If you are craving a dish that beautifully combines the rich, savory flavors of tender steak with succulent shrimp, then this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect harmony of sizzling steak morsels and juicy shrimp tossed in luscious garlic butter, creating a mouthwatering experience that is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings the elegance of surf and turf to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create big, bold flavors. Each component adds its own magic—whether it’s the hearty steak, sweet shrimp, fragrant garlic, or the buttery richness—making this dish a showstopper without complicating your cooking.
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, tender bites that sear beautifully.
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp add a delightful contrast and seafood sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for searing and cooking; it provides a light base without overpowering the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons butter: This brings the rich, silky garlic butter sauce that coats every bite.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances both the steak and shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that contributes bright, savory notes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
Start by patting your steak bites and shrimp dry with paper towels—this simple step helps achieve a great sear. Season both generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer to ensure they brown nicely without steaming. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until you achieve a beautiful crust and your preferred level of doneness. Once ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Make Garlic Butter
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook! Next, stir in the butter and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute while constantly stirring to prevent the garlic from burning. This creates a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s the soul of the dish.
Step 4: Combine Steak and Shrimp
Return the steak bites to the skillet and give everything a good toss so the garlic butter coats every piece of steak and shrimp evenly. This step melds all the flavors together and makes your skillet irresistibly aromatic and rich.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright, zesty kick.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to for garnishing because it adds just the right brightness and color contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top before digging in takes the dish to the next level—balancing the rich garlic butter with vibrant acidity.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that buttery sauce, while steamed rice offers a neutral base. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables to add texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated meal, try serving your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe over a bed of garlic herb couscous or creamy polenta. You can also plate it family-style in the skillet itself—there’s something so inviting about everyone digging into a hot skillet together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak bites and shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of shrimp may suffer slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, place in a freezer-safe container or bag and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to ensure the steak stays tender and the shrimp doesn’t rubberize. Adding a small pat of butter or splash of olive oil can help restore moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, flank or skirt steak can also work well if cut into bite-sized pieces, just be mindful of slightly different cooking times and doneness levels.
Is it necessary to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic truly elevates the flavor, giving that authentic garlicky richness. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but the depth and aroma won’t be quite the same.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and ensure no cross-contamination in your kitchen.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky undertone, but it’s not absolutely essential.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and rich.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe. It’s fast enough for weeknights, fancy enough for company, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. The combination of juicy steak, tender shrimp, and that garlicky buttery sauce is completely irresistible—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this crowd-pleaser your new favorite dinner!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Steak Bites and Shrimp recipe offers a delicious surf and turf combination that is quick and easy to prepare. Tender cubes of sirloin or ribeye steak are perfectly seared and combined with succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, accented with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning for a savory and satisfying main course ideal for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Seasonings & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Meat: Pat the steak cubes and shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for a balanced and aromatic flavor base.
- Sear the Steak Bites: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place steak bites in a single layer without overcrowding, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a brown crust and reach your desired doneness. Remove steak from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook for tender results.
- Add Garlic Butter: Incorporate butter and minced garlic into the skillet with the shrimp, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant and melted into a smooth sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the steak bites to the skillet with the shrimp and toss well so all pieces are coated evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Heat together briefly to meld all flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness, and serve immediately, optionally with lemon wedges to add a fresh tangy finish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the steak for 30 minutes beforehand using olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Serve the dish over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper, to suit your preference.
