Date Night Steak Shrimp Duo (Printable Version)

An elegant duo of seared steak and garlic butter shrimp for a special evening.

# Ingredient List:

→ Steak

01 - 2 (8 oz) filet mignon or ribeye steaks, 1 inch thick
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
06 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
07 - 2 garlic cloves, smashed

→ Shrimp

08 - 8 large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
14 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - Pinch of salt and pepper

→ Accompaniments

16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Fresh parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Season both sides of the steaks generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
04 - Place steaks in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
05 - Add butter, thyme sprigs, and smashed garlic cloves to the pan. Tilt the skillet and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter for 1-2 minutes per side, or until desired doneness (medium-rare: 130°F).
06 - Transfer steaks to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest while preparing the shrimp.
07 - Wipe the skillet clean. Add olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter foams.
08 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
09 - Add shrimp, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout.
10 - Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss to coat evenly.
11 - Serve steaks topped with garlic butter shrimp, garnished with lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Restaurant quality luxury without the restaurant bill or reservation stress
  • The garlic butter sauce from the shrimp pairs perfectly with the rested steak juices
  • Impressive enough for date night but simple enough for a Tuesday treat
02 -
  • Cold steaks resist searing and cook unevenly, that thirty minute rest period actually matters more than most seasoning steps
  • Crowding the pan drops the temperature instantly, cook in batches or use two pans rather than compromising your sear
  • Shrimp go from perfect to overcooked in literally seconds, have your plates ready before they hit the pan
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer until you learn to judge doneness by touch, medium rare is 130 degrees and it keeps cooking while resting
  • Let the butter brown slightly in the pan for the shrimp, those milk solids add a nutty depth that makes the dish taste expensive

Go Back