Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce

Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the best of land and sea. This meal features juicy filet mignon steaks paired with succulent shrimp, all drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who love both steak and seafood. It brings together two amazing flavors that complement each other beautifully. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich and savory touch, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s simple enough for home cooks to make without any fuss, yet it looks and tastes gourmet. Making this dish at home not only saves money compared to dining out but also allows you to personalize the flavors to suit your taste.
How to Make Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
Creating this mouthwatering dish is straightforward and enjoyable. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Directions
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Prepare the Meat and Seafood: Start by patting the steaks and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Sear the Steaks: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the filet mignon steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or cook until they reach your desired doneness. After cooking, remove them from the pan and let them rest.
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Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and golden brown. After cooking, remove them and set aside.
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Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it melts, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Combine Everything: Return the steaks and shrimp back to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over them for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Plate the steak and shrimp, and drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce. You can also garnish with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious surf & turf!
How to Serve Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. For drinks, consider a nice red wine for the steak or a crisp white wine for the shrimp.
How to Store Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep them moist.
Tips to Make Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat for a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the meat and shrimp in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs in the sauce to your liking for more or less flavor.
Variation
You can swap out the filet mignon for ribeye or sirloin steak, and use scallops instead of shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as they are thawed well before cooking.
How do I know when the steak is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, it should be about 135°F (57°C).
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones!

Surf & Turf with Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the steaks and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Cooking the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the filet mignon steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or cook until they reach your desired doneness. Remove them from the pan and let them rest.
Cooking the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and golden brown. Remove them and set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it melts, stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, and parsley. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Combining Everything
- Return the steaks and shrimp back to the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over them for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving
- Plate the steak and shrimp, drizzling with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley if desired.