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Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

This Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is the ultimate surf and turf experience! A perfectly seared, juicy steak is topped with tender shrimp in a rich, garlicky Cajun cream sauce. It’s bold, indulgent, and restaurant-quality, yet easy to make at home in under 30 minutes!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich & Flavorful – A creamy Cajun sauce that’s smoky, spicy, and buttery.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Perfect for date nights or special occasions.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust the spice level or swap proteins as needed.


Ingredients

For the Steak:

  • 2 ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin steaks (8 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for basting)

For the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce:

  • ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Steak

  1. Pat steaks dry with a paper towel, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
  3. Add the steaks and sear for 3-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or until desired doneness.
  4. In the last minute, add butter and spoon it over the steaks to enhance flavor.
  5. Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Cajun Shrimp

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in chicken broth (or white wine), scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring until thickened.
  4. Return shrimp to the pan and stir in lemon juice.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the rested steaks.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!

Serving Suggestions

🥔 Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes.
🥦 Serve with steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach.
🍷 Pair with a glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon) or white wine (Chardonnay).


Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
  • Freeze: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

FAQs

1. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, or New York strip all work well!

2. Can I make this spicier?

Yes! Add extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use half-and-half or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

4. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.


Final Thoughts

This Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is the perfect indulgent surf-and-turf dish that’s bursting with bold, smoky flavors. Whether for a fancy dinner or a weeknight treat, it’s a guaranteed showstopper!

🥩🍤🔥 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 😊