Garlic Butter Surf and Turf

This hearty Garlic Butter Steak, Shrimp, and Potatoes has become my go-to dinner when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender steak, succulent shrimp, and crispy potatoes all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first created this recipe when my in-laws made a surprise visit last winter. They were so impressed that it's now requested at every family gathering we host.

Ingredients

• 1 lb steak sirloin or ribeye cut into cubes Choose well-marbled cuts for the best flavor and tenderness
• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined Look for firm shrimp with a mild ocean scent
• 1 lb baby potatoes halved The smaller the potatoes the quicker they cook and crispier they get
• 4 tablespoons butter Use unsalted so you can control the salt level
• 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps prevent the butter from burning at high heat
• 5 cloves garlic minced Fresh is essential for the best flavor profile
• 1 teaspoon paprika Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme Provides earthy aromatics that complement both proteins
• Salt and pepper to taste Season generously as it enhances all the other flavors
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish Adds bright color and fresh flavor contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Potatoes

Place halved baby potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat and cook for 10-12 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork but they still hold their shape. Drain thoroughly in a colander and let them steam dry for a minute to help them crisp better later.

Cook the Steak

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and slightly foaming. Add steak cubes without overcrowding and season with salt pepper and paprika. Allow to sear undisturbed for 2 minutes before flipping to brown all sides about 4-5 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet without cleaning it add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt pepper and dried thyme. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque about 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook as they will become rubbery. Remove to the plate with the steak.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Potatoes

Add remaining butter and olive oil to the skillet. Once butter melts add the parboiled potatoes cut side down when possible. Sprinkle with minced garlic and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes then gently toss and continue cooking for another 2-4 minutes until golden and crispy on multiple sides. The garlic should be fragrant but not burning.

Combine the Ingredients

Lower heat to medium-low and return steak and shrimp to the skillet with the potatoes. Gently toss everything together allowing the proteins to warm through and become coated in the garlicky butter sauce about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer everything to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Save

The garlic is truly the star of this dish. I've learned through many iterations that letting the garlic cook slowly with the potatoes creates an incredible depth of flavor that simply cannot be achieved by adding it at the end. My husband always knows when I'm making this dish because the entire house fills with that irresistible aroma.

Perfect Protein Cooking

Achieving the ideal doneness for both proteins can be tricky. For the steak cubes aim for 130°F internal temperature for medium-rare they will continue cooking slightly when returned to the pan later. When selecting shrimp size matters. I prefer 16/20 count shrimp which means there are 16-20 shrimp per pound. This size cooks evenly and looks impressive on the plate. Remember that shrimp cook extremely quickly usually in under 4 minutes total so keep a close eye on them.

Making Ahead Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but you can prepare components ahead of time. Boil the potatoes up to a day before and refrigerate them. Peel and devein shrimp several hours ahead and keep chilled. Cut steak and prepare garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process. While full assembly should happen just before serving prepping ingredients can save you valuable time when guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions

This meal stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil offers a peppery freshness that balances the richness. Steamed asparagus or green beans make excellent vegetable accompaniments. For a complete feast add crusty bread to soak up the incredible garlic butter sauce you definitely won't want to waste a drop.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin or ribeye work best as they have excellent flavor and remain tender when cubed and quickly cooked. Look for steaks with good marbling for the juiciest results. If you prefer leaner options, tenderloin will also work beautifully but may be more expensive.

→ Can I make this with frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this dish. Thaw them completely before cooking by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture.

→ How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?

For extra crispy potatoes, drain them thoroughly after boiling and let them steam dry for a few minutes. Don't overcrowd the skillet when frying them, and use a higher heat setting. You can also try adding a sprinkle of cornstarch to the potatoes before frying for an extra crispy exterior.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

This dish works wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent vegetable sides. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes, you can boil the potatoes up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. You can also prep all ingredients (cube the steak, devein the shrimp, mince the garlic) and store separately in the refrigerator. The actual cooking is best done just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

→ How do I properly reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to create steam. Cover the skillet and heat until just warmed through (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power in 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.