Date Night Steak Shrimp

The kitchen was quiet except for the sizzle of butter hitting the hot pan. My partner had just walked through the door, tired from a long week, and I decided we needed something that felt special without the restaurant price tag. That first bite of perfectly seared steak followed by buttery shrimp changed everything about how I approach date night cooking at home.

I once made this for our anniversary on a Tuesday night just because. We set up a small table by the window with candles and the whole nine yards. My husband actually asked if I had secretly ordered takeout from a steakhouse because he could not believe I pulled this off on a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 2 filet mignon steaks: These tender cuts cook quickly and stay juicy, plus they feel luxurious without breaking the bank
• Olive oil: Creates the perfect searing base and withstands high heat without smoking
• Kosher salt: The larger crystals adhere better to the meat and create that restaurant quality crust
• Unsalted butter: Essential for basting and finishing both the steak and shrimp
• Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy aromatic note that permeates the meat during basting
• 8 large shrimp: Peel them yourself for better flavor and tail on presentation
• Garlic: Smashed for the steak infusion, minced for the shrimp butter sauce
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens the entire dish
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle depth and gorgeous color to the shrimp
• Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the plate

Instructions

Bring steaks to room temperature:

Pull the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because cold steaks cook unevenly and moisture prevents proper searing.

Season generously:

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each steak. Do not be shy here. You want a thorough coating that will transform into that delicious crust.

Get the pan ripping hot:

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium high heat for at least 3 minutes. You should see a faint wisp of smoke when you add the olive oil.

Sear the steaks:

Lay the steaks carefully in the hot pan and let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. When you flip them, you should see a gorgeous golden brown crust.

Baste with butter:

Add butter, thyme, and smashed garlic to the pan. Tilt the skillet and spoon that aromatic melted butter over the steaks continuously for another 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Rest the meat:

Move the steaks to a plate and tent them loosely with foil. Let them rest while you cook the shrimp, which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Clean and restart for shrimp:

Wipe out the skillet with paper towels and return it to medium heat. Add fresh olive oil and butter.

Build the shrimp base:

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Cook the shrimp:

Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque throughout.

Finish with bright flavors:

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and scatter chopped parsley on top. Give everything a quick toss to coat.

Plate and serve:

Place each steak on a plate, arrange the garlic butter shrimp alongside or on top. Add lemon wedges and a final parsley garnish.

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This recipe has become our go to for celebrations big and small. There is something about plating up surf and turf at home that makes any regular evening feel like a true occasion.

Mastering the Sear

The key to that restaurant quality crust is patience. Do not move the steaks once they hit the pan and let the heat do its work undisturbed. I learned this lesson the hard way after years of constantly flipping and wondering why my home steaks never looked like the ones at steakhouses.

Butter Basting Magic

The basting step is where all those restaurant secrets come together. As the butter melts with thyme and garlic, it becomes a flavor infused elixir that you repeatedly spoon over the meat. This technique not only adds incredible taste but also helps cook the top of the steak while keeping it irresistibly tender.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

While this surf and turf stands beautifully on its own, the right sides make it a complete meal. I love serving it with garlic mashed potatoes that soak up all the extra butter sauce from both the steak and shrimp.

• Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted fingerlings
• Simple roasted asparagus with lemon
• A crisp arugula salad with vinaigrette

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There is something profoundly satisfying about creating a restaurant worthy meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this special dinner.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I achieve the perfect sear on the steak?

Pat the steak dry and cook over medium-high heat in a hot skillet with olive oil. Sear each side 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms, then baste with butter and herbs for extra flavor.

→ What is the best way to cook shrimp for this dish?

Sauté peeled shrimp in olive oil and butter with minced garlic and smoked paprika for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then finish with fresh lemon juice and parsley.

→ Can I use different cuts of steak?

Yes, ribeye or strip steak can be substituted if filet mignon is unavailable, maintaining similar thickness for even cooking.

→ Should the steaks rest after cooking?

Allow steaks to rest for a few minutes tented with foil to retain juices and achieve tender results.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad complement the robust flavors and create a balanced plate.