If you’re looking to impress someone (or just treat yourself!), this Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe is the ultimate showstopper. Think perfectly seared, juicy steak topped with plump, garlicky shrimp swimming in a buttery, lemony pan sauce. It’s fancy enough for a celebration but simple enough for a weeknight, all done in about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this surf-and-turf classic, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe is chosen for maximum flavor and a gorgeous presentation. Each ingredient adds its own special something, from rich and savory to bright and fresh.
- Ribeye or Sirloin Steaks: Pick thick-cut steaks for the juiciest, most flavorful results—these are the stars of your plate!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season the steaks generously; this simple duo brings out the beef’s natural flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps you get that perfect sear on both the steak and the shrimp while adding a subtle richness.
- Butter: Adds depth, silkiness, and that signature scampi flavor to both the steak and shrimp sauce.
- Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Go for big, juicy shrimp—they cook quickly and look gorgeous atop your steak.
- Garlic (minced): A must in any scampi, garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings gentle heat and complexity.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those caramelized bits and creating a luscious sauce—use wine for extra depth or broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of butter with a tangy zing.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finish that makes the dish pop visually and in taste.
How to Make Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steaks
Start by taking your steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. Letting them come to room temperature ensures even cooking and a better sear. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This step is simple but crucial for flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks
Heat a large skillet (cast iron is perfect!) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully lay the steaks in the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness and the thickness of your steaks. When done, transfer the steaks to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest. This keeps them juicy while you make the shrimp scampi.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those delicious browned bits!), add another tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the shrimp and red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking for 2–3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 4: Make the Scampi Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, using a spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes so it reduces slightly and thickens. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Slice the rested steaks against the grain, arrange them on plates, and generously spoon the garlicky shrimp scampi (and all that luscious pan sauce) right over the top. The combination of juicy steak, tender shrimp, and zesty sauce is what makes this Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe so irresistible!
How to Serve Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Finish with a sprinkle of extra parsley and maybe a few thin lemon slices for a fresh, restaurant-style look. If you really want to go over the top, a pat of garlic herb butter melting over the steak is pure magic.
Side Dishes
This Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe begs for something to soak up the sauce—think buttery mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or crusty bread. A crisp green salad or some simply sautéed greens also make a lovely, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the steak sliced on a platter with the shrimp scampi spooned down the center. Or, try serving atop creamy polenta or even tucked into a toasted baguette for a decadent surf-and-turf sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the steak and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the textures at their best and prevents the shrimp from overcooking when reheated.
Freezing
While steak can be frozen for up to 2 months, shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh as the sauce can separate and shrimp may get rubbery after freezing. If you do freeze them, let both cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak slices in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water. For the shrimp, reheat gently over low heat just until warmed through—avoid overcooking. If the sauce has thickened, add a tiny bit of butter or broth to refresh it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are especially juicy and flavorful, you can use filet mignon, New York strip, or even a well-marbled flat iron steak. Just adjust cooking time for thickness.
What if I don’t cook with wine?
No problem at all. Chicken broth is a perfect substitute and will still give you a delicious, savory sauce for this Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides like potatoes or rice and double-check any store-bought broth for hidden gluten.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly—once they turn pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes), they’re ready. Overcooked shrimp can get rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Can I prepare anything in advance?
You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley ahead of time. The steaks can also be seasoned an hour in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to cook, making the Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe a breeze to pull together.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something indulgent, this Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right to your table. Every bite is rich, bright, and deeply satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with this surf-and-turf classic!
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Steak and Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Steak and Shrimp Scampi recipe brings together perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin steaks paired with succulent garlic butter shrimp cooked in a flavorful white wine and lemon sauce. It’s a classic American surf and turf dish that’s quick to prepare on the stovetop, ideal for a satisfying main course that combines hearty steak with delicate seafood.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 8-ounce ribeye or sirloin steaks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for optimal flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil along with 1 tablespoon butter. Once the skillet is hot, sear the steaks for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time depending on steak thickness and desired doneness. After cooking, remove the steaks from the skillet, tent them loosely with foil, and let them rest to retain their juices.
- Cook the Shrimp Scampi: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter. Over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp and the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the pan to build flavor. Allow the sauce to cook down for another 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and remove from heat.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks against the grain and plate them. Spoon the warm shrimp scampi over the steak along with the pan sauce for a rich and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
- Enhance the flavor by finishing the steaks with a pat of garlic herb butter right before serving.
- If preferred, you can substitute chicken broth for the white wine to keep the recipe alcohol-free.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with shrimp
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 265 mg
