If you have been searching for the perfect balance between land and sea on your dinner plate, you have just hit gold with this Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy steak cubes mingling with succulent shrimp, all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce bursting with flavor. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together the smoky richness of perfectly seared steak and the delicate sweetness of shrimp, making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or an impressive weekend indulgence, this recipe is your ticket to a memorable meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together in no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in building layers of rich flavor, vibrant color, and satisfying texture that come together beautifully in one pan.
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender bites that deliver robust flavor.
- ¾ pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds a sweet, briny contrast that perfectly complements the steak.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For searing and cooking that perfect crust on steak and shrimp without sticking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the garlic butter sauce, lending richness and a velvety finish.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Brings pungent, aromatic heat, perfectly mellowed by butter.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds subtle umami depth and a slight saltiness to enhance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that elevates the steak bites.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor and helps create a flavorful crust on the steak.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Brightens every bite with a zesty finish.
How to Make Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by generously seasoning your steak cubes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This flavor foundation ensures each bite bursts with savory, smoky goodness. Don’t be shy about getting the seasoning right into every piece.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak bites in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded — this is key to achieving a golden crust. Sear them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to rest, locking in those juicy flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
To the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and, if you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, making sure not to overcook them — tender shrimp are the secret to success here.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
With the shrimp still in the skillet, add the butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce. As the butter melts, stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. This sauce is where the magic happens, enveloping the protein in layers of garlicky, buttery, umami flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss gently with the shrimp and garlic butter sauce for another minute or two. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Once combined, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and remove from heat. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over for a bright, citrusy pop that ties it all together.
How to Serve Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must to add a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness. Lemon wedges are also essential — a quick squeeze brightens this indulgent skillet and balances the bold flavors with a refreshing tang. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving brings a delightful crunch and enhances every ingredient.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines alongside a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that irresistible garlic butter sauce. If you’re looking to keep things lighter, pair it with a crisp mixed green salad or some roasted veggies. And of course, don’t underestimate the power of warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of buttery goodness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, consider plating the steak bites and shrimp over a nest of linguine tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs. You can also serve it family-style straight from the skillet to the table — it adds a rustic and convivial vibe. Want to impress? Garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil for a sophisticated touch that’s guaranteed to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain optimal freshness and texture. The garlic butter sauce helps keep the steak and shrimp moist even after chilling.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for a busy day. Place cooled steak bites and shrimp with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the skillet contents in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a small splash of water or broth can prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it tends to make steak chewy and shrimp rubbery. Warm thoroughly until steaming hot and ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use filet mignon or strip steak cubes. Just be mindful of cooking times as leaner cuts can cook faster and dry out.
Is this recipe suitable for someone on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as the soy sauce you use is gluten-free. Traditional soy sauce contains wheat, so be sure to select a gluten-free variety like tamari.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but they are completely optional. You can easily omit them or adjust to your heat preference to keep the dish mild or make it spicy.
Can I prepare this recipe without a skillet?
A heavy-bottomed frying pan or sauté pan will work just fine if you don’t have a skillet. The key is good heat retention and enough room to sear the steak and shrimp without crowding.
What’s the best way to make sure the shrimp don’t overcook?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just opaque. Keeping a close eye and removing them from heat as soon as they’re cooked tender will prevent rubbery shrimp.
Final Thoughts
This Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fit for a special occasion yet simple enough to whip up any night of the week. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that everyone will rave about, and it comes with the bonus of minimal fuss and cleanup. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own — trust me, once you do, it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe lineup that you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Steak Bites and Shrimp recipe features tender sirloin or ribeye cubes and succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of smoked paprika. Ready in just 30 minutes, this gluten-free surf and turf dish is perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Shrimp
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¾ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the steak: In a bowl, season steak cubes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: To the skillet with shrimp, add the butter, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom to combine the flavors.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the steak and shrimp to be evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added zest.
Notes
- Serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the pan sauce before tossing the steak and shrimp together.
