The day started like any other. The sun was shining through our kitchen window in sunny San Diego, warming my spirit as I juggled breakfast for Mateo and Camila. Camila, my little helper, had flour all over her face again, giggling as her brother chanted, “Pancakes for lunch, Mama!” While I love quick meals for busy mornings, I was daydreaming of something a bit more special for dinner—something rich and delicious to celebrate the end of our chaotic day. That’s when I decided to make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce, a dish that never fails to impress and comfort. The combination of juicy steak and succulent shrimp in a velvety garlic sauce is a true crowd-pleaser, even for my wild little ones!
Why It Works
This recipe keeps making its way into our weekly routine. Here’s what makes it special: not only is it an impressive dish for date nights or dinners with friends, but it also comes together quickly, making it manageable even for busy evenings. The creamy garlic sauce has a richness that envelops both the steak and shrimp, creating an irresistible union of flavors. Plus, my husband Luis always says, “You can’t go wrong with meat and seafood!”—and you know what? He’s right! Many of our family dinners end with Mateo asking for seconds, and that’s my favorite confirmation that I’ve made a winner.
Ingredients List
1 lb ribeye steak or your choice of steak
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt, to taste
1 tsp black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient Swaps
If you don’t have ribeye on hand, feel free to use sirloin or even filet mignon for a luxurious touch. For the shrimp, any peeled and deveined variety works wonderfully—though I tend to stick with large shrimp for the best texture. If you’re watching your dairy intake, plant-based cream can be used instead of heavy cream, but it may alter the flavor just a tad. Sometimes, I sprinkle in a bit of lemon zest for freshness, which truly brightens up the dish!
How to Make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start off by seasoning the ribeye steak with salt and black pepper on both sides. I let Mateo sprinkle the salt, which he takes as his culinary duty!
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare. Once you take it off the heat, let it rest for a few minutes—trust me, it’s worth it for the juiciness!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This gives the kitchen that beautiful aroma, making everyone curious about dinner!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. My little ones love to watch as it transforms into a luscious sauce, and they’re always ready with the pasta to dip!
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add the shrimp into the sauce. Cook until they turn a lovely pink, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Sometimes, I catch Camila sneaking bites of shrimp when she thinks I’m not looking!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Slice the steak and serve it topped with the creamy garlic shrimp sauce, making it as colorful as possible on the plate. I like to pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Serving & Garnish
When it comes to serving this Surf and Turf, I love to arrange everything on a large platter for that family-style feel at the dinner table. Luis usually grabs the first piece of steak while Mateo can’t resist the shrimp. I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for some color and a touch of sophistication. It’s our tradition to gather around the table, sometimes even sharing stories about our day or what made us laugh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is not letting the steak rest before slicing. This ensures all those delicious juices stay inside. Another is overcooking the shrimp; they cook quickly, and you want them tender, not rubbery! Be sure to sauté the garlic just until fragrant, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning of the creamy sauce; every palate is different!
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare in our busy home), store the Surf and Turf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore some of that creamy goodness.
A Little Note from Me
When making this dish, I always think of our yearly family gatherings. Last summer, as we prepared a similar meal, we had our favorite playlist playing, and Mateo danced around the kitchen while Camila twirled in her favorite dress. Those cozy evenings make these recipes even more special. I always tell them that cooking is more than just food; it’s about creating memories together.
FAQs
What is Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful meal that combines beautifully cooked steak with juicy shrimp, dressed in a rich and creamy garlic sauce.
Can I make this dish a steak and shrimp recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it with the shrimp, then serve over freshly cooked steak.
What is the best steak to use for this recipe?
Ribeye is my favorite for its tenderness and flavor, but feel free to use sirloin or filet mignon for variations.
Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based cream or half-and-half if you desire a lighter option, though it may change the overall flavor profile a touch.
How do I know when my shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when they are cooked. It’s a quick cooking process, usually around 3-4 minutes for medium-sized shrimp.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Serving platter
Ingredients
Steak and Shrimp
- 1 lb ribeye steak or your choice of steak
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Season the ribeye steak with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add shrimp to the sauce and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Slice the steak and serve topped with the creamy garlic shrimp sauce.
