The Ultimate Garlic Butter Grilled Steak and Shrimp Recipe: A Perfect Surf and Turf

There’s something magical about combining perfectly grilled steak with succulent shrimp, especially when they’re both bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Today, I’m sharing my favorite surf and turf recipe that I’ve perfected over years of grilling for family and friends. This garlic butter grilled steak and shrimp combo is guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to find themselves at your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

After years of experimenting with different surf and turf combinations, I’ve found that this particular recipe hits all the right notes. The garlic butter sauce acts as the perfect unifying element, bringing together the rich, beefy flavors of the steak with the sweet, delicate taste of the shrimp. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity – we’re letting the natural flavors shine while enhancing them with just the right amount of seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks (12-14 oz each), preferably USDA Prime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Essential Equipment

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers
• Cast iron skillet
• Tongs
• Small saucepan
• Basting brush

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Steaks

1. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Brush with olive oil
4. Season generously with salt and pepper
5. Place rosemary sprigs on top while resting

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Clean and devein shrimp if necessary
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Toss with olive oil and seasonings
4. Thread onto skewers, leaving space between each shrimp
5. Refrigerate until ready to grill

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
3. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt
4. Keep warm until ready to use

Grilling Instructions

For the Steaks:

1. Preheat grill to high heat (450-500°F)
2. Place steaks on hottest part of grill
3. For medium-rare (my recommended doneness):

• Grill 4-5 minutes per side
• Rotate 45 degrees halfway through each side for diamond grill marks
• Internal temperature should reach 135°F

1. Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes
2. Temperature will rise to 140-145°F while resting

For the Shrimp:

1. While steaks are resting, grill shrimp skewers
2. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred
3. Brush with garlic butter sauce while grilling
4. Remove when internal temperature reaches 145°F

Assembly and Plating

1. Slice steaks against the grain
2. Remove shrimp from skewers
3. Arrange on warm plates
4. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter sauce
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

After making this dish countless times, I’ve discovered several tricks that make a significant difference:

1. Choose the right steak:

• Look for marbling throughout
• At least 1-inch thickness
• Prime grade if possible

1. Perfect shrimp selection:

• Fresh is best, but high-quality frozen works well
• 16-20 count size is ideal
• Always devein for best presentation

1. Temperature matters:

• Room temperature steaks cook more evenly
• Keep shrimp chilled until ready to grill
• Let garlic butter sauce cool slightly before serving

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 6 oz steak and 5-6 large shrimp

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best served fresh off the grill, leftovers can be stored properly:

• Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Separate steak and shrimp for best results
• Store extra garlic butter sauce separately
• Reheat gently in microwave or skillet
• Avoid overheating shrimp to prevent rubber-like texture

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this dish with:

• Grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Wild rice pilaf
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I make this recipe without a grill?
A: Yes! Use a cast-iron grill pan on high heat, following the same temperature guidelines and cooking times.

Q: What’s the best steak cut for this recipe?
A: While I prefer ribeye, you can use New York strip, tenderloin, or T-bone steaks. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.

Q: Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?
A: Absolutely! Make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Q: Why do my shrimp sometimes turn out rubbery?
A: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Q: Is it necessary to use fresh garlic in the butter sauce?
A: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use minced garlic from a jar. Reduce the amount by half as it’s more concentrated.

Q: How can I tell if my steak is done without a thermometer?
A: Use the finger test: Press the steak with your finger – it should feel like the base of your thumb when touching your middle finger for medium-rare. However, I strongly recommend using a thermometer for perfect results every time.

Variations and Substitutions

I’ve experimented with several variations that work wonderfully:

1. Herb Variations:

• Substitute rosemary with thyme
• Add fresh oregano to the butter sauce
• Use cilantro instead of parsley

1. Seasoning Alternatives:

• Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick
• Use Montreal steak seasoning
• Incorporate dried herbs into the rub

1. Butter Sauce Options:

• Add white wine to the sauce
• Include capers for brightness
• Stir in Dijon mustard

Remember, the key to making this dish your own is experimenting with these variations while maintaining the core cooking techniques that ensure perfectly cooked steak and shrimp.