Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Topping is the definition of elevated comfort food. It combines a perfectly seared steak with a luxurious shrimp topping infused with Cajun spices and finished in a velvety cream sauce. This dish feels indulgent and impressive, yet it is surprisingly straightforward to prepare at home. I first made this recipe when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen, and it delivered exactly that balance. The bold Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth, while the creamy sauce softens the heat and brings everything together. Juicy shrimp provide a delicate contrast to the rich steak, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Whether served for a romantic dinner, a celebratory meal, or simply when you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers a steakhouse-quality experience with familiar ingredients and reliable results.
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Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Topping – A Restaurant-Style Indulgence at Home
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy pan-seared steak topped with rich and creamy Cajun shrimp sauce, combining bold spices, tender shrimp, and a luxurious cream finish for an indulgent surf-and-turf dish.
Ingredients
- 2 beef steaks (ribeye or sirloin, about 8 oz each)
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the steaks with salt, black pepper, and half of the Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove and rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp, remaining Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return steaks to the skillet or spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the steaks.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ribeye or sirloin steak
These cuts offer excellent flavor and tenderness, making them ideal for pan-searing and pairing with a rich topping.
Shrimp
Large shrimp work best, as they remain juicy and substantial after cooking while absorbing the Cajun spices beautifully.
Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning provides smoky heat and complexity. Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, creating a smooth and luxurious texture that balances the spices.
Butter
Butter enhances richness and helps build flavor for both the steak and the shrimp sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic depth and complements the Cajun spices without overpowering them.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for searing the steak and helps achieve a golden crust.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the steak and shrimp.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and color, reinforcing the Cajun flavor profile.
Fresh parsley
Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
Directions
Begin by removing the steaks from the refrigerator and allowing them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Pat them dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Lower the heat and pour the heavy cream into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp over the rested steaks and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Cooking time is about 20 minutes.
Total time required is roughly 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable and allows for several creative adjustments. For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a light cream. I tested this option, and while the sauce was slightly thinner, it still delivered excellent flavor.
You can experiment with different cuts of steak, such as filet mignon for a more tender bite or strip steak for a beefier flavor. If you enjoy extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce. For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Seafood lovers can mix scallops with the shrimp for added elegance. If you prefer a non-alcoholic depth of flavor, a splash of beef broth can be added to the sauce. Each variation allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences while maintaining its indulgent character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein (g) | 42 |
| Carbs (g) | 6 |
| Fat (g) | 48 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 24 |
| Fiber (g) | 0.5 |
| Sugar (g) | 2 |
| Sodium (mg) | 780 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose quality steak
Well-marbled steak delivers the best flavor and tenderness.
Do not overcrowd the pan
Cook steak and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure proper searing.
Control the heat
Lower the heat before adding cream to prevent curdling.
Rest the steak
Resting keeps the steak juicy and flavorful.
Season gradually
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning carefully.
FAQs
What steak cut works best for this recipe?
Ribeye and sirloin are ideal due to their balance of flavor and tenderness.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It is moderately spicy, but the cream mellows the heat.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but it can be prepared a few hours in advance.
What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
They turn pink and opaque when fully cooked.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Yes, grilled steak works very well with the shrimp topping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and use a larger pan.
Conclusion
Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Topping is a rich, satisfying dish that transforms an ordinary steak into an unforgettable meal. With bold seasoning, a silky sauce, and simple preparation, it offers a restaurant-quality experience right at home. This recipe is perfect when you want to impress without unnecessary complexity.
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