Cajun Shrimp Steak Recipe

Sizzling Cajun Shrimp Steak Recipe: A Spicy Surf & Turf Delight

Searing hot skillets meet zesty cajun shrimp steak in a culinary dance that’ll make your taste buds tango.

Passionate home cooks understand the magic of bold spices and perfectly charred proteins.

Every kitchen adventure starts with quality ingredients and a dash of creativity.

Muscular steaks get a spicy Creole makeover that screams Southern comfort.

Robust flavors mingle with succulent shrimp, creating a plate that tells a mouthwatering story.

Vibrant seasonings bring New Orleans right to your dinner table.

Unleash your inner chef and let this recipe become your new weekend sensation.

Cajun Shrimp Steak Storage Strategy

  • Store leftover steak and shrimp in separate airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Allow the steak and sauce to reach room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality.
  • Warm steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the oven at 275°F, covering the steak with foil to retain moisture.
  • Reheat the creamy Cajun sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce appears too thick.

Sides That Pair With Cajun Steak and Shrimp

  • Perfectly Paired Wine Selections: Bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complement the rich, spicy steak and shrimp flavors.
  • Zesty Cocktail Companion: Craft a spicy Cajun Bloody Mary with extra hot sauce and seafood garnish to mirror the dish's bold Cajun profile.
  • Refreshing Beverage Balance: Crisp white beer or a citrusy sauvignon blanc will cut through the creamy sauce and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
  • Herbal Palate Cleanser: Create a mint-cucumber mojito to cool down the spicy Cajun notes and refresh the taste buds between bites.

Cajun Shrimp Steak Sauce Combo Twists

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Substitute: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to create a creamy sauce for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap steak and shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based protein to create a satisfying meatless version of the dish.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce if needed.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically includes a blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt, creating a spicy and flavorful mix that adds bold Louisiana-style taste to dishes.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water in the skillet.

  • How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach 135°F (57°C). Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking, as the temperature will continue to rise slightly.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust the quantity to make it mild or hot according to your preference, controlling the heat to suit your taste.

Steak With Shrimp Sauce That’s a Full Flavor Hit

Quick Weeknight Gourmet: Elevate Dinner in Minutes

  • Minimal Cooking Skills Needed: Perfect for home cooks with basic kitchen experience, this recipe requires simple techniques like searing steak and making a creamy sauce.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor Explosion: Combines luxurious steak with spicy Cajun shrimp sauce, delivering complex flavors without complicated preparation steps.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Reduces cleanup time by using the same pan for steak, shrimp, and sauce, making this recipe incredibly convenient for busy home chefs.
  • Impressive Date Night Dish: Looks and tastes like a high-end restaurant meal but can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, perfect for romantic dinners at home.

Cajun Shrimp Sauce for Steak – Ingredient Pack

Meat:
  • Steak: Rich protein base for the dish, best with cuts like ribeye or New York strip.
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking seafood that adds delicate texture and ocean flavor, choose large or jumbo size.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances meat's natural flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and complex flavor profile.
  • Cajun Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides spicy and bold Cajun-style kick, adjustable heat level.
Sauce Components:
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with deep flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds subtle savory depth and helps thin sauce consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy balance to the rich sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Introduces aromatic and pungent flavor element.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh color and light herbal note to finish the dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear steak with nice golden crust and prevents sticking.

Steak & Shrimp Sauce Pan-Seared Method

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Grab your favorite cut of steak and coat it generously with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Smoked paprika

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it’s screaming hot.

Carefully place the steaks in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare.

The goal is a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in all those delicious juices.

Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a resting plate to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 2: Spice Up the Shrimp

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in your succulent shrimp.

Sprinkle with:
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Cook the shrimp until they turn a gorgeous pink and curl up slightly, about 2 minutes per side.

They should look plump and inviting.

Quickly remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Dreamy Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet, letting it dance around and release its aromatic magic.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

The sauce should become rich and velvety.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently return the shrimp to the creamy sauce, coating them completely.

Place your perfectly cooked steak on a plate and cascade the zesty Cajun shrimp sauce right over the top.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate alongside your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad.

This dish is a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

Surf and Turf Tips for Cajun Steak and Shrimp Sauce

  • Select well-marbled ribeye or New York strip steaks for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Pat steaks dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain silky consistency.
  • Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
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Cajun Shrimp Steak Recipe

Cajun Shrimp Steak Recipe


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4.5 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling steak meets luxurious Cajun shrimp sauce in this mouthwatering Southern-inspired culinary masterpiece. Rich, spicy flavors and creamy textures combine to elevate your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 steaks (ribeye or filet mignon)
  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat the steaks with a robust blend of Cajun seasoning, ensuring both sides are evenly seasoned with salt and pepper.
  2. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing the steaks to achieve a golden-brown crust. Cook approximately 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for preferred doneness. Transfer steaks to a resting plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce shrimp, sprinkling with additional Cajun seasoning. Sauté until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and are thoroughly cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Sauté diced onions in the skillet until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, scraping up caramelized bits from the skillet’s surface to enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor.
  6. Incorporate heavy cream, smoked paprika, and a splash of lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce, thickening into a luxurious sauce over 3-4 minutes.
  7. Gently reintroduce the shrimp to the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated.
  8. Plate the steaks and crown them with the rich Cajun shrimp sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Perfectly sear steaks by patting them dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
  • Customize Cajun heat levels by adjusting the amount of seasoning, allowing those with sensitive palates to enjoy the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based thickeners in the sauce, making it suitable for those with wheat allergies.
  • Lighten up the recipe by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, reducing calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 300mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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