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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft a robust Cajun seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing all dry spices in a compact container, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Massage the homemade Cajun seasoning aggressively across both surfaces of ribeye steaks and plump shrimp, coating them completely with the aromatic spice mixture.
- 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.
- Transfer the cooked steaks to a resting plate, allowing internal juices to redistribute while maintaining optimal temperature.
- Within the same sizzling skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its intense aroma throughout the kitchen.
- 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.
- Deglaze the skillet with fresh lemon juice, creating a luminous, flavor-packed sauce that captures all the concentrated pan drippings.
- Expertly slice the rested steaks against the grain, arranging them strategically on serving plates.
- Crown the sliced steaks with the succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp, then cascade the remaining garlic butter sauce over the entire composition.
- 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