Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I rely on recipes that feel comforting without needing hours in the kitchen. This dish is one of my easy weeknight favorites, simple, warm, and full of flavor. If you love homey food that brings everyone to the table, this recipe will be perfect for you.
A Little Cajun Magic
When you think of Surf & Turf, you picture a fancy restaurant meal. But this Cajun Steak and Shrimp Surf & Turf brings all that flavor to your own kitchen, without the price tag or the pressure.
It’s rich, spicy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. The Cajun seasoning adds smoky depth to the steak while the shrimp soaks up all that garlicky butter. Every bite is bold yet comforting, the kind of meal that makes everyone quiet at the table for a moment, just savoring.
And the best part? You can make it all in one skillet in under 30 minutes.
If you love this kind of hearty, flavor-forward cooking, check out Blackened Cajun Ribeye with Garlic Butter or Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe, both SoolFood favorites packed with bold seasoning and simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Surf & Turf
- Quick and satisfying: Dinner in less than 30 minutes.
- Bold Cajun flavors: Smoky, garlicky, buttery goodness in every bite.
- Two proteins, one skillet: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Perfect for date night or family dinners: Fancy taste, easy process.
Serve it with roasted veggies, Air Fryer Carrots, or creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy plate made with love.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 lb each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the steak: Rub steaks with olive oil and coat with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the steak: Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add the steaks and cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add shrimp, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Sear for 2–3 minutes, tossing until pink and slightly charred. Add lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet, stir in garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.
- Combine: Place the steaks back in the skillet with the shrimp. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top and serve immediately.
Lina’s Tips for Perfect Surf & Turf
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, frozen works, but thaw and pat dry first.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a couple of minutes.
- Let the steak rest: It locks in all the juices.
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for a restaurant-style finish.
This Cajun Steak and Shrimp Surf & Turf is a true crowd-pleaser, simple ingredients, rich flavor, and that buttery Cajun aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s a Southern classic made easy, with every bite reminding you why homemade food just feels better.
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Cajun Steak and Shrimp Surf & Turf: A Flavorful Southern Feast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Juicy Cajun steak and shrimp surf & turf cooked in one skillet with garlic butter and lemon for a rich, spicy Southern-style dinner.
Ingredients
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1 lb each)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of ½ lemon
3 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Rub steaks with olive oil and season with Cajun mix.
2. Sear steaks 3–4 minutes per side; set aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, cook shrimp with butter, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Add lemon juice; remove shrimp.
5. Melt butter, add garlic, lemon zest, parsley; return steak and shrimp.
6. Spoon sauce over top and serve immediately.
Notes
Use cast iron for best sear and flavor.
Rest steak before slicing.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Southern American