Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp – A Surf & Turf Love Story

There are some dishes that feel more like a celebration than a meal—and for me, garlic butter steak and shrimp is one of them. The first time I made this dish, I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy. It was a cold Friday night, and I had exactly two filet mignons in the fridge and a half-pound of shrimp I’d forgotten about in the freezer. Add some butter, a few cloves of garlic, and a lemon I almost didn’t notice in the fruit basket—and magic happened.

That night, what started out as a last-minute dinner turned into one of my all-time favorite meals. And now, I’m thrilled to share the full experience—and recipe—with you.

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Why Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Is Always a Good Idea

There’s something luxurious about surf and turf. It’s the kind of combo you usually see on a restaurant menu with a hefty price tag, but it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home. Steak on its own is satisfying. Shrimp? Light, buttery, and full of flavor. But the two together, especially under a blanket of garlicky, lemony butter—it’s next level.

Plus, it’s versatile. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating something special, or just treating yourself (as you should!), this recipe works. It’s indulgent without being over-complicated.

And let’s be honest, you’ll feel like a total pro when you pull it off.

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Choosing the Right Steak (and What to Know About It)

When it comes to steak for this dish, I typically go with filet mignon—tender, thick, and quick to cook evenly. It’s also a leaner cut, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter. That said, you’ve got options:

• Ribeye: Juicier, more marbled, and packed with flavor.
• New York Strip: A balance between tenderness and beefy bite.
• Sirloin: More affordable and still tasty with the right sear.

Pro Tip: Let your steaks rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Cold meat = uneven cooking.

Also, pat them dry before seasoning. This step is critical for that mouthwatering, golden crust.

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Let’s Talk Shrimp (Big Flavor, Small Package)

Shrimp is the quiet star of this show. It cooks fast, so it’s perfect for weeknights, but it brings such a buttery ocean-sweet flavor that it instantly elevates the meal.

Look for large shrimp (21–25 count) or jumbo (16–20). Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, with tails on or off depending on your presentation preference.

Frozen or Fresh?
Don’t stress—frozen shrimp works great. Just thaw them in a bowl of cold water for 15–20 minutes. Drain, pat dry, and you’re ready to go.

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The Ingredient Lineup: Simplicity Wins

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe. Most of it might already be in your kitchen:

For the Steak:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (or your favorite cut)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil (for searing)

For the Shrimp:

• ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil or butter for cooking

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best!)
• Zest of half a lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional:

• A splash of white wine (for a richer sauce)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
• Scallops (I like to toss in a few when I really want to impress)

Garnish: Lemon wedges for that final squeeze of brightness.

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Cooking the Perfect Steak: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part—cooking. We’ll start with the steak because it takes the longest, and we want it to rest while we make the shrimp and butter sauce.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Meanwhile, season both sides of your steak generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—the crust is key.

Step 2: Sear Like You Mean It

Once the pan is hot and shimmering, place your steaks in the pan. Do not move them. Let them sear for 3–4 minutes on the first side. You’re building that beautiful golden crust.

Flip and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes (for medium rare—adjust based on your preference).

Want to be precise? Use a meat thermometer:

• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F

Add a small pat of butter during the last minute of cooking and baste it over the steak. It adds flavor and helps caramelize the outside.

Step 3: Rest Time

Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender and juicy.

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Time for the Shrimp: Fast & Flavorful

Shrimp cooks lightning fast—about 2–3 minutes per side—so it’s best to do this just before serving.

Step 1: Clean Pan or Same Pan?

You can use the same pan as the steak if there’s not too much burnt oil. Just wipe it down quickly with a paper towel (careful, it’s hot!), leaving some fond behind for flavor.

Add another tablespoon of oil or butter.

Step 2: Season and Sizzle

Toss shrimp in a bowl with a bit of salt and pepper. Once your pan is hot, place them in a single layer.

Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove from the pan and set aside.

If you’re adding scallops, give them a quick 2–3 minute sear per side as well. They should have a golden crust and feel springy to the touch.

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Crafting the Garlic Butter Sauce

Here’s where everything comes together. That sauce? It’s what makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 1: Butter & Garlic

In the same pan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest. Sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.

Step 2: Add Lemon & Parsley

Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. If you want a little extra depth, add a splash of white wine and let it bubble for a minute to cook off the alcohol.

Give it a quick taste. Want more zing? Add more lemon. Too sharp? A small pat of butter smooths it out.

Now, pour the warm garlic butter over the rested steak and shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges and maybe even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that final flourish.

