Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp: The Ultimate Homemade Surf and Turf Recipe
Indulge in the luxurious experience of a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen with this incredible Garlic Butter Grilled Steak and Shrimp. This recipe redefines “Surf and Turf” by delivering perfectly juicy steak alongside succulent, flavorful shrimp, all generously coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter. It’s an exquisite combination that promises to impress, yet remains surprisingly simple to prepare.
Forget the long waits and hefty checks of fine dining; this gourmet steak and shrimp dish is designed for both speed and flavor. In just about 15 minutes of active cooking time, you can have a show-stopping dinner ready to serve. Whether you prefer the smoky char of an outdoor barbecue or the convenience of an indoor grill pan, this recipe guarantees big, bold flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Prepare to delight your senses with every mouth-watering bite of this ultimate grilled steak and shrimp feast.
Why This Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
This Steak and Shrimp recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that effortlessly marries the best of land and sea. Imagine perfectly seared, tender steak, bursting with savory juices, paired with delicate, perfectly cooked shrimp, each morsel bathed in a dreamy, fragrant garlic butter sauce. It’s the quintessential “Surf and Turf” that delivers on all fronts: taste, texture, and visual appeal.
The magic of this garlic butter steak and shrimp lies in its elegant simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. You might expect such a refined dish to require hours in the kitchen, but this recipe is designed for efficiency, coming together quickly without compromising on its gourmet essence. It’s versatile enough to elevate an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary, yet straightforward enough for even novice cooks to master. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this grilled steak and shrimp is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for classic steak with shrimp, ensuring every occasion feels like a celebration. Its robust flavors and quick preparation make it an unbeatable choice.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp
Crafting this irresistible surf and turf at home requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, most of which are staples you might already have on hand. The secret to its incredible flavor lies in selecting excellent cuts of meat and seafood, complemented by a generous infusion of homemade garlic butter.
- New York Strip Steaks: These thick, well-marbled steaks are a fantastic choice for grilling. They develop a beautiful, caramelized crust while retaining an incredibly juicy and tender interior. Their rich beefy flavor stands up wonderfully to the vibrant garlic butter. For variations, consider other tender cuts like Ribeye, Sirloin, or even Filet Mignon for a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ensure your steaks are at least 1-inch thick for optimal grilling.
- Shrimp: Sweet, delicate, and quick to cook, shrimp provides the perfect seafood counterpoint to the robust steak. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) for the best presentation and juiciest texture. Fresh shrimp is always preferred, but high-quality frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) works well too. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on can enhance flavor and make for a more elegant presentation, but tails off are fine for ease of eating.
- Fresh Garlic: The cornerstone of our signature garlic butter. Using fresh, minced garlic is non-negotiable for that bold, pungent aroma and flavor that permeates every bite. While pre-minced garlic from a jar can be a convenient substitute, fresh garlic truly makes a difference in taste and potency.
- Unsalted Butter: This forms the rich, luxurious base of our sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. When melted with garlic and fresh parsley, it transforms into a velvety sauce that perfectly coats both the steak and shrimp, binding all the flavors together in harmony.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of vibrant green and a fresh, herbaceous note. Freshly chopped parsley adds a layer of aromatic complexity and a touch of brightness to the rich garlic butter, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Olive Oil: Essential for lightly brushing both the grill grates and the steaks, ensuring a beautiful sear and preventing sticking. It also helps the salt and pepper adhere to the meat.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet critical. A generous seasoning of coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper before grilling enhances the natural flavors of both the steak and shrimp.
Note: For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the full recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Mastering Garlic Butter Grilled Steak and Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this impressive surf and turf is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly cooked steak and shrimp duo, smothered in an irresistible garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with finely minced fresh garlic and freshly chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the butter is evenly flavored. This fragrant mixture is key to the dish’s signature taste. Place the butter in the refrigerator for a few minutes to slightly firm up, which makes it easier to spread later.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Set up your grill for high heat. If using an outdoor grill, ensure grates are clean. If using an indoor grill pan or cast-iron skillet, place it over high heat. Allow it to heat thoroughly until it’s smoking slightly. Lightly grease the hot grill plates with olive oil using a heat-resistant brush or an oil-soaked paper towel held with tongs. This prevents sticking and helps create a beautiful sear.
- Season the Steaks: Pat your New York strip steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step promotes a better sear. Brush each side of the steaks lightly with a little olive oil, then generously season both sides with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms the foundation of the steak’s flavor.
- Grill the Steaks: Carefully place the seasoned steaks onto the scorching hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness. For a perfect crust, avoid moving the steaks too much during this initial searing phase. Adjust grilling time based on your preferred doneness: less time for rare, more for well-done. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (e.g., 130-135°F for medium-rare).
- Apply the Garlic Butter to Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, immediately spread half of the prepared garlic butter evenly over the hot steaks. The heat from the steaks will melt the butter, allowing its rich garlic and parsley flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Rest the Steaks: Transfer the buttered steaks to a clean, warm plate or cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This essential step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier and more tender steak.
