There are some meals that just feel like a celebration, and this classic Surf and Turf Steak and Shrimp is truly one of them. The juicy, perfectly seared filet mignon paired with garlic butter shrimp is an indulgence that turns any dinner into a special occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to make, but the result is pure elegance on a plate.

I remember Dad making this for his and Mom’s anniversary one year. He wasn’t a fancy cook, but when he wanted to show his love, he did it through a grand meal. The whole house filled with the rich smell of searing steak and garlic. He’d let me be his “official taste-tester” for the shrimp, and I remember feeling so important. It wasn’t just a fancy dinner; it was my Dad’s heart, served on a platter for the woman he adored.

Ingredients List

1 lb filet mignon (about 2 steaks, each 1 1/2” thick)
12 oz large shrimp, peeled, deveined, with tails on (21-25 count is perfect)
1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, divided, or to taste
3/4 tsp black pepper, divided, or to taste
1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil, or any high-heat cooking oil
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Steak and Shrimp

First, pat your shrimp and steaks completely dry with a paper towel. This little step is the secret to getting that beautiful, golden-brown sear! Just before you’re ready to cook, season the steaks all over with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Sear the Steaks

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the faintest wisp of smoke. Add your oil and give the skillet a swirl to coat the bottom. Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan and let them sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and sear for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

Step 3: Finish and Rest the Steaks

Using tongs, turn the steaks onto their sides to sear the edges and render that little bit of fat, about 30-60 seconds per edge. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—remove the steaks when they are about 10 degrees below your final desired temperature. Transfer them to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest. They’ll continue to cook a little as they sit.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for the best part! Reduce the heat to medium and immediately add the butter, quartered garlic cloves, and rosemary sprig to the same pan. The butter will melt and sizzle, picking up all those delicious browned bits from the steak.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Add your seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. They cook so quickly! Sauté for about 1 minute per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. As soon as they’re done, take the skillet right off the heat to make sure they stay tender and juicy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the rested steaks to the pan, nestling them in with the shrimp. Gently turn the steaks to coat them in that incredible garlic butter sauce. I love to spoon extra sauce over everything just before serving. Enjoy it right away while it’s warm!

Nutritional Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. These values are intended as a general guide for your reference.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Leaner Protein: While filet mignon is a real treat, you can substitute it with a leaner cut like top sirloin or flat iron steak to reduce the fat content.
Less Butter: To cut back on saturated fat, you can use 1 tablespoon of butter for flavor and supplement with 2 tablespoons of heart-healthy olive oil.
Grill Instead of Pan-Sear: For a lighter preparation, try grilling the steak and shrimp. You can brush them with a little olive oil, garlic, and herbs before they hit the grill for a similar flavor profile without the extra butter.

Serving Suggestions

The Classic Pairing: You can never go wrong serving this with a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious pan sauce and some simple steamed or roasted asparagus.
On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter meal, serve the steak and shrimp over a bed of fresh arugula tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens cut through the richness beautifully.
With Creamy Risotto: Make it an even more decadent and comforting meal by serving it alongside a creamy parmesan risotto. It’s pure comfort and elegance in one bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Patting the Meat Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. If the steak and shrimp are damp, they will steam in the pan instead of forming that delicious crust. Take the extra minute to pat them thoroughly dry.
Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes! The moment they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape, they’re done. Leaving them on the heat any longer can make them tough and rubbery.
Skipping the Resting Step: It’s tempting to cut right into a steak, but resting is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Don’t skip it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and steak are definitely best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, I recommend warming them gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth just until warmed through to prevent them from becoming tough.

Conclusion

This Surf and Turf recipe is more than just food; it’s a way to create a moment of celebration and love right in your own kitchen. It’s a meal that says “you are special” without using any words at all. I hope you’ll give it a try and make some beautiful memories of your own.

FAQs

What is the best cut of steak to use?

Filet mignon is the classic choice because it’s incredibly tender, but a well-marbled ribeye or New York strip steak would also be absolutely delicious.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you certainly can. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Most importantly, pat them very, very dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when my steak is cooked to the right temperature?

The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F; for medium, 140-145°F; and for medium-well, 150-155°F. Remember to pull the steak from the pan about 10 degrees before it reaches your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while it rests.

Surf And Turf Steak And Shrimp

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy filet mignon paired with garlic butter shrimp makes this Surf and Turf a special-occasion meal that’s simple yet elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb filet mignon (about 2 steaks, each 1 1/2” thick)
12 oz large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on (21–25 count)
1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, divided
3/4 tsp black pepper, divided
1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil)
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Instructions

Pat shrimp and steaks dry. Season steaks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Season shrimp with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high until lightly smoking. Add oil and sear steaks 4 minutes on first side, then 3-4 minutes on the second side.
Use tongs to sear steak edges 30-60 seconds per side. Remove steaks about 10°F before target doneness. Rest under foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to skillet, stirring to melt and infuse flavors.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1 minute per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat immediately.
Return steaks to pan with shrimp, coating with garlic butter sauce. Spoon extra sauce over before serving.

Notes

Pat meat and shrimp dry for best sear. Don’t overcook shrimp—remove as soon as they curl into a ‘C’. Always rest steak before slicing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 520
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 52g
Cholesterol: 215mg

Keywords: surf and turf, steak and shrimp, garlic butter, special occasion dinner