If you are craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and impressively gourmet without breaking a sweat, the Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. This dish masterfully combines the rich, juicy flavors of perfectly seared ribeye with succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that is bursting with bright hints of lemon and fresh parsley. It’s a celebration of surf and turf, bringing together the best of land and sea on one plate, delivering bold, comforting flavors that will make any meal feel special and absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty ribeye to the fragrant garlic butter sauce, every item on this list contributes to an explosion of taste.
- 2 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick): Choose well-marbled steaks for juicy, tender results packed with flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for achieving that perfect sear on your steaks without sticking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The foundational seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of steak and shrimp.
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The sweet seafood partner to your steak, perfectly sized for quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used again to cook shrimp, ensuring they stay moist and slightly crisp.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For just the right hint of heat, balanced and not overpowering.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The golden base of the garlic butter sauce that brings richness and silky texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the butter with deep, aromatic notes that define this dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of green color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Steaks for Maximum Flavor
Start by taking your ribeyes out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so they can come to room temperature. This step ensures the steaks cook evenly, locking in all that juicy flavor. Pat them dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and pepper for a simple yet effective flavor base.
Step 2: Sear the Ribeye Steaks
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, gently lay the steaks in the pan. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes for a beautiful medium-rare finish, adjusting the time if you prefer your steak more or less cooked. Once done, remove the steaks and let them rest; this is crucial for juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper—this mixture adds a delicate balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn coral and curl slightly. Remove and set aside to keep the flavors fresh and concentrated.
Step 4: Whip Up That Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice to brighten and freshen the sauce, making it the perfect complement to both steak and shrimp.
Step 5: Warm Everything Together
Return the rested ribeye steaks and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over both to coat them in rich, garlicky goodness. Warm for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld together, making this dish utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
For the final flourish, serve the ribeye steaks with the shrimp either nestled beside them or elegantly stacked on top. Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over everything for maximum flavor impact. The sizzling skillet presentation is optional but will definitely impress your guests or family.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes that perfectly counterbalance the richness of the butter sauce. A wedge of lemon on the side is also great for anyone who loves an extra citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple yet satisfying sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or even a crisp garden salad to introduce some refreshing crunch. The key is to keep the sides straightforward so the star of the show—the Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe—truly shines.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving this surf and turf atop a bed of creamy risotto or buttered noodles to soak up every drop of the luscious garlic butter sauce. You can also arrange everything on a wooden platter with grilled lemon halves to evoke that upscale steakhouse vibe at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though it’s hard to resist), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the steak and shrimp separate from the sauce to prevent them from getting soggy, preserving their textures and flavors.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for the best texture. Wrap the steak and shrimp tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for optimal taste, and note the garlic butter sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak and shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning over a little fresh garlic butter sauce to revive that rich flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the meat and make seafood rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye is perfect for its marbling and tenderness, you can use New York strip, sirloin, or filet mignon if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times depending on thickness and cut.
Is it necessary to bring the steak to room temperature?
It’s highly recommended because it allows the steak to cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside remains cold.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or use olive oil alone for sautéing garlic and finishing the dish.
What can I substitute for cayenne pepper if I don’t like spicy food?
You can omit cayenne altogether or replace it with a mild smoked paprika to keep flavor complexity without the heat.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp turn opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape when they’re cooked—avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and rubbery.
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe is truly a special dish to have up your sleeve whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a weekend treat for yourself. It’s full of bold flavor, satisfying textures, and that comforting feeling of a home-cooked meal made from scratch. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy surf and turf!
Print
Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp recipe combines succulent ribeye steaks with perfectly seasoned shrimp, all topped with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh parsley and a hint of lemon. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a luxurious yet simple surf and turf dish ideal for a special dinner or a tasty weekend treat.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shrimp
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Bring the ribeye steaks to room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting time if a different doneness level is preferred. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest to retain their juices.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the shrimp with paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and melt it gently. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked steaks and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over both and warm them together for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the ribeye steaks and shrimp either side-by-side or with the shrimp atop the steak. Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over the dish just before serving for added richness.
Notes
- Letting the steaks come to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Resting the steak after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
