Romantic Surf and Turf Steak Shrimp (Print View)
A luxurious meal for two, combining perfectly seared steak with succulent, garlicky shrimp. Ideal for a special occasion.
# Ingredient List:
→ Steak
01 - 2 (6 ounce) filet mignon steaks, approximately 1.5 inches thick
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 0.5 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 0.5 lemon
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
15 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Make:
01 - Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking to allow them to reach room temperature. Thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned steaks into the hot pan. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a rich, deep golden-brown crust has formed.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, fresh thyme sprigs (if using), and crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Continuously spoon the melted butter mixture over the steaks for 1 to 2 minutes, cooking until your desired doneness is achieved (target 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare).
04 - Transfer the cooked steaks to a clean plate. Loosely tent them with aluminum foil and allow them to rest while you prepare the shrimp. This step is crucial for juicy steaks.
05 - If necessary, quickly wipe out any excess residue from the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until its aroma is pronounced.
06 - Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they turn opaque and pink, indicating they are cooked through.
07 - Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and chili flakes (if desired). Season the shrimp with additional salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Carefully place the rested steaks onto serving plates. Top each steak generously with the sautéed garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve this elegant dish immediately for the best experience.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's an incredibly satisfying dish that feels fancy without actually being complicated.
- You'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
02 -
- Letting the steak rest is non-negotiable; it's the secret to keeping all those delicious juices locked inside.
- Shrimp cook very fast, so keep a close eye on them to avoid rubbery disappointment.
03 -
- Invest in a good instant-read thermometer for your steaks; it takes all the guesswork out of achieving perfect doneness.
- For an even richer shrimp sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding shrimp.