Description
Sizzling steak meets zesty Cajun shrimp in this Southern-inspired culinary masterpiece that promises an explosion of flavor. Rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned proteins create a luxurious dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 8 ounces/226 grams each)
- ½ pound (225 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully coat the steaks with a robust blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
- Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with anticipation.
- Gently lower the seasoned steaks into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear and develop a rich, caramelized exterior for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to achieve desired doneness: rare, medium-rare, or medium.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked steaks to a resting plate, tenting loosely with foil to preserve their juiciness.
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce the shrimp, dusting them with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp swiftly, stirring until they transform to a vibrant pink and become opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the succulent shrimp from the pan and set aside momentarily.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, whisking until the sauce reaches a velvety consistency.
- Reunite the shrimp with the creamy sauce, coating them thoroughly.
- Arrange the rested steaks on serving plates and lavishly drape with the Cajun shrimp sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a final flourish of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and flavor development on the steaks, creating a deliciously crispy exterior.
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent doneness.
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice tolerance by using more or less of the spice blend.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream to reduce overall calories.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
- Meal prep tip: Cook extra shrimp and sauce to use as a topping for salads or additional protein in future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 320 mg