Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach & Mashed Yukon Potatoes: A Flavorful Feast

Hey there, culinary adventurers! Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and elegance? Let me introduce you to Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp, served alongside sautéed spinach and buttery mashed Yukon potatoes. This meal is a delightful combination of tender steak, succulent shrimp in a rich sauce, and creamy potatoes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a showstopper! So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp dish deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

Versatile
You can easily swap the steak for chicken or even tofu for a different protein twist.

Budget-Friendly
While it feels gourmet, you can make this meal without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy
Ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Customizable
Adjust the spice level by adding more Cajun seasoning or incorporating your favorite vegetables into the sauté.

Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation!

Ingredients in Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach & Mashed Yukon Potatoes

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this delicious meal:

For the Steak and Shrimp

• Steak: Choose your favorite cut (ribeye, strip loin, or filet mignon work beautifully).
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• Cajun Seasoning: For that signature kick of flavor.
• Butter and Oil: For cooking the steak and shrimp.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
• Heavy Cream: To create that luscious sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy richness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: For extra creaminess and flavor.
• Lemon Juice and Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish beautifully.

For the Sautéed Spinach

• Fresh Spinach: Packed with nutrients and color.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing.
• Garlic: Minced for flavor enhancement.

For the Mashed Yukon Potatoes

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery when mashed.
• Butter and Heavy Cream or Milk: For richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

(Full measurements in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut Yukon Gold potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and return to pot.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.

Cook the Steak

1. Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously with Cajun seasoning.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear on both sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Remove from skillet and let rest.

Prepare the Creamy Cajun Shrimp

1. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Add Shrimp & Sauce Ingredients: Add shrimp to the skillet; cook until pink (about 2 minutes per side). Pour in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and simmer until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).

Sauté the Spinach

1. Sauté Spinach: In another pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds before adding fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble Your Dish

1. Plate It Up: Slice the rested steak against the grain. Serve on plates alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, topped with sautéed spinach.
2. Finish with Shrimp Sauce: Spoon creamy Cajun shrimp over the steak for that extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 650

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp

Pair it with:

• A glass of red wine for an elegant touch.
• Crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
• A light salad with vinaigrette for freshness.

Additional Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—135°F for medium-rare.
• If you prefer more spice, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to complement your dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they are thawed before cooking.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but it may alter the creaminess slightly.

How do I prevent overcooking my shrimp?
Cook them just until they turn pink; they cook quickly!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately and reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
Try using Creole seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a deliciously satisfying Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp dish paired with sautéed spinach and buttery mashed Yukon potatoes! This meal is not only packed with flavor but also visually stunning—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special at home. So grab those ingredients, fire up your skillet, and let’s get cooking!

Seared Steak & Creamy Cajun Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach & Mashed Yukon Potatoes: A Flavorful Feast

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• Author: ikram
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-seared & Stovetop
• Cuisine: American/Cajun

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Description

This hearty surf and turf dish features perfectly seared steak paired with succulent Cajun shrimp in a creamy sauce. Accompanied by garlicky sautéed spinach and velvety mashed Yukon potatoes, it’s a balanced meal that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures for a special dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Cajun Shrimp:

• 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sautéed Spinach:

• 4 cups fresh spinach (washed and trimmed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A squeeze of lemon juice

For the Mashed Yukon Potatoes:

• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

1. Season & Sear:
   • Pat the steaks dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
   • Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side (adjust for desired doneness).
   • Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and let them rest.

Make the Creamy Cajun Shrimp:

1. Cook Shrimp:
   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink; remove and set aside.
2. Prepare Sauce:
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
   • Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
   • Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits.
   • Reduce heat, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then return the shrimp to the pan.

Sauté the Spinach:

1. Sauté Spinach:
   • In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the garlic slices and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Toss in the spinach, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until just wilted (about 2–3 minutes).
   • Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Prepare the Mashed Yukon Potatoes:

1. Cook Potatoes:
   • Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
   • Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15–20 minutes).
   • Drain well.
2. Mash & Season:
   • Mash the potatoes with butter and heavy cream.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.

Plating & Serving:

1. Assemble the Dish:
   • Slice the rested steak and arrange on each plate.
   • Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over or alongside the steak.
   • Add a generous serving of sautéed spinach and a scoop of mashed Yukon potatoes.
2. Final Touch:
   • Garnish with a light drizzle of extra cream sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

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Notes

• Adjust the Cajun seasoning level to suit your spice preference.
• For extra flavor in the mashed potatoes, consider adding a roasted garlic clove during mashing.
• Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 complete plate
• Calories: ~700 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 55g
• Cholesterol: 210mg