If you’re looking to dazzle your guests (or just treat yourself), Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce is where indulgence meets pure comfort. Just imagine the sizzling sear of juicy steak, luscious shrimp nestled on top, all draped in a velvety, aromatic sauce. This recipe brings together the very best of land and sea, melding rich, savory flavors with a touch of elegance. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a well-deserved weeknight treat, this Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce promises a restaurant-worthy experience right from your own kitchen.

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The building blocks of Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce are simple, but choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference. Each element plays its part, offering bold flavors, enticing textures, and mouthwatering color on your plate.

Steak (ribeye, filet mignon, or strip): Go for a cut with good marbling for tenderness and flavor; a thick steak will sear beautifully and stay juicy inside.
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp; they should be plump for the ultimate sweetness and snap.
Olive oil: Gives both steak and shrimp a gorgeous golden crust and helps carry the flavors.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: The classic duo for seasoning steak and shrimp, bringing out their natural richness.
Butter: Adds richness to both the sear and the luscious garlic sauce.
Garlic (minced): Fragrant and irresistible, garlic is the soul of the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates that signature luxurious texture for the sauce.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for a savory, cheesy depth.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up, balancing the richness.
Chopped fresh parsley: For a hit of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels; this helps create a gorgeous crust. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is perfect) over high heat, swirl in a splash of olive oil, and add the steak. Let it sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes to build that restaurant-quality sear before flipping. Once both sides are beautifully browned and cooked to your preferred doneness, move the steak to a plate. Tent it with foil and let it rest while you whip up the rest of your Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Wipe out any excess oil from the pan if needed, then add a touch more olive oil and a dab of butter. Toss the shrimp with a little salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sauté until they turn pink and opaque, usually just a couple of minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the residual heat while you whisk up the dreamy creamy garlic sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat and add more butter to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute—careful not to let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring up all those delicious browned bits left from the steak and shrimp. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in the parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, stirring until the sauce is silky smooth. Taste for seasoning—you want it luscious, garlicky, and just the right amount of tangy.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

To bring it all together, nestle the juicy steak on a plate (slice if you like), and pile the sautéed shrimp on top or alongside. Spoon the warm creamy garlic sauce generously over everything, ensuring each bite is drenched in flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch to your Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce masterpiece.

How to Serve Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce with a flourish of chopped parsley, a sprinkle of a little extra parmesan, or a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving. If you love a zesty note, add a few curls of lemon zest. These touches add color, aroma, and a burst of freshness that elevates the entire plate.

Side Dishes

Creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans are always a hit alongside this decadent dish. You might also love serving it with garlic bread for mopping up the extra sauce or a simple salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, try serving individual portions on wooden cutting boards, allowing the sauce to gently cascade over steak and shrimp. Skewer the shrimp for a fun twist or pile them on a bed of sautéed spinach for extra color. Family-style platters work equally well for sharing—just be prepared for requests for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let everything cool completely before transferring steak, shrimp, and sauce into separate airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping them separate helps maintain their textures and flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked steak and shrimp for up to a month, although the creamy garlic sauce is best made fresh—freezing can cause it to separate. If you want to freeze the sauce, do so in a tightly sealed container and whisk thoroughly as you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak and shrimp in a low oven wrapped in foil or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep things from drying out. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently; add a little more cream if it’s too thick. Combine everything just before serving your revived Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

FAQs

What’s the best steak cut for Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Ribeye and filet mignon are popular choices thanks to their tenderness and flavor, but New York strip or sirloin work beautifully too. Just choose a cut you love, and aim for at least 1-inch thick for juicy results.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. High-quality frozen shrimp can be just as sweet and firm as fresh, especially when used in a boldly flavored Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

How do I make the creamy garlic sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute or two longer to reduce. If you’d like it thinner, add an extra splash of cream or a bit of broth until you reach your perfect consistency.

Can I add extra flavors to the sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, chopped chives for color, or even a dollop of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. The creamy garlic sauce is deliciously versatile.

What wine pairs best with Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

A buttery Chardonnay, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Pinot Noir are all lovely choices. The key is to pick something that balances richness and enhances both the surf and the turf.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about pulling off a great Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce—especially when you’ve made it yourself. Whether you’re impressing a crowd or just celebrating a Tuesday night, dive in, embrace the flavors, and savor every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe