Steak with Shrimp and Lobster Sauce Recipe
Steak with shrimp and lobster sauce is a rich surf-and-turf dish that brings together the best of land and sea. The tender and juicy steak provides a robust and savory base, while the shrimp adds a sweet, succulent element. The lobster sauce elevates the entire meal, offering a creamy, buttery infusion of seafood flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
This dish is not only impressive to serve but also relatively simple to prepare. With a few quality ingredients and the right techniques, you can recreate this five-star meal at home. In this comprehensive recipe, we’ll cover everything you need to know to execute the dish flawlessly, ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection and the shrimp is paired with a rich, flavorful lobster sauce.
Cooking Methods
Preparing the Steak
Choosing the right cooking method for your steak is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. You can either pan-sear the steak for a quick and flavorful result or grill it for a smoky char.
Cooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks very quickly and requires only a few minutes in a hot pan. It’s important not to overcook them to ensure they remain juicy and tender. The shrimp will be seasoned lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cooked in butter until perfectly seared.
Making the Lobster Sauce
The lobster sauce is the star of this dish, adding a creamy, luxurious element to complement the steak and shrimp. The sauce is made by sautéing shallots and garlic, deglazing with white wine, and then reducing with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Finally, diced lobster meat is folded in for added richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pan-Seared Steak Method
- Season the Steak: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt and foam.
- Sear the Steak: Once the pan is very hot, carefully place the steaks into the skillet. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust the time for your preferred doneness). Use tongs to flip the steak once the first side has developed a deep brown crust.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil, for 10 minutes.
Grilled Steak Method
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450-500°F). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steak: Place the seasoned steaks on the grill and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. For perfect grill marks, rotate the steaks 90 degrees halfway through cooking on each side.
- Rest the Steak: After grilling, remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Preparing the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in a bowl with a pinch of salt, pepper, paprika, and a little cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same pan you used for the steak, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Crafting the Lobster Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let the cream thicken for about 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Fold in the Lobster Meat: Gently fold in the diced lobster meat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of chicken or seafood stock.
Bringing It All Together
- Slice the Steak: Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips for serving.
- Plate the Dish: Arrange the steak slices on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the sautéed shrimp, then generously spoon the lobster cream sauce over the steak and shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color. Serve immediately while the dish is hot.
Tips for Success
- Resting the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality steak, fresh shrimp, and lobster for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can turn rubbery if cooked for too long.
- Deglazing: When deglazing the pan with wine, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add extra flavor to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Steak with shrimp and lobster sauce is a rich dish, so it pairs best with lighter, complementary sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the lobster sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: The fresh, slightly bitter flavor of asparagus balances the richness of the steak and sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple side of broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce.
Pairing Options
This luxurious dish deserves to be paired with the right beverages:
- Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the lobster sauce. For a red option, choose a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir.
- Cocktails: A classic martini or a glass of Champagne also complements the richness of the steak and seafood.
Variations of the Recipe
- Surf and Turf with Lobster Tail: Replace the shrimp with grilled lobster tail for an even more indulgent version.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: For a simpler sauce, you can make a creamy garlic sauce without the lobster, using chicken broth or white wine as the base.
- Herb Butter Steak: Instead of lobster sauce, top the steak with herb butter made from softened butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the steak and shrimp fresh for optimal flavor, but you can prepare the lobster sauce ahead of time. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q2: What other steak cuts can I use?
You can use filet mignon, sirloin, or New York strip steaks if ribeye isn’t available. Each cut offers different levels of tenderness and flavor.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Steak with shrimp and lobster sauce is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. With perfectly cooked steak, succulent shrimp, and a creamy lobster sauce, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests thoroughly impressed. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a luxurious meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Steak with Shrimp and Lobster Sauce Recipe
Steak with shrimp and lobster sauce is a rich surf-and-turf dish that brings together the best of land and sea. The tender and juicy steak provides a robust and savory base, while the shrimp adds a sweet, succulent element. The lobster sauce elevates the entire meal, offering a creamy, buttery infusion of seafood flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
Ingredients
- For the Steak:
- 4 (8 oz) ribeye or filet mignon steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the Shrimp and Lobster Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cooked lobster meat (fresh or frozen), chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare and Cook the Steaks:
- Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Drizzle olive oil over the steaks and rub it into the seasoning.
- Grill or pan-sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust cooking time according to your desired doneness).
- Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
2. Make the Shrimp and Lobster Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in the chopped lobster meat.
- Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If needed, reduce the heat to low while the sauce cooks.
3. Assemble and Serve:
- Place the cooked steaks on serving plates and spoon the shrimp and lobster sauce generously over each steak.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus.
Notes
- Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock.
- Lobster Meat: Fresh lobster meat is ideal, but frozen or canned lobster can also work. Just be sure to thaw and drain well before adding to the sauce.
- Sides: This luxurious dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, a light salad, or a serving of buttery asparagus.