Sizzling Cajun Surf And Turf Recipe: A Spicy Dinner Adventure

Crafting a mouthwatering cajun surf and turf dish promises an explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to louisiana’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Spicy seasonings dance across succulent proteins, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Bold combinations of seafood and meat showcase the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Layers of complex flavors intertwine, promising a dining experience that goes beyond ordinary meal preparation.

Regional spices work their magic, turning simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Each bite tells a story of tradition and passion, inviting you to savor every nuanced moment.

FAQs About Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, and thyme, creating a spicy and flavorful blend that adds kick to meats and seafood.

• How do I know when my shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a slight “C” shape. This usually takes 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet, ensuring they’re tender and not rubbery.

• Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

While ribeye is recommended for its rich flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like New York strip or sirloin. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the steak.

Why Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf Is A Flavor Explosion

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary steak and shrimp into a flavor explosion that tingles taste buds and adds excitement to dinner.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: This recipe requires just a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making the cooking process incredibly simple and streamlined.
• Impress Without Stress: Restaurant-quality surf and turf comes together quickly, allowing home cooks to create a gourmet meal without complicated techniques or extensive culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible cooking method lets you adjust meat doneness and spice levels, making it perfect for different preferences and ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Ingredients For Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• Ribeye Steaks: Tender and flavorful cut of beef perfect for a luxurious surf and turf experience.
• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that pairs beautifully with the Cajun seasoning and garlic butter.

• Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Spice blend that creates a bold and zesty flavor profile for the meat and seafood.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect sear on the steaks and shrimp.
• Butter, Garlic: Adds rich, aromatic flavor to the shrimp and creates a delicious pan sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy accent to balance the rich flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, fresh taste to the dish.

How To Make Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

Step 1: Create Spicy Seasoning Blend

Grab a small bowl and whip up a zesty Cajun seasoning by mixing together paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices until they’re perfectly combined and set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Coat Proteins with Flavor

Generously massage the Cajun seasoning all over both the ribeye steaks and shrimp, ensuring every inch gets a delicious spice coating.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned steaks into the hot pan and cook to your preferred doneness. For a perfect medium-rare, aim for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a resting plate.

Step 4: Sauté Succulent Shrimp

In the same sizzling skillet, drop in butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic dance around for about a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Toss in the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for that beautiful pink color and opaque appearance. Splash in some fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Assemble

Slice the rested steaks into mouthwatering portions and arrange them on serving plates. Crown the steak slices with the sizzling Cajun shrimp, then drizzle the skillet’s garlicky butter over the top for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and juicy.

Pro Tips For Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• Boost Seasoning Intensity: Double the Cajun spice mix for extra bold flavors that really pop on both steak and shrimp.
• Master Meat Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check steak temperature precisely – 135°F for medium-rare ensures perfect tenderness every time.
• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Remove shrimp from heat immediately when they turn pink and opaque to maintain juicy, tender texture.
• Elevate Butter Flavor: Brown butter slightly before adding garlic for a deeper, nuttier taste that enhances the entire dish's richness.
• Quick Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular butter with clarified butter or ghee to make the recipe completely gluten-free without losing any delicious flavor.

Exciting Variations For Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• Low-Sodium Surf and Turf: Replace Cajun seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Use low-sodium salt alternatives for a heart-healthy version.
• Gluten-Free Cajun Delight: Ensure all Cajun seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify olive oil and butter are pure and uncontaminated.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Plate: Swap regular butter for grass-fed butter or ghee. Add extra virgin olive oil drizzle. Skip any sugary ingredients in seasoning mix.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace steak and shrimp with portobello mushrooms and king oyster mushrooms. Use same Cajun seasoning technique for rich, spicy flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Zinfandel or Syrah perfectly complement the spicy Cajun seasoning and rich flavors of ribeye, cutting through the richness while enhancing the meat's robust taste.
• Serve with Creamy Herb Potato Gratin: The smooth, cheesy potato side balances the spicy Cajun shrimp and steak, providing a cooling contrast to the bold seasoning and creating a harmonious plate.
• Match with Crisp Citrus Salad: Fresh mixed greens with orange segments and light vinaigrette help cleanse the palate between bites of intense Cajun surf and turf, adding brightness and acidity to the meal.

Storage Tips For Tremendous Cajun Surf And Turf

• Store leftover steak and shrimp in airtight containers separately, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individually sealed portions of steak and shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Place meat on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and drying out the proteins.
• Warm leftover steak and shrimp in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally to ensure even heating and preserve the original flavor and texture.

Cajun Surf And Turf Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cajun surf and turf brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to your dinner table, combining succulent shrimp and tender steak with spicy Creole seasoning. Sizzling and packed with zesty charm, this dish promises a culinary adventure that satisfies cravings for rich, hearty Southern cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef tenderloin or ribeye steak
• 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cajun Seasoning Blend:

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Essentials:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust Cajun seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing all dry spices in a compact container, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
2. Massage the homemade Cajun seasoning aggressively across both surfaces of ribeye steaks and plump shrimp, coating them completely with the aromatic spice mixture.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature with olive oil, allowing it to shimmer before introducing the seasoned steaks. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes, achieving a perfect medium-rare doneness with a caramelized exterior.
4. Transfer the cooked steaks to a resting plate, allowing internal juices to redistribute while maintaining optimal temperature.
5. Within the same sizzling skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intense aroma throughout the kitchen.
6. Introduce the seasoned shrimp to the buttery garlic landscape, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink and become completely opaque.
7. Deglaze the skillet with fresh lemon juice, creating a luminous, flavor-packed sauce that captures all the concentrated pan drippings.
8. Expertly slice the rested steaks against the grain, arranging them strategically on serving plates.
9. Crown the sliced steaks with the succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp, then cascade the remaining garlic butter sauce over the entire composition.
10. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a final flourish, adding a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately while temperatures are optimal.

Notes

• Customize the Cajun seasoning by adjusting spice levels to suit personal heat tolerance, adding more or less cayenne pepper as desired.
• Ensure shrimp are fresh and deveined for optimal flavor and texture, patting them dry before seasoning to achieve perfect searing.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for better heat distribution and creating a delicious caramelized crust on both steak and shrimp.
• For a low-carb version, serve the surf and turf over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 4 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg