If you’re ready to bring restaurant-level luxury right into your own kitchen, Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is truly the way to go. This dish combines juicy, caramelized steak with succulent shrimp, all bathed in a luscious, velvety garlic sauce that brings every bite together. It’s the kind of meal that feels exciting and decadent but is surprisingly easy to pull off—perfect for date night, celebrations, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a stunning dinner. Every morsel is a delight, and trust me, this one will earn you rave reviews at home!

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is chosen for a reason—each one plays a part in building those layers of mouthwatering flavor and vibrant color that make this dish unforgettable. Simple does not mean boring here; it means every component shines.

Ribeye or Strip Steaks: Thick, well-marbled steaks deliver that juicy, beefy goodness and create the perfect foundation for your surf and turf.
Olive Oil: This helps the steak and shrimp sear beautifully, locking in their juices and adding a hint of fruity flavor.
Salt: Essential for unlocking those deep savory notes in both steak and shrimp—don’t skimp!
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is ideal to add gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
Smoked Paprika: A dash gives your steak a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color.
Butter (for basting and sauce): Richness galore—basting creates that irresistible crust on the steak and deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Large Shrimp: Meaty and sweet, shrimp bring the “surf” to your “turf”—look for peeled and deveined for convenience.
Garlic Powder: Perfect for a quick burst of savory flavor on your shrimp.
Lemon Juice: A fresh squeeze at the end of cooking shrimp brightens the whole dish.
Garlic Cloves (minced): These infuse the creamy sauce with robust aroma—don’t be shy, garlic lovers!
Heavy Cream: Provides that dreamy, silky base for your garlic sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty backbone and helps thicken the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: This simple blend brings a touch of herbal freshness that ties the sauce together.
Parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Mashed Potatoes, Pasta, or Rice: All that creamy sauce deserves a cozy starch to soak it up—choose your favorite!
Steamed Asparagus, Green Beans, or Roasted Broccoli: A vibrant veggie keeps the plate balanced and gorgeous.
Lemon Wedges: A little extra zing at serving time lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

First things first: Pat those beautiful steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a delicious crust when searing. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika—this simple combo sets a bold, flavorful foundation. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking; this helps them cook more evenly. While they rest, you can prep your shrimp and gather your sauce ingredients, making the workflow a breeze.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, waiting until it starts to shimmer—this means it’s hot enough for a great sear. Lay the steaks in the pan (careful of splatters!) and let them cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side if you love medium-rare. The key here is to let the steaks develop a deep, golden crust. In the last minute, add a dab of butter and start basting the steaks for extra richness and that glorious, steakhouse-worthy finish. Move the steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite perfect.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add a touch more olive oil if the pan looks dry. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer so they can cook evenly—don’t crowd them. Sprinkle on salt, garlic powder, and pepper for an instant flavor boost. Sear for just 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping as soon as they go pink and opaque. Right before pulling them out, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness of the steak and sauce. Transfer them to a plate and set aside—they cook fast and stay juicy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Time to bring it all together: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and then add the minced garlic. Sauté about a minute, just until fragrant; don’t let the garlic brown so you keep its sweetness. Pour in your heavy cream—watch how it instantly turns lush and velvety. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and a bit more pepper. Take the sauce off the heat, and you’re ready to plate!

How to Serve Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! For the ultimate Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce, sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley right over the top. The bright green gives a pop of color, while a few lemon wedges on the side let everyone add extra zing to taste. A final dusting of Parmesan is always welcome for those who swoon over cheesy finishes.

Side Dishes

This dish is already ultra-indulgent, so pairing it with simple, comforting sides works best. Creamy mashed potatoes are my personal favorite because they soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. But buttered pasta or fluffy rice are also crave-worthy choices. Add a vegetable like steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli for crunch, color, and a little freshness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation takes your Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce from weeknight to wow-factor. Slice steak and fan the pieces on each plate, then nestle the shrimp alongside. Drizzle with that gorgeous sauce and top with parsley. For extra panache, skewer the shrimp and lay them across the steak, or serve in a shallow bowl with sauce pooling underneath for a truly dramatic effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool to room temperature first. Store the steak, shrimp, and creamy garlic sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the textures at their best and makes warming up later a breeze. Enjoy within two days for top-notch flavor and freshness.

Freezing

While cooked steak and shrimp will freeze just fine, the creamy garlic sauce might separate upon thawing due to the high dairy content. If you must freeze, store all components separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and whisk the sauce well when warming to bring it back together.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat steak and shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through—avoid the microwave to keep everything tender. The creamy garlic sauce should be reheated on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to restore its smooth, dreamy texture. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Ribeye and strip steak are top picks because they’re flavorful and marbled, ensuring juiciness. However, you can use filet mignon or sirloin if you prefer a leaner option—the sauce will make any cut special!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This gives you the perfect sear and helps the seasonings stick beautifully.

What should I do if my creamy garlic sauce is too thick or too thin?

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream and whisk until you get the right consistency. If too thin, just let it simmer a minute or two longer—Parmesan will help it thicken up nicely.

Can I make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce dairy-free?

You can swap the butter and cream for non-dairy alternatives, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be a bit different, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.

Is this recipe suitable for entertaining?

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is fantastic for entertaining! You can sear the steak and cook the shrimp ahead, then quickly warm everything and make the sauce just before serving for a stress-free dinner party centerpiece.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce—it’s truly a celebration on a plate! Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want to indulge in something fabulous, this recipe is sure to impress. Invite a loved one, set the table, and get ready for pure, cozy decadence at home.

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in a luxurious Surf and Turf meal with succulent steak and flavorful shrimp, topped with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or celebration.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak Pat the steaks dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steaks and sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness). Add butter and baste the steaks in the last minute. Transfer steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a little olive oil if needed, then cook shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American