Hey there, foodie friend! Imagine this: tender, juicy steak seared to perfection, swimming in a luscious Cajun-spiced cream sauce loaded with plump shrimp. It’s surf and turf heaven in a pan, and I’m here to tell you—this dish is everything. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family feast, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big flavors without the fuss. Trust me, your taste buds are about to throw a party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real—this isn’t just dinner. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Versatile
Swap steak cuts (ribeye, sirloin, filet—you do you!) or use scallops instead of shrimp. The sauce works with whatever protein you’ve got.
Budget-Friendly
Pantry staples like garlic, cream, and spices do the heavy lifting. Splurge on a good steak or save with cheaper cuts—it’s forgiving either way.
Quick and Easy
30 minutes start-to-finish. Yes, even that creamy sauce comes together faster than you can say “second helping.”
Customizable
Not into spicy? Dial back the Cajun seasoning. Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a veggie boost.
Crowd-Pleasing
Kids, adults, picky eaters—no one can resist this combo. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients in Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Let’s talk about what makes this dish sing. These ingredients are the dream team:
Steak
The star! Choose your favorite cut—ribeye for richness, sirloin for affordability, or filet for tenderness.
Shrimp
Plump, juicy, and quick-cooking. They add that “surf” to the turf.
Cajun Seasoning
Smoky, spicy, herby—this blend is the soul of the dish. Homemade or store-bought, it’s all about that kick.
Heavy Cream
The base for that velvety, indulgent sauce. It clings to every bite like a cozy blanket.
Parmigiano Reggiano
Nutty, salty, and oh-so-melty. It thickens the sauce and adds depth.
Garlic and Butter
The dynamic duo. They build layers of flavor in both the steak sear and the shrimp sauce.
Lemon Juice and Parsley
Brightness and freshness to balance the richness. Don’t skip these!
(Full measurements in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Season the Steak
Rub Cajun seasoning generously onto both sides of the steak. Let it sit for 15 minutes—this lets the flavors sink in.
Sear the Steak
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear the steak until golden-brown and cooked to your liking (3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). Set aside to rest.
Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add shrimp and cook until just pink (1-2 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce
Sauté garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up those tasty browned bits. Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish the Sauce
Whisk in Parmesan until melted. Add lemon juice, parsley, and shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning—go wild with extra spice if you’re feeling bold!
Serve
Slice the steak, smother it in sauce, and watch the magic happen.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 679
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Pair it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes (sauce-soaked spuds = life)
- Crusty bread for swiping up every last drop
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or garlicky green beans
Additional Tips
- Let the steak rest 5 minutes before slicing—juices stay put!
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for maximum flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (reheat gently!).
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be thinner.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s customizable! Start with less Cajun seasoning and add to taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap cream for coconut milk and omit Parmesan (add nutritional yeast for cheesiness).
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer: 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
Can I prep this ahead?
Cook the steak and sauce separately, then combine when reheating.
What’s the best skillet to use?
Cast iron retains heat beautifully for a perfect sear.
Can I add veggies to the sauce?
Sauté mushrooms or spinach after cooking the garlic.
How do I fix a broken sauce?
Whisk in a splash of warm broth or cream to re-emulsify.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Sear chicken breasts or thighs, then slice and sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it—a restaurant-worthy meal that’s simpler than it looks. Creamy, spicy, savory, and downright irresistible. This isn’t just food; it’s a hug on a plate. So grab that skillet, crank up the heat, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. You’ve got this!
Print
Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce: Surf and Turf Magic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines perfectly seared steak with a creamy, spicy shrimp sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick of heat, while the cream sauce balances it with smoothness, making it a perfect dish for a special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Cajun Shrimp Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Steak
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side (or until desired doneness). Remove from the skillet and let them rest.
-
Make the Cajun Shrimp Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
-
Combine & Serve
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Place the steaks back into the pan and spoon the sauce over them.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the shrimp.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: ~700 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 250mg