Save to Pinterest This indulgent surf and turf combines juicy ribeye steaks with tender shrimp, both seasoned and seared to perfection. Finished with a rich garlic herb butter, the dish is garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness. Ideal for special occasions, it pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables, creating a balanced and flavorful dining experience that’s both satisfying and elegant.
The moment our anniversary dinner hit the table, my partner actually went quiet. That butter melting over the seared ribeye released this incredible garlic perfume that filled the entire dining room. I'd been nervous about timing everything perfectly, but watching that first bite made all the prep worth it.
Last Valentine's Day, I decided to attempt surf and turf at home instead of fighting for restaurant reservations. My timing was completely off, and the shrimp were done way before the steaks. We ended up eating in courses, laughing through the mistakes, and honestly it became one of our favorite dates ever.
Ingredients
- Ribeye steaks: Ribeye's marbling creates incredible flavor and keeps the meat juicy during high heat searing. Let them come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Large shrimp: These cook so quickly that having them ready to go prevents overcooking. The tails make for beautiful presentation and easy handling.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle depth and gorgeous color that makes your steaks look professionally seasoned. It pairs beautifully with the garlicky butter.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, this becomes the carrier for all those aromatic flavors. You control the sodium this way.
- Fresh garlic: Minced finely so it distributes evenly through the butter without any harsh bites.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color that cuts through the rich proteins. Use flat leaf for the best flavor.
- Lemon: Both juice and zest wake up all the rich flavors and provide that classic seafood pairing.
Instructions
- Bring everything to temperature:
- Pull those steaks out of the fridge thirty minutes before cooking and let them relax on the counter. Room temperature meat sears more evenly and you'll get that beautiful crust without overcooking the inside.
- Season generously:
- Pat both steaks and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Rub the steaks with olive oil and that smoky paprika blend. Give the shrimp a light coating of oil and seasoning.
- Make the magic butter:
- Mash softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and zest until everything's perfectly combined. Set it aside to let flavors meld.
- Sear the steaks:
- Get your skillet screaming hot and lay in those steaks. Let them develop a dark crust, about three to four minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Add a splash more oil to that same flavorful pan. Sear the shrimp just one to two minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. They'll continue cooking slightly off the heat.
- Plate it all:
- Put each steak on a warm plate and top with a generous dollop of that garlic herb butter. Arrange the shrimp alongside. Add lemon wedges and a fresh parsley garnish.
Save to Pinterest My dad finally asked for this recipe after Thanksgiving dinner. He'd been watching me make it for years and decided he wanted to surprise my mom with it at home. Now they have a standing monthly date night making surf and turf together.
Choosing Your Steak
Ribeye is my go to for that perfect combination of flavor and fat content. The marbling melts during cooking and bastes the meat from the inside out. If you prefer something leaner, filet mignon is incredibly tender. New York strip gives you a great beefy flavor with less fat.
Shrimp Selection
Look for shrimp that smell fresh and sweet, never fishy. The size count on the package tells you how many shrimp per pound, so sixteen to twenty means you get nice substantial pieces. Wild caught shrimp tend to have a sweeter flavor than farm raised.
Perfect Pairings
This meal deserves sides that complement but don't compete with the rich proteins. Roasted potatoes with rosemary echo the garlic butter flavors. Grilled asparagus or broiled green beans add freshness and crunch. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Creamy mashed potatoes soak up all that extra herb butter
- Grilled vegetables add smoky depth and color
- A crisp white wine like Chardonnay balances the richness beautifully
Save to Pinterest This meal turns any Tuesday into a celebration and makes memories that stick around far longer than the leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to cook the steak for this dish?
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Sear the ribeye steaks in a hot skillet or grill pan for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, allowing them to rest covered before serving.
- → How should the shrimp be prepared?
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Toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then sear in the same pan for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through.
- → What ingredients are in the garlic herb butter?
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The butter includes unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixed until smooth and creamy.
- → Can the steak be substituted with another cut?
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Yes, filet mignon or New York strip can be used as alternatives for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- → What sides complement this surf and turf meal?
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Roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad work well to balance the richness of the steak and shrimp.
- → Any tips for enhancing the pan sauce?
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After cooking the shrimp, add a splash of white wine to the pan, scraping up browned bits for a quick, flavorful sauce.