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The Final Assembly – Bringing the Magic Together

When I plate this dish, I like to do it with a little drama. It’s one of those meals that deserves presentation—especially if you’re making it for someone special (even if that someone is you).

Here’s how I typically serve it:

• Plate the steak in the center, allowing it to soak up some of that garlic butter sauce.
• Nestle the shrimp alongside or slightly overlapping the steak.
• Drizzle the extra sauce generously over the top, letting it run down the sides and into the shrimp.
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge or two of lemon.

The smell alone will have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant.

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Choosing the Right Sides (Don’t Sleep on These!)

While the steak and shrimp are the stars, don’t forget the supporting cast. A well-chosen side can turn this into a balanced, unforgettable dinner.

Here are a few of my go-to pairings:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra garlic butter. Add a dash of sour cream or roasted garlic for extra depth.

Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans

Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and roast until lightly blistered. A squeeze of lemon on top complements the citrus in the sauce.

Buttery Rice Pilaf

Light, fluffy rice with a little onion and herb goes a long way here. You can even spoon the garlic butter sauce right over the rice—perfection.

Crusty Bread

Because you’ll want to mop up every last drop of sauce.

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Tips for Nailing This Recipe Every Time

I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tips that make it bulletproof:

1. Don’t Crowd the Pan

For both steak and shrimp, give them space. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.

2. Use a Cast Iron Skillet

You’ll get a deep, even sear and retain heat beautifully between steak and shrimp.

3. Rest Your Meat

Always rest your steak. It’s tempting to cut right in, but that 5-minute wait locks in the juices.

4. Use Fresh Garlic and Lemon

Powdered garlic won’t cut it here. That fresh, punchy garlic and bright citrus are what make the sauce memorable.

5. Taste Your Sauce

Balance is everything—don’t be afraid to tweak your sauce until it tastes just right.

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Variations to Try Next Time

What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few fun ways to change it up:

Cajun Kick

Add a Cajun seasoning blend to both the steak and shrimp for a spicy, smoky twist. The butter sauce works beautifully with a bit of heat.

Creamy Garlic Butter

Whisk in a splash of heavy cream into the sauce to make it velvety and rich—almost like a scampi-style cream sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped Filet

Take it up a notch by wrapping your filet in bacon before searing. That smoky flavor adds another layer of indulgence.

Add Scallops or Lobster

Turn this into a full-on seafood feast. Sear some scallops or poach a little lobster tail meat in the butter sauce. It’s wildly good.

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Storage, Reheating, and Leftover Ideas

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house), here’s how to make the most of them:

Storage

• Keep steak and shrimp in separate airtight containers.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Reheat steak gently in a skillet with a touch of butter over medium-low heat.
• Shrimp should be reheated just until warm—overheating makes them rubbery.
• Reheat garlic butter separately in a small saucepan.

Leftover Magic

• Slice the steak and shrimp, and toss with pasta and extra butter sauce.
• Serve cold over a Caesar salad with lemony dressing.
• Make steak and shrimp tacos with lime crema and avocado.

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Personal Touch: Why This Recipe Will Always Be Special to Me

I have to admit, this dish has a little emotional weight behind it.

The first time I cooked it was during a particularly tough week. I was exhausted, low on inspiration, and wanted something comforting—but not the usual pasta or soup. I remember turning on some music, opening a bottle of wine, and just letting myself enjoy the rhythm of chopping garlic and flipping steaks.

By the time I sat down to eat, the stress had melted away. There’s something therapeutic about making a beautiful meal just for yourself or someone you love. Ever since then, this recipe has been my go-to reset button.

It’s more than just garlic, butter, and meat—it’s a little reminder to slow down and savor things.

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Follow Me on Pinterest for More Recipes!

If this recipe spoke to your soul (or your stomach), I’d love to have you follow along for more kitchen inspiration. I post all my favorite comforting dishes, quick weeknight meals, and restaurant-style recipes you can make at home.

👉 Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/memorecipes1/

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Ready to Make It? Let’s Recap

Here’s a quick summary before you head into the kitchen:

• Sear your steak until golden and juicy.
• Cook shrimp quickly for that sweet, ocean-fresh flavor.
• Whip up garlic butter sauce with real garlic, lemon, and parsley.
• Combine and serve hot with your favorite sides and a glass of wine.

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Call to Action: Your Turn!

If you give this Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp a try, I want to hear about it! Leave a comment, tag us on social, or snap a photo and share it with someone who deserves a homemade surf and turf experience.

Trust me—you don’t need a restaurant reservation to enjoy something extraordinary tonight.

Happy cooking,
– Your recipe-loving friend at memorecipes 🍽️

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