Name: Surf & Turf with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Ribeye steaks (about 10–12 ounces each, room temperature); 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste); 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing, divided if desired); 0.5 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed or left on per preference); 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 2 cloves Garlic (minced (about 1 teaspoon)); 0.5 cup Heavy cream (room temperature); 0.25 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, room temperature); 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Creamy, juicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavor, this Surf & Turf with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is comfort food turned elegant weeknight dinner. Imagine a perfectly seared ribeye crowned with spicy, velvety shrimp sauce that clings to each bite — rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Fun fact: surf and turf became popular in mid-20th-century America as a way to combine the fanciest land and sea options on one plate — a little showy, a lot delicious. If you love straightforward recipes that impress without fuss, this one delivers in under an hour. For another cozy crowd-pleaser, check out this creamy Cajun pasta twist I like to compare it to: Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine. Ready to make your dinner guests swoon? Let’s get cooking.

What is Surf & Turf with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce?

What’s in a name? Surf & Turf pairs the best of both worlds — steak and seafood — so you can have the satisfaction of a hearty ribeye and the sweet, briny pop of shrimp on one plate. Why call it that? Maybe it started as a dinner party flex, or maybe someone decided the steak needed a beach buddy. Who knows, but I like to imagine the chef winked as they plated it. They certainly understood that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious? Try it and see whether it becomes your signature dish, too.

Why You’ll Love This

Bold, balanced flavor: The smoky sear on the ribeye combines with a creamy, spicy Cajun shrimp sauce that is both luxurious and bright. Each forkful gives you meat, sauce, and shrimp in harmony.
Cost-savvy elegance: Making surf and turf at home is cheaper and faster than dining out. You can control portion sizes, ingredient quality, and seasoning without a hefty restaurant bill.
Crowd-pleasing simplicity: This recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients and a short list of steps, making it perfect for family dinners or an easy date-night meal. If you enjoy smoky, saucy dishes, you might also like this hearty Cajun Steak Penne for a pasta variation that uses similar flavors. Give this one a try and see how fast it becomes a favorite.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Surf & Turf is easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor. The steaks are seared to your liking for a juicy, caramelized crust, while the shrimp cooks quickly and gets tossed into a creamy Cajun sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Total time: about 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish — fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests.

Approximate time

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20–30 minutes
Total: 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

2 ribeye steaks — about 10–12 ounces each, room temperature
Salt — to taste (start with about 1 teaspoon)
Ground black pepper — to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
2 tbsp olive oil — for searing, divided if desired
1/2 lb shrimp — peeled and deveined, tails removed or left on per preference
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning — adjust to taste
2 cloves garlic — minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1/2 cup heavy cream — room temperature
1/4 cup chicken broth — low-sodium preferred
2 tbsp butter — unsalted, room temperature
Fresh parsley — chopped, for garnish (about 1 tbsp)

Directions

Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes while you heat the pan.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it shimmer until hot but not smoking.
Sear the steaks for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time for your preferred doneness. Avoid moving the steaks too much so a good crust forms. Use tongs to flip once.
Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute so the steaks stay juicy.
In the same skillet over medium heat, add the shrimp and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove shrimp and set aside with the steaks.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the butter and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if needed.
Return the steaks to the skillet and spoon the creamy Cajun sauce over them. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce so they warm through.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred sides.

Surf & Turf with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

What to Serve With

Classic mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower for creamy comfort.
Steamed rice or buttery herb rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Roasted asparagus or green beans for a bright, crunchy contrast.
A crisp Caesar or simple arugula salad to add freshness and acidity.
For drinks, serve a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a citrusy beer or sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic pairing.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Let steaks come to room temperature before cooking — this promotes even cooking.
Use a hot pan and don’t overcrowd it — get a nice sear for flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your heat preference; start with less and add more later.
If sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
Avoid overcooking shrimp — they cook fast and become rubbery if left too long.
Substitute ribeye with strip steak or filet mignon for a leaner cut; increase cook time slightly for thicker steaks.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep steak and shrimp together with sauce to preserve flavor.
Freezing: Not ideal for best texture, but you can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use a low oven (275°F / 135°C) and heat covered until warmed through to keep the steak juicy.
Note: Shrimp texture will change after freezing; for best results, plan to eat leftovers within a few days.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Ribeye is rich and well-marbled, but strip steak, sirloin, or filet mignon work well. Adjust cooking times for thickness.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients listed here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth labels to ensure no hidden gluten.

How spicy is the Cajun sauce?
Spiciness depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer more heat. You can also mix paprika and garlic powder for milder flavor.

Can I use shrimp with tails on?
Yes, leaving tails on looks elegant and makes for easy presentation. If serving to kids or in a casual setting, remove tails for easier eating.

Can I prep parts of this ahead of time?
You can season steaks and peel/devein shrimp ahead of time. Make the sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Surf & Turf with Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is a kitchen win: impressive enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight, and deeply satisfying every bite. The creamy, spicy sauce elevates seared ribeye and tender shrimp into a harmonious dish that proves you don’t need to dine out for restaurant-quality surf and turf. If you want a reference for a similar home-cooked approach, check out this detailed take on Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce (Surf and Turf) – Closet Cooking or explore a different spin with Cajun Steak and Shrimp – The Mixed Menu. Give it a try, invite someone you love, and watch this become a new favorite.