There is something undeniably luxurious about a perfectly seared steak topped with a velvety Cajun shrimp sauce. This recipe delivers the best of both worlds: the deep, savory richness of a well-seasoned steak and the bold, creamy spice of shrimp simmered in a Cajun-infused sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in how effortlessly it comes together despite its elegant presentation. I once experimented by swapping the heavy cream with a lighter half-and-half, and although the sauce was slightly thinner, it still carried all the flavor beautifully, proving how adaptable this recipe can be. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, hosting guests, or simply craving a restaurant-style meal at home, this dish guarantees satisfaction. Its bold flavors, silky texture, and satisfying balance make it a recipe you’ll turn to over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together familiar steakhouse flavors with a vibrant Cajun twist. It is rich, comforting, easy to customize, and surprisingly quick to prepare. The creamy shrimp topping elevates the steak beautifully, making it perfect for weeknight indulgence or special occasions.
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Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce – A Restaurant-Quality Surf-and-Turf You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy seared steak topped with a rich and flavorful creamy Cajun shrimp sauce for a restaurant-quality surf-and-turf meal.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the steaks on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks 3–5 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Remove and rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the shrimp. Season with the remaining Cajun seasoning and cook until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens, then return shrimp to the skillet and coat in the sauce.
- Serve steaks topped with creamy Cajun shrimp sauce and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use spicy Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak
Choose ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. These cuts offer tenderness and robust flavor. A quick sear in a hot skillet creates a caramelized crust that pairs wonderfully with the creamy topping.
Shrimp
Shrimp adds a succulent, briny contrast to the steak. Medium or large shrimp work well because they cook quickly and stay juicy within the sauce.
Butter
Butter is used both for searing the shrimp and enriching the Cajun sauce, adding depth and smoothness.
Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the dish with complexity, balancing the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning brings heat, smokiness, and bold character. It defines the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream transforms the pan juices into a luscious, silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Broth
A splash of broth helps thin the sauce slightly and adds savory depth, preventing it from becoming too heavy.
Parmesan
Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the sauce thicken to a creamy consistency.
Olive Oil
Used for searing the steak at a high temperature, ensuring a crisp, browned exterior.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings for bringing out the natural flavor of the steak and shrimp without overpowering them.
Directions
Begin by bringing the steak to room temperature and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet until nearly smoking, then sear the steak on both sides until a crust forms. Reduce heat as needed to reach your desired doneness, then transfer the steak to rest. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the shrimp with a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning until just pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside. Add more butter if necessary, then stir in garlic until fragrant. Pour in the broth, scraping up browned bits to build flavor, and let it simmer briefly. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened. Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp generously over the rested steak. Allow everything to sit for a moment so the flavors meld before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
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.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 2 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while cooking requires 20–25 minutes depending on steak thickness.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to preserve the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving the steak to prevent toughness.
Variations and Customizations
Blackened Steak Version
Increase Cajun seasoning on the steak for a bolder, smokier finish.
Seafood Expansion
Add scallops or crab meat to the sauce for an elevated surf-and-turf experience.
Lighter Sauce
Use half-and-half instead of cream; I have tried this myself and found it still very flavorful.
Herb Finish
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds brightness to the rich sauce.
Lemon Accent
A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp lifts the creaminess and enhances the Cajun spice.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye, sirloin, or filet are ideal because they sear well and stay tender.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat; adjust amounts based on your preference.
Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely, grilling works beautifully and adds smoky depth.
Can I substitute milk for cream in the sauce?
Milk is too thin, but half-and-half can work with careful simmering.
How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Cook until just pink; they become rubbery if left too long.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer slightly longer or add a bit more Parmesan.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice complement it perfectly.
Can I use a nonstick skillet?
A heavy or cast-iron skillet is preferred for better searing.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, simply sear steaks in batches and increase sauce ingredients proportionally.
Conclusion
Steak with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is an impressive yet approachable dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. With its perfectly seared steak and bold, velvety shrimp sauce, it strikes a harmonious balance of richness and spice. Whether enjoyed for a special dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe delivers unforgettable flavor and satisfying indulgence every time.
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