Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Creamy, juicy, and packed with surf-and-turf flavor, this dish features tender steak bites, sweet shrimp, and delicate scallops in a silky garlic cream sauce.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb Sirloin or filet mignon, cut into bite-sized pieces Room temperature
- 1/2 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined Tails removed if preferred
- 1/2 lb Scallops, patted dry
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Chicken or seafood broth, warm
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare proteins: Pat the steak bites, shrimp, and scallops dry with paper towels. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Lightly season shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper as well.
- Heat skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter and let the butter melt and foam.
- Sear steak bites: Add the steak bites in a single layer without crowding. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a brown crust forms but the center remains slightly pink. Work in batches if needed. Remove the steak bites to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Cook shrimp and scallops: In the same hot skillet, add a small splash of oil if needed. Add shrimp and scallops and cook about 2 minutes per side until they turn golden and opaque. Do not overcook. Remove to the plate with the steak.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids: Stir in the heavy cream, warm broth, fresh lemon juice, and paprika. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine and finish: Return the steak bites, shrimp, and scallops to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce and cook 1 to 2 more minutes just to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.
Notes
For best results, pat proteins dry before cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan. Adjust richness by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream if desired.