Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce

If you’re looking to impress, Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce is the way to go. It’s luxurious, bold, and packed with flavor in every bite. Imagine tender, juicy steak and buttery, succulent shrimp coming together under a blanket of rich, garlicky cream sauce sounds like date night, celebration, or just a “because I deserve it” kind of meal. Trust me, this is a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.

This dish brings the best of land and sea to your table in a way that feels indulgent yet surprisingly doable. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a five-star chef without breaking a sweat or the bank.

Why You’ll Love Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Works for a romantic dinner, a fancy weekend meal, or a celebration. You can use your favorite cuts and seafood combos.

Budget-Friendly: Feels like fine dining, but you can make it affordably at home with just a few quality ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Despite how impressive it looks, it all comes together in under an hour!

Customizable: Swap in lobster, scallops, or chicken. Make it spicy, add veggies your call.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce

This recipe shines with simple, high-impact ingredients that bring elegance and flavor to the plate:

Steak: Filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin choose your favorite cut. Searing it gives a crust that seals in all that juicy flavor.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined. They cook quickly and soak up every drop of garlicky goodness.

Salt and Pepper: The classics. They make the meat and shrimp shine without overpowering.

Butter: For basting the steak and sautéing the shrimp it adds that unmistakable richness.

Olive Oil: Helps get a gorgeous sear on both the steak and shrimp.

Garlic: The backbone of the cream sauce fragrant, sweet, and punchy all at once.

Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and silky.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and saltiness to the creamy sauce. A little goes a long way.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything and adds a pop of color at the end.

Lemon Juice (optional): A little acidity balances the richness of the cream.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get that perfect sear.

Combine Ingredients: Season steak and shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit for a few minutes while your pan heats up.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add olive oil to the hot skillet, then sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness and desired doneness). Baste with butter, then remove and rest.

Assemble the Dish: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and cook shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside.

Cook to Perfection: Lower heat to medium, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Finishing Touches: Return shrimp and steak to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with parsley. Add a squeeze of lemon if you like a touch of brightness.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate it up with extra sauce drizzled over and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Don’t forget the bread to mop up every last drop!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: ~620
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mash
• Sautéed green beans or asparagus
• A crisp Caesar salad or baby greens with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
• A glass of red wine (steak) or chilled white (shrimp) or both!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Let steaks rest before slicing this keeps the juices inside
• Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor
• Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine for even more depth
• Don’t overcook shrimp they only need a minute or two per side
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Want extra creamy sauce? Stir in a bit of cream cheese
• Try it with lobster tails or scallops for a fancier twist
• Use a meat thermometer to hit your perfect steak temp
• Grate your own Parmesan for best melt and taste
• If your sauce gets too thick, just thin it with a splash of cream or broth

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them first and pat them dry for the best sear.

2. What cut of steak is best for surf and turf?
Filet mignon is classic, but ribeye or sirloin work great too.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a non-dairy cream and cheese alternative, though it will change the flavor.

4. How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a thermometer 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and so on.

5. Can I grill instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Grill the steak and shrimp separately, then make the sauce inside.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.

7. Can I prep this in advance?
You can cook the steak and shrimp ahead, but make the sauce fresh for best results.

8. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well. Just go for something salty and hard-aged.

9. Can I make it spicy?
Yes add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.

10. How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Watch closely they turn pink and curl when done. Two minutes max per side!

Conclusion

Ultimate Surf and Turf with Garlic Cream Sauce is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something unforgettable. It’s rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy to pull off, making you feel like a kitchen rockstar without the stress. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something amazing this one’s got the wow factor in every bite. So light those candles, pour that wine, and get ready to savor every indulgent forkful.

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