Surf and Turf
Let Steak Rest – Prevents juices from running out and keeps it tender.
Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They turn rubbery if cooked too long.
Use Fresh Garlic – It makes all the difference in the sauce.
Cream Sauce Too Thick? – Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it.
Deglaze the Pan – Use a bit of broth or lemon juice to scrape up steak flavors before cooking shrimp.

Serving Suggestions
With Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes make a rich, satisfying side.
With Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli – Adds a fresh green touch.
Over Pasta – Turn this into a hearty surf and turf Alfredo.
With Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up that extra sauce.
With a Side Salad – For a crisp, refreshing balance.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Sauce may thicken in the fridge—add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat steak and shrimp gently over low heat.
• Sauce: Warm in a saucepan with a little extra cream to loosen.
• Avoid microwave for shrimp—reheat carefully to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Yes! Scallops or even lobster tail make great alternatives.

2. What’s the best steak cut for surf and turf?
Ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin all work beautifully.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes—just reheat gently and whisk before serving.

4. Is there a dairy-free version?
Use plant-based cream and butter alternatives, but note the flavor will vary.

5. What wine pairs well with this dish?
Try a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or dry Rosé to complement the rich flavors.

Final Thoughts
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of meal that transforms any night into a celebration. Rich steak, buttery shrimp, and a silky garlic cream sauce—every bite feels luxurious. It’s easier to make than you think, and always delivers gourmet-level satisfaction.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your surf and turf masterpiece.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American Steakhouse

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 45g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 35g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 590mg

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