Steak with Creamy Cajun Sauce

This steak topped with creamy Cajun shrimp sauce transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience right in your own home. The combination of perfectly seared beef with a rich, spicy shrimp sauce creates a surf and turf masterpiece that rivals any restaurant offering at a fraction of the cost.

I first made this dish for my anniversary dinner when our reservation fell through last minute. The look on my partner's face when I presented this stunning plate convinced me I never needed to pay steakhouse prices again.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steak: Provides perfect marbling for a juicy result but sirloin or filet mignon work beautifully too
• Large shrimp: Deliver a sweet flavor contrast to the savory steak, select fresh or frozen that have been properly deveined
• Cajun seasoning: Creates the signature flavor profile, look for brands with less salt so you can control the overall seasoning
• Heavy cream: Forms the luxurious base of the sauce, use full fat for proper thickening and richness
• Parmesan cheese: Adds depth and body to the sauce, freshly grated melts much better than pre-packaged varieties
• Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Steaks:

Allow steaks to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes which ensures even cooking throughout. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to get that perfect sear. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides remembering that some of it will get lost in the pan. Heat your skillet until it is almost smoking before adding the olive oil this creates the ideal environment for a beautiful crust.

Cook the Perfect Steak:

Place steaks carefully in the hot skillet allowing them to develop a deep brown crust before flipping. This typically takes 3 to 5 minutes depending on thickness. Flip only once and finish cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes. In the final minute add butter and tilt the pan slightly to collect the melted butter then spoon it repeatedly over the steaks. This butter basting technique adds incredible flavor and helps cook the edge of the steak.

Create the Shrimp Base:

Using the same flavorful skillet without cleaning it add another tablespoon of butter. Toss your shrimp with Cajun seasoning ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook quickly just until they turn pink and opaque about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Overcooking will make them rubbery so watch carefully. Remove and set aside momentarily.

Build the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce the heat to prevent burning the garlic which would create bitterness. Add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant which takes about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream while scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits left from cooking the steak and shrimp. Add the Parmesan cheese smoked paprika and cayenne if desired. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it begins to thicken which takes 2 to 3 minutes stirring occasionally.

Complete the Dish:

Return the cooked shrimp to the thickened sauce ensuring they get fully coated in the creamy mixture. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper according to your preference. Plate your rested steaks which have been redistributing their juices for optimal tenderness. Spoon the luxurious shrimp sauce generously over each steak and finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

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This dish reminds me of my first trip to New Orleans where I fell in love with Cajun cuisine. The combination of bold spices with delicate seafood completely changed my perception of surf and turf. Now whenever I make this at home the aromas transport me back to those magical evenings in the French Quarter.

Perfect Pairings

This spectacular main dish deserves worthy companions on your plate. Creamy mashed potatoes make an ideal bed for soaking up the extra sauce while roasted asparagus or broccolini provide a fresh counterpoint to the richness. For a truly Southern inspired meal serve alongside dirty rice or cheese grits which complement the Cajun flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

While this dish shines when served immediately you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline dinner service. Season the steaks and clean the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance storing them covered in the refrigerator. The Cajun cream sauce can even be made earlier in the day and gently reheated just before serving adding the shrimp during reheating to prevent overcooking.

Steak Selection Guide

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility regarding your beef choice. Ribeyes offer exceptional marbling and flavor but come at a higher price point. New York strips provide excellent texture with slightly less fat. Filet mignon delivers unmatched tenderness though with less inherent flavor making it the perfect canvas for the robust sauce. Even budget friendly sirloin steaks work wonderfully when cooked properly allowing you to enjoy this luxury meal without breaking the bank.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook the perfect steak?

Let the steak come to room temperature, season generously, and sear it over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time for your desired doneness.

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for this dish. They cook quickly and pair well with the creamy Cajun sauce.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Use more or less cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Omit the cayenne for a milder flavor.

→ What are good side dishes for this meal?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement the steak and shrimp beautifully, creating a well-balanced plate.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the steak's tenderness and avoid overcooking the shrimp.