Garlic Butter Surf & Turf (Steak & Shrimp Skillet)

Tender, juicy steak paired with succulent garlic butter shrimp creates the ultimate surf and turf experience in one skillet. Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and freshness, while a rich garlic butter sauce ties everything together with restaurant-quality flavor. This quick yet elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

📝 Ingredients

For the Steak

• 2 sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye steaks (about 450–500 g), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Shrimp

• 300 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• ½ small onion, sliced (optional)

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Optional for Serving

• Steamed rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Garlic bread

• Buttered pasta

• Lemon wedges

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Pat the steak cubes completely dry using paper towels. This helps create a beautiful golden crust when searing. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Let the steak rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

In another bowl, season the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the olive oil and carefully place the steak cubes into the pan in a single layer.

Cook without moving them for 2–3 minutes to develop a deep caramelized crust. Turn and continue cooking another 2–3 minutes until browned on all sides while remaining juicy inside.

Transfer the steak to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if necessary.

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side until they become pink, firm, and lightly golden. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery very quickly.

Remove the shrimp and set aside with the steak.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the sliced bell peppers (and onion if using) to the skillet.

Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the steak and butter sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Mix in Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes glossy and aromatic.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the steak cubes and shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss everything together with the sautéed peppers until evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes just to warm everything through.

Finish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer immediately to a serving platter.

Serve alongside steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, buttered noodles, or warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

⏱ Prep Time

20 minutes

⏱ Cook Time

20 minutes

⏱ Total Time

40 minutes

🍽 Yield

4 servings

🔥 Calories

Approximately 510 kcal per serving

💡 Tips for the Best Surf & Turf

• Patting the steak dry before cooking ensures a rich, caramelized crust instead of steaming.

• Cook the steak in batches if necessary—overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and prevents proper browning.

• Fresh shrimp cook very quickly, usually in under 4 minutes total.

• Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; avoid jarred garlic whenever possible.

• Finish with fresh parsley and lemon juice just before serving to brighten the rich butter sauce.

• For a steakhouse-quality finish, add a teaspoon of butter to the steak during the final minute of searing and spoon it over the meat continuously.

• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently over low heat to keep the shrimp tender and the steak juicy.