- Cook the Shrimp: While the steaks are resting, reduce the grill heat to medium. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, for a total of 5-6 minutes, or until they turn opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
- Finish and Serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and toss them immediately with the remaining half of the garlic butter. Arrange the buttery shrimp alongside the rested, sliced (if desired) steaks on serving plates. Drizzle any extra melted garlic butter over both the steak and shrimp for an unforgettable flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade surf and turf masterpiece!
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Surf and Turf
While Garlic Butter Grilled Steak and Shrimp is undeniably a showstopper on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a truly exceptional dining experience. The rich flavors of the steak and shrimp are wonderfully balanced by a variety of accompaniments.
For a delightful contrast in texture and a burst of savory flavor, consider serving Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes. Their golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior provide the perfect crunch, complementing the succulence of the main course. If you prefer something creamy and subtly sweet, Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer a comforting and naturally sweet counterpoint to the garlic butter richness.
For those who love an extra touch of indulgence, Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Parmesan add a luxurious, nutty, and savory dimension that will undoubtedly impress. Beyond potatoes, simple green vegetables like steamed asparagus, garlicky green beans, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance. A side of fluffy rice pilaf or a basket of crusty bread is also excellent for soaking up every last drop of that amazing garlic butter. Any of these thoughtfully chosen sides will round out your steak with shrimp dinner, transforming it into a complete, restaurant-worthy spread that feels both gourmet and comforting.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! While New York strip steaks are fantastic for their balance of flavor and tenderness, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can confidently use other premium cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, T-bone, or even a tender filet mignon. The key is to choose a steak that you love and ensure it’s at least 1-inch thick for optimal grilling. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness and type of your chosen cut to achieve your desired doneness.
For the best results in terms of both flavor and presentation, we recommend using large or jumbo shrimp (typically 16-20 count per pound). This size ensures they cook evenly and remain succulent. Fresh shrimp is always ideal, but high-quality frozen shrimp can be used—just ensure they are completely thawed and thoroughly patted dry before grilling. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. You can choose to leave the tails on for a more elegant look and easier handling on the grill, or remove them for easier eating.
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can achieve fantastic results indoors using a heavy-bottomed grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear. The cooking times and steps will remain largely the same. For the shrimp, you can cook them in the same pan after the steaks, or even in a separate non-stick skillet on the stovetop until perfectly pink and opaque.
The best way to determine steak doneness is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding any bone. Here’s a general guide: Rare (125-130°F / 52-54°C), Medium-Rare (130-135°F / 54-57°C), Medium (135-140°F / 57-60°C), Medium-Well (140-145°F / 60-63°C), Well-Done (150°F+ / 66°C+). Remember, the internal temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees as the steak rests, so remove it from the heat just before it reaches your desired final temperature.
Yes, the garlic butter can be made several days in advance! Simply prepare it as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, let it soften slightly at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before spreading it on the hot steak and tossing with the shrimp. This makes dinner prep even faster and more convenient.
Resting the steak after grilling is a critical step that often gets overlooked. As meat cooks, its muscle fibers contract, pushing juices to the center. If you cut into the steak immediately, all those flavorful juices will run out onto your plate, leaving you with dry meat. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb those juices, resulting in a much juicier, more tender, and flavorful steak. For New York strip steaks, a rest of 5-10 minutes is ideal.
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Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic or 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 New York Steak strip steaks Porterhouse steaks
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 8 ounces shrimp deveined, tails on or off
Instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened unsalted butter, minced fresh garlic, and fresh chopped parsley until well combined. This is your flavorful garlic butter. Place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it for the steak and shrimp.
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Preheat your large outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over high heat. Allow it to get very hot to ensure a good sear. Lightly grease the grill grates or pan with olive oil to prevent any sticking. Pat your steaks completely dry with paper towel, then brush them lightly with olive oil and generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Carefully place the seasoned steaks on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (use a meat thermometer for accuracy). Immediately after removing from the grill, spread half of the prepared garlic butter generously over the hot steaks, allowing it to melt and infuse its rich flavor into the meat. Transfer the buttered steaks to a warm plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes to retain their precious juices.
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While your steaks are resting, slightly melt the remaining garlic butter if it has firmed up too much. Season your peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Reduce the grill heat to medium. Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes in total, flipping them halfway through the cook time. Continue grilling until the shrimp turn nice and pink in color on the outside and become opaque white on the inside. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become rubbery.
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Once cooked, immediately toss the hot shrimp with the remaining garlic butter to coat them completely. Serve the buttery, flavorful shrimp alongside your perfectly rested steaks for a complete, gourmet meal. Enjoy every exquisite bite of this homemade surf and turf!
Notes
Whether you prefer shrimp with tails on or off is a matter of personal preference; both work well for this recipe. If you’re grilling frozen shrimp, remember to thaw them completely first and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before placing them on the grill. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture.
For an extra burst of freshness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished steak and shrimp can brighten all the flavors. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.