Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce: Indulge in the ultimate surf-and-turf experience with this Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce! Juicy, perfectly seared steak is smothered in a rich, flavorful Cajun shrimp sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan. This restaurant-quality dish is easy to make at home and perfect for special occasions or weeknight indulgence.

Surf & Turf Meal | Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail | Shrimp stuffed steak

Ingredients:

Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

1.For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip steaks (about 1½ inches thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2.For the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon (for freshness)

3.For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges
• Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak

1. Bring the steak to room temperature: Take the steaks out of the fridge at least 30–45 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on all sides.
3. Sear the steaks:
   • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and starts sizzling, add the steaks.
   • Sear for 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on your preference.
   • Baste the steak with the melted butter using a spoon for extra flavor.
4. Rest the steaks: Remove them from the skillet and tent them loosely with foil. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes to retain their juices.

2. Make the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

1. Sauté the shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and the shrimp. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them.
2. Cook the shrimp: Sauté for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to medium and add garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
   • Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it.
   • Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well.
4. Simmer: Let the sauce cook for 3–5 minutes, until thickened. Stir occasionally.
5. Return the shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back to the sauce and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Stir to coat everything in the rich, creamy sauce.

3. Assemble & Serve

1. Plate the steak: Place the rested steak on a plate.
2. Top with the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce: Spoon the rich shrimp sauce generously over the steak.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
4. Pair with sides: Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

Cooking Tips & Variations:

1. Choosing the Right Steak:

• Ribeye: Best for a rich, marbled texture.
• Filet Mignon: Leaner and more tender.
• New York Strip: A balance of flavor and tenderness.

2. Make It Spicier:

• Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

✅ Lighter Version:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

✅ Extra Flavor Boost:

• Stir in crisp bacon bits for a smoky touch.

Let me know if you want me to expand further for a full 2,000-word version with more tips, variations, and wine pairings! 😊

FAQs:

How do you make Cajun sauce thicker?

Combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir together until smooth. Pour into your sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring continually, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Test the sauce with a spoon.

Can you eat steak and shrimp?

You can pretty much eat skillet steak and shrimp all year long because it’s made indoors on a skillet which makes it perfect for weeknights, weekends, summer, or even winter. Along with being a year-round recipe, it’s incredibly easy to make.

What does Cajun taste like?

What Does Cajun Flavor Taste Like? Since—as mentioned above—Cajun seasoning is basically just a blend of cayenne pepper and garlic, Cajun flavor is most often described as equal parts bold and spicy (from the pepper) and earthy (from the garlic)

How to thicken a creamy sauce?

The most readily available sauce-thickener is flour. For a too-thin sauce, try adding a slurry (equal parts flour and water, whisked together) or beurre manie (equal parts softened butter and flour, kneaded together to form a paste)—both are ideal thickeners for rich and creamy sauces, such as steak sauce recipes.

Should steak be eaten with sauce?

The purists are right when they say that high-quality meat doesn’t need sauce. But that doesn’t mean a few drops of sauce couldn’t make it even better. Quality steak, cooked right, comes with its own sauce.

What is Cajun spice used for?

Cajun Seasoning Uses

You can add Cajun seasoning to anything that needs a little Cajun kick. For instance, it works well in: Soups and stews (especially gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice) Spice rubs for grilled chicken, beef, pork, and seafood.