Every time I make these Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp, it reminds me of family gatherings and the wonderful times spent around the dinner table. The aroma fills my kitchen, bringing back memories of laughter, shared stories, and full plates. I can picture my loved ones seated around our old wooden table, excitedly anticipating that first bite. There’s something truly special about a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of steak with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, all brought together by savory garlic butter. If you’re looking to impress your family or bring a taste of the coast right into your home, you’re going to love this recipe! Trust me, once you make this savory delight, it will quickly become a staple in your home too.
How to make Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp
Ingredients:
Let’s gather what you’ll need for this delightful dish. Here’s a simple list with some personal notes to help you along the way:
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces: These cuts are known for their tenderness and flavor. I typically use ribeye because it’s so rich and juicy!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A must for cooking the steak perfectly while enhancing the flavor. You could substitute this with avocado oil if you prefer.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Always essential for bringing out the natural flavors in your meat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds that wonderful garlicky essence throughout your steak bites.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This brings a touch of freshness and color to your dish!
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for the biggest, juiciest shrimp you can find—they really shine in this recipe.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: I always use unsalted butter to have full control over the seasoning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic works wonders and makes the kitchen smell divine.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: This brightens up the flavors wonderfully! I like to squeeze fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: It gives a lovely smoky flavor to the shrimp.
Cooking Steps Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. You’re going to enjoy this!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Before you start cooking, let’s wash and chop everything. I prefer to have all my ingredients ready to go. Chop the parsley, mince the garlic, and shell those shrimp! Trust me, it helps everything come together more smoothly.
Step 2: Season the Steak Bites In a bowl, combine the bite-sized steak pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated. This simple step makes a world of difference in flavor!
Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steak bites in a single layer. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely brown crust. I usually do this in batches if I have a lot, as overcrowding the pan can cause steaming instead of that wonderful sear. Once seared to your liking, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp In the same skillet, lower the heat a tad and add unsalted butter. Let it melt, making sure not to let it brown too much. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. You’ll love how your kitchen smells right now!
Step 5: Add the Shrimp Now let’s add those beautiful shrimp to the skillet. Season them with paprika, salt, and black pepper to your liking. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous pink color. Don’t go too far; shrimp can overcook quickly! Just keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Squeeze in Lemon Juice Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the lemon juice. This moment transforms everything by adding a zesty brightness. It’s like a refreshing hug for your taste buds!
Step 7: Combine Steak and Shrimp Now return those delicious steak bites to the skillet and gently toss everything together in the lovely garlic butter sauce. You want every piece to be coated in that rich, savory goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve Before serving, sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley. It adds that special touch. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy it while it’s hot!
Why I Love Making This Dish I adore making this Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp because it’s a celebratory dish that brings my family together. The versatility of surf and turf makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual night at home or a special family dinner. The flavors blend beautifully, and the best part? It’s a relatively quick dish, allowing me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my loved ones.
What You’ll Need Besides your ingredients, you’ll need some simple tools to help you along. A good-quality skillet is essential—preferably non-stick for easy cooking and cleaning. A sharp knife helps with chopping, and a cutting board makes prep a breeze. Don’t forget your spatula for tossing everything in the skillet!
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by prepping all your ingredients: wash, chop, and season.
- Get your skillet heating while you marinate the steak.
- Once the skillet is hot, sear the steak, taking care not to overcrowd.
- Next, create that delicious garlic butter for the shrimp.
- Stir everything together for a seamless, savory combination.
Tips for Perfect Results Here’s a personal tip: if you want a little extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shrimp. It elevates the dish and adds just the right amount of heat! Also, don’t skip on the fresh parsley—it’s not just for looks; it adds freshness that makes this dish shine.
Serving Suggestions and Sides When it comes to sides, I love serving my Savory Steak Bites and Shrimp with a refreshing green salad or some fluffy rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables bring in a nice crunch and color too! If you’re feeling fancy, a side of garlic bread can never go wrong. And remember, a glass of chilled white wine pairs beautifully with seafood!
Leftovers Ah, the leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have any, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, a quick sauté in a skillet on medium heat does wonders, or you could use the microwave. Just make sure to heat them gently so the shrimp don’t become rubbery.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. I have done this many times when I forgot to plan ahead!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the steak and shrimp ahead. Just cook them separately and combine right before serving.
What can I substitute for steak?
If steak isn’t your thing, you could use chicken! Simply adjust your cooking time accordingly, as chicken will take slightly longer to cook.
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it! I know you’ll find the same joy in preparing this meal as I do, not just from the cooking but from watching your family enjoy it together. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time! It warms my heart to share these moments with you. Happy cooking!