Description
This mouthwatering recipe combines the smoky sear of a perfectly cooked steak with the bold, spicy kick of Cajun-seasoned shrimp. Finished with a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish is ideal for a special dinner or impressing guests with restaurant-quality flavors at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak:
- 2 sirloin or ribeye steaks – Choose high-quality cuts for the best results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a beautiful sear.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Lends a subtle, aromatic depth.
For the Cajun Shrimp Sauce:
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp for a juicy, tender texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Provides a robust, aromatic base.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning – The star of the sauce, delivering bold spice and flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Ensures the sauce is creamy and indulgent.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – Balances the cream with a savory depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – For seasoning the sauce to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
1: Prepare the Steak
- Begin by patting the steaks dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture and ensures a beautiful crust during searing.
- Rub each steak with olive oil, coating both sides evenly.
- Season the steaks generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat for better adherence.
2: Sear the Steaks
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. A properly heated skillet ensures the steaks sear beautifully.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
- Place the steaks in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F; for medium, aim for 140°F.
- Once done, remove the steaks from the skillet, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let them rest. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steaks tender and flavorful.
3: Cook the Shrimp
- Using the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this will cause them to steam instead of sear.
- Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so monitor closely.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4: Prepare the Cajun Shrimp Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt and begin to bubble slightly.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to combine, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Add the heavy cream and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, letting them warm through in the sauce for about 1 minute.
- Plate the rested steaks and generously spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over each steak.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh steak, shrimp, and garlic enhance the dish’s overall flavor. - Bring Proteins to Room Temperature:
Let the steak and shrimp sit out for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Sear the steak and shrimp in batches if needed to avoid steaming them. - Watch the Sauce:
Keep the heat low while preparing the sauce to prevent the cream from curdling. - Adjust Seasoning Gradually:
Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to suit your spice preference. - Rest the Steak:
Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. - Serve Immediately:
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the creamy texture and bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with shrimp and sauce
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg