Date Night Steak Shrimp (Printable version)
Savor seared steak and garlic butter shrimp with fresh herbs and lemon for a special dinner.
# Ingredient list:
→ Steak
01 - 2 (8 oz) filet mignon or ribeye steaks, 1 inch thick
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
07 - 2 garlic cloves, smashed
→ Shrimp
08 - 8 large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - Pinch of salt and pepper
→ Optional Accompaniments
16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Fresh parsley for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Season both sides of the steaks generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
04 - Place steaks in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
05 - Add butter, thyme sprigs, and smashed garlic to the pan. Tilt the skillet and continuously baste the steaks with the foaming butter for 1-2 minutes per side until reaching medium-rare (130°F internal temperature).
06 - Transfer steaks to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest for at least 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
07 - Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add olive oil and butter for the shrimp.
08 - Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
09 - Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout.
10 - Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss to coat evenly. Serve steaks topped with garlic butter shrimp, garnished with lemon wedges and additional parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination creates a restaurant quality experience in your own kitchen
- Each component cooks in under 10 minutes but tastes like you spent all day preparing it
02 -
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness because cutting into the steak releases precious juices
- The shrimp continue cooking off heat so pull them when they are just barely opaque
03 -
- Buy the best quality steaks you can afford since this recipe lets the meat shine
- Keep a paper towel nearby to wipe out the pan between steak and shrimp cooking