Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce (Surf and Turf) – A Decadent Date Night Dinner

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If you’ve ever dined at a high-end steakhouse and thought, “I wish I could recreate this at home,” then this Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce recipe is your dream come true. This dish brings together the bold, smoky heat of Cajun seasoning with the decadence of a creamy shrimp sauce, all served over a perfectly seared steak. It’s surf and turf elevated with restaurant-level finesse — without ever leaving your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking to impress a special someone, serving up a celebration dinner, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe has all the makings of a showstopper. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering meal at home with ease.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Steak and seafood lovers who crave rich, bold flavors.
  • Home cooks looking for a luxurious but simple dinner idea.
  • Anyone planning a romantic dinner, special celebration, or gourmet weekend meal.
  • Meal preppers who want an indulgent, reheatable dinner for the week.

The magic of this dish lies in the balance — the hearty, umami-packed steak meets the velvety shrimp sauce that sings with garlic, parmesan, Dijon mustard, and just enough Cajun spice to make it unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to recreate this steakhouse classic:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 pound steak (such as strip far, rib eye, or your favorite cut)
  • Cajun seasoning , to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 8 ounce shrimp , peeled and deveined
  • 4 garlic cloves , chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a richer flavor)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning , or to taste
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) , grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon parsley , chopped

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sear the Steak

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with Cajun seasoning. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Tip: Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This ensures it stays juicy when sliced.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and just opaque. Set the shrimp aside.

Note: Avoid overcooking the shrimp — they can turn rubbery quickly.

3. Build the Sauce

Toss in the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom — these are flavor gold!

4. Creamy Cajun Perfection

Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Stir and let simmer for 1–2 minutes. Then mix in grated Parmigiano Reggiano until it melts completely into the sauce.

5. Finish the Dish

Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and cooked shrimp. Let everything simmer together for a final minute. Plate the steaks and generously spoon the shrimp sauce on top. Garnish with additional parsley or lemon zest if desired.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you’ll need:

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Flip flops (for flipping steak and shrimp)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small bowl (for resting the cooked shrimp)

Optional but helpful:

  • Meat thermometer (for perfect steak doneness)
  • Microplane or fine grater (for the cheese and lemon zest)

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works too — heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Note: While the steak may lose some of its sear in reheating, the creamy shrimp sauce stays luscious!

Recipe Variations and Swaps

Want to customize this dish? Here are some easy ways to adapt it:

Protein Swaps

  • Substitute chicken breast or pork chops for steak.
  • Try scallops or lobster tails instead of shrimp for a fancier twist.

Sauce Tweaks

  • Add a touch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for extra heat.
  • Use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Cheese Options

  • Swap Parmigiano Reggiano with gruyere , asiago , or pecorino romano for different flavor profiles.

Wine and Side Dish Pairings

Wine Pairings

  • White wine: A buttery Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc balances the creamy sauce and seafood beautifully.
  • Red wine: A medium-bodied Merlot or Pinot Noir complements the richness of the steak without overpowering the shrimp.

Side Dish Suggestions

  • Mashed potatoes – the sauce doubles as gravy!
  • Garlic butter asparagus or steamed broccoli – a fresh, green counterbalance.
  • Creamy polenta or buttery rice – perfect to soak up every drop of the Cajun cream sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What cut of steak is best?

Ribeye and strip far are excellent for their marbling and tenderness. However, filet mignon is also fantastic if you’re splurging.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is moderate but adjustable. Start with less Cajun seasoning and add more to taste.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If prepping ahead, make the sauce and store it separately. Reheat gently and stir in shrimp just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is more than just dinner — it’s a culinary experience that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to pull off at home. The Cajun spice adds depth, the shrimp brings elegance, and the creamy sauce ties it all together into a dish that will wow anyone lucky enough to be at your table.

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just craving something indulgent, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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