Steak and Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter

Every time I make this Steak and Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. The aroma fills my kitchen, reminding me of warm family gatherings and special occasions spent around the dinner table. I remember the first time I prepared this dish; my family was in complete awe. Hearing their compliments and seeing their smiles, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. If you’re looking for a recipe that brings people together, this is the one. You’ll find that one bite transports you to a place of comfort and satisfaction. I just know that once you try it, you’ll feel that same warmth and joy.

How to make Steak and Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter

Ingredients:

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in bringing out the incredible flavors that make this dish shine.

• 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: These perfectly cooked shrimp add a tender and succulent flavor.
• 1 lb. linguine: The pasta acts as a wonderful base to soak up all that delightful sauce.
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped parsley (plus more for garnish): This adds a splash of color and a fresh taste.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil: Good quality olive oil brings richness and depth to the dish.
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Who doesn’t love the creamy goodness that butter provides?
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice: This brightens everything up and adds a zesty kick to the scampi.
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Garlic is essential for flavor—we can’t skip this one!
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a wonderful savory depth.
• 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper: Simple but necessary for bringing out all the flavors.
• 1 lb. NY Strip Steak: This steak is rich, juicy, and perfect for this dish.
• 1 Tbsp oil with a high smoke point (like avocado or canola): This is for cooking the steak.
• 1 tsp coarse salt and 1 tsp black pepper: To season the steak generously.

How do you feel about the ingredients? Perfect, right? Now let’s get cooking!

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for about 7 minutes, or until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it. We need that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick.

2. Prepare the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, you’ll be mesmerized by the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s a good sign!

3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until everything is fragrant. This is one of my favorite parts; the smell is divine!

4. Cook the Shrimp: Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. This is when the magic happens—the shrimp should be succulent and flavorful. Once they are cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

5. Create the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet and stir in the lemon juice. Allow it to cook for another minute, letting those wonderful flavors meld together. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for that fresh burst.

6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked linguine and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure every strand of pasta and piece of shrimp is coated in that heavenly sauce.

7. Cook the Steak: Now for the star of the show – the steak! Heat a large cast iron pan over high heat. While it heats, season the NY Strip Steak generously with coarse salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy! Brush it lightly with oil before placing it in the hot pan. Cook it to your desired doneness; for me, medium-rare is just perfect!

8. Garlic Butter Topping: While the steak rests, mix one tablespoon of unsalted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. When the steak is done, top it with that garlic mixture. Oh, just picture it melting into the juicy meat!

9. Serve It Up: Now comes the best part! Arrange the shrimp scampi and linguine on plates, and place the sliced steak on the side or on top. Don’t forget to sprinkle with a little extra parsley for a lovely garnish.

Why I Love Making This Dish

There’s something undeniably special about making Steak and Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter in my kitchen. It’s not just the cooking; it’s the memories that come flooding back to me while I prepare it. Cooking has always been about bringing my family together—and this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It feels like a special occasion, even when it’s just a Thursday night.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into this delightful meal, there are a few tools that make the process smoother. You’ll need a large pot for boiling the pasta, a sturdy skillet for cooking the shrimp, and a cast iron pan for that steak. Don’t forget a good cutting board and sharp knife for chopping veggies and herbs. Trust me, having the right tools makes everything easier and more fun!

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Begin by boiling the water for the linguine. You want to bring it to a nice rolling boil.
2. Cook the linguine as directed, but take care not to overcook it. You want it to hold its shape.
3. Heat the skillet with oil and butter while the pasta cooks.
4. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp and watch it transform!
5. Combine the lemon juice with the broth while the shrimp rest.
6. Mix everything together in the skillet, which is so satisfying.
7. Get cooking on that steak, paying attention to the sizzle in the pan!
8. Finally, plate your dish and enjoy the vibrant colors and smells.

Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few of my personal tricks to make this dish even better:

• Change up the pasta: While linguine is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast! The moment they turn pink, they are good to go.
• Add a splash of white wine: If you’re feeling fancy, a splash of white wine while making the sauce gives it a lovely depth.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

When I serve this dish, I like to keep it simple. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the scampi beautifully. Garlic bread is another wonderful side that your family will appreciate—who could resist dipping bread into that flavorful sauce? You could also consider pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine for the adults.

Leftovers

Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), storing them is a breeze. Just place the shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. Trust me, it tastes just as delicious the next day!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can! I’ve done it before. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. It helps to remove the excess moisture and keeps them from becoming rubbery.

What if I don’t have chicken broth? No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water, but chicken broth does enhance the flavor significantly. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

Is this dish kid-friendly? Absolutely! My grandkids love it. The flavors are mild enough for them, and they enjoy helping to toss things together.

How can I make this dish spicier? If you love a little heat, add more red pepper flakes, or consider introducing some diced jalapeños while cooking the shrimp.

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. The combination of tender shrimp, perfectly cooked steak, and lemony goodness is simply unbeatable. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Make it for your family and see how quickly the compliments come rolling in. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time! Happy cooking!