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Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

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Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is a luxurious dish that combines perfectly seared steak with a rich, spicy sauce loaded with tender shrimp. This restaurant-quality recipe is ideal for special occasions or when you’re craving a decadent meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines surf and turf for a hearty and indulgent meal.
  • Packed with bold Cajun flavors and creamy richness.
  • Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a romantic dinner at home.
  • Customizable with your favorite cuts of steak and level of spice.
  • Quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon steak
  • Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Onion (finely diced)
  • Bell peppers (optional, diced)
  • Chicken or seafood broth
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Olive oil
  • Parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
  2. Cook the steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare) or to your desired doneness. Remove and let rest under foil.
  3. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and cook the shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the sauce: Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers (if using) until softened. Deglaze the pan with chicken or seafood broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Add the cream: Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with Cajun spices to taste.
  6. Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the steak and spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Mild Version: Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning for a less spicy dish.
  • Garlic Butter Steak: Add garlic butter to the steak before topping it with the sauce for extra richness.
  • Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a different twist.
  • Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce for added texture.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Use cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamier sauce with a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

1. What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?

Ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but any good steak cut will work.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.

5. What can I serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread pair well to soak up the creamy sauce.

6. How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook the shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery.

7. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglaze the pan with white wine instead of broth for added depth of flavor.

8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, but ensure your Cajun seasoning is sugar-free.

9. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the end to warm through without overcooking.

10. Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grill the steak to your preferred doneness and proceed with the sauce as directed.

Conclusion

Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is an indulgent and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special dinners or when you want to treat yourself. With its juicy steak, tender shrimp, and rich, spicy sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy a memorable meal that’s as satisfying as it is impressive!

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Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

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This decadent dish combines juicy, perfectly seared steak with a rich and creamy Cajun shrimp sauce. It’s a luxurious meal that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for date nights or special occasions.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steaks:

  • 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce:

  • 1/2 lb (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Steaks:

  1. Season the steaks on both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the steaks for 3–5 minutes per side (depending on desired doneness). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
    • Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
    • Medium Rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
    • Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
  4. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest under foil while preparing the sauce.

2. Make the Cajun Shrimp Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.

3. Assemble and Serve:

  1. Place the steaks on serving plates and spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or milk.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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