Introduction
Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce is an indulgent and flavorful surf and turf dish that combines the rich taste of seared steak with succulent shrimp in a creamy, spicy Cajun sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home. The Cajun seasoning adds a bold kick to both the steak and the shrimp, while the creamy sauce, enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese, provides a decadent finish. Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a meal that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 pound steak (such as strip loin, rib eye, etc.)
- Cajun seasoning to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Sear the Steaks
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks generously with Cajun seasoning. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear until lightly browned on both sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the shrimp and cook until they are just pink on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth (or dry white wine) and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon as the liquid sizzles.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and mix in the Dijon mustard and Cajun seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it has melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and the cooked shrimp. Let the mixture simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the seared steaks. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy this decadent surf and turf dish with your favorite sides.
Cooking Note
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
- Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough. Cook them just until they turn pink.
Serving Suggestions
Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce pairs well with:
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a baked potato.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Prepare all ingredients and measure them out before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Resting the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after searing to retain its juices.
- Deglazing: Properly deglaze the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the sauce.
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 700 kcal
- Protein: 45 grams
- Sodium: 1000 milligrams