If you are dreaming of a meal that will truly impress your special someone, look no further than this Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe. This dish combines the rich, juicy goodness of a perfectly grilled New York strip steak with succulent shrimp tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet simple, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right to your table. Every bite bursts with the essence of fresh garlic, vibrant parsley, and creamy butter creating a symphony of tastes that’s perfect for celebrating love and connection.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be few but are absolutely essential for building that unforgettable flavor. Each one plays a crucial role—from the tender, juicy steak to the fragrant garlic butter that ties everything together in a perfect harmony.
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick): Softened to blend beautifully with garlic and parsley, this is the star of your compound butter that elevates each bite.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh, aromatic garlic adds that irresistible punch and warmth to the butter sauce.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of vibrant green that brightens the dish both visually and in flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for giving the steaks a gorgeous sear and helping develop a flavorful crust.
- New York Strip Steaks (2): The perfect cut for a tender, flavorful centerpiece with that classic beefy punch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all components, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of spice to balance the richness of the butter and meat.
- Shrimp (1 pound, deveined): Juicy, tender shrimp that soak up the garlic butter to complement the steak flawlessly.
How to Make Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by mixing the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley in a bowl until everything is well combined. This compound butter is the magic that will infuse your steak and shrimp with luscious flavor, so don’t skimp on the garlic or parsley! Pop the mixture in the refrigerator just while you prep the next steps; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Get Your Grill Ready
Heat your grill or grill pan on high so it’s piping hot when the steak hits the surface. A hot grill is crucial for that perfect sear that locks in juices and creates that delicious caramelized crust. Meanwhile, pat your New York strip steaks dry using paper towels to ensure they brown nicely, then lightly brush each steak with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning already builds a fantastic flavor foundation.
Step 3: Grill the Steaks to Perfection
Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for a medium-rare finish with an internal temperature of about 130-135°F. Cooking times can vary, so keep an eye on the grill, and resist the urge to flip too soon! Once cooked, move the steaks to a plate and spread half of your garlic butter over them while they rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steaks tender and moist.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Using the same pan, melt the remaining garlic butter over medium heat. Season the deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn vibrant pink and opaque. Toss the shrimp in the melted garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor. This step is quick, easy, and utterly spectacular in taste.
How to Serve Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley brings a fresh herbaceous finish and a pop of color to your plate. You can also add a lemon wedge for a subtle citrus brightness that complements the garlic butter beautifully and elevates the shrimp’s flavor.
Side Dishes
This dinner pairs wonderfully with classic choices like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or even a crisp garden salad. These sides provide texture and balance, complementing the richness of the steak and buttery shrimp without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, try plating the steak and shrimp on a warmed wooden cutting board to add rustic charm. Alternatively, serve the shrimp skewered alongside the steak for a visually striking arrangement that’s also easy to eat. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the sides and steak for extra indulgence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining much of their flavor and tenderness.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked steak and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing, and wrap tightly to protect from freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak and shrimp in a low oven or skillet to maintain moisture without drying out the meat. Adding a little leftover garlic butter during reheating helps restore the original rich flavor and luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While New York strip is perfect, ribeye or filet mignon can be delicious alternatives. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness and your preferred level of doneness.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No worries! You can use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan on the stovetop. Just make sure it’s hot and well-oiled to get a good sear. Finishing the cooking in the oven works well too.
Can I substitute butter for a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can swap unsalted butter for a dairy-free margarine or vegan butter. Just make sure it melts well and can hold the garlic and parsley flavors.
How do I know when the steak is medium-rare?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer aiming for an internal temperature between 130-135°F. If you don’t have one, look for a warm, pink center with slight firmness when gently pressed.
Is it better to peel shrimp or leave the shells on?
For this recipe, peeled and deveined shrimp works best because it allows the garlic butter to coat every bite and makes eating easier and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says “special occasion” quite like the Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe. It’s elegant, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a go-to for a romantic night in. I encourage you to try this recipe yourself—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that brings a little extra love to your dinner table.
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Perfect Valentine’s Dinner: Garlic Butter Steak & Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A perfect Valentine’s dinner featuring juicy New York strip steaks and succulent shrimp, both grilled to perfection and enhanced with a rich garlic butter and fresh parsley compound butter for an unforgettable, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Compound Butter:
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Steak and Shrimp:
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for grilling)
- 2 New York Strip Steaks
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (to taste)
- 1 pound Shrimp (deveined)
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare all ingredients and equipment before starting to ensure smooth cooking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley until well mixed. Place the compound butter in the refrigerator to chill while preparing other ingredients.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan on high heat until very hot for an optimal sear on the steaks.
- Season Steaks: Pat the New York strip steaks dry with paper towels. Lightly brush them with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Grill Steaks: Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, aiming for medium-rare temperature between 130-135°F. Once cooked, transfer steaks to a plate and spread half of the garlic butter over them. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
- Cook Shrimp: Using the same pan or grill, melt the remaining garlic butter over medium heat. Season the deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, then grill them for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Toss Shrimp in Butter: Toss the grilled shrimp in the melted garlic butter from the pan to coat evenly and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Plate the rested steaks alongside the butter-coated shrimp for a delicious, hearty dinner perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Notes
- Resting the steak after grilling helps maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure steak reaches the desired medium-rare temperature.
- Deveining shrimp is optional but recommended for better texture and appearance.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on preference.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet can be used on the stovetop for similar results.

