This pan-seared filet mignon is tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection, making it the centerpiece of this indulgent dish. The velvety shrimp and lobster cream sauce adds an exquisite touch of luxury, creating a harmonious balance of rich and savory flavors.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to prepare yet undeniably elegant, it’s the perfect choice for a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or a memorable dining experience.
Full Recipe:
For the Steak:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (8-10 oz. each, 1 ½ – 2 inches thick)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Shrimp & Lobster Cream Sauce:
- 2 medium lobster tails (shelled, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup clam juice
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
For the Steak:
- Pat steaks dry to remove any moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks, pressing them down gently to ensure a good sear.
- Cook steaks for 2 minutes. Add butter, garlic cloves, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Flip the steaks and cook for an additional 4 minutes. Sear the edges by turning the steaks on their sides.
- Reduce heat to medium and spoon the butter mixture over the steaks. Cook until the internal temperature reads 5 degrees less than your desired doneness (steaks will rise 5 degrees as they rest).
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
For the Shrimp & Lobster Cream Sauce:
- Season shrimp with all-purpose seasoning. Do not over-season, as shrimp are naturally flavorful.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 1 more minute. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté lobster pieces until they turn pink, about 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Melt 6 tbsp butter in the skillet. Stir in white wine and clam juice, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Slowly whisk in heavy cream.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and lobster. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Serve the cream sauce over the cooked steak.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 2
Steak with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce: An Elegant Surf and Turf Delight
When it comes to indulgent meals, few dishes can rival the opulence of a perfectly seared steak paired with a rich, creamy seafood sauce. The combination of tender filet mignon, succulent shrimp, and sweet lobster in a velvety cream sauce is a true showstopper, ideal for a romantic dinner, a holiday gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
This surf and turf dish brings together the best of both land and sea, combining the earthy richness of beef with the delicate sweetness of lobster and shrimp. The addition of garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika infuses the cream sauce with an aromatic depth, making every bite a luxurious experience.
The Perfect Pairing: Steak and Seafood
Why is surf and turf such a beloved combination? The beauty lies in the balance between two distinct yet complementary flavors. The richness of the steak is perfectly countered by the lightness of the seafood, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. This pairing is timeless, dating back to the 1960s when high-end steakhouses in the United States began offering it as a signature dish. The allure of combining two premium proteins made it the go-to for celebratory meals and special occasions.
Steak, especially filet mignon, is known for its tenderness and depth of flavor. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, its natural juiciness is enhanced when paired with seafood, providing a perfect contrast in texture and taste. The shrimp and lobster cream sauce, with its buttery richness and subtle seasoning, elevates the steak to new heights.
Cooking Steak to Perfection
One of the keys to this dish is ensuring that the steak is cooked to perfection. Filet mignon, with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, doesn’t need much seasoning, but the right cooking technique is essential. The best method for achieving a beautifully seared steak is using a cast-iron skillet, which retains heat evenly and gives the steak a gorgeous, crispy crust.
Start by letting the steak come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t skip the step of resting the steak after cooking – this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
The Luxurious Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce
While the steak is undoubtedly the star of the show, the shrimp and lobster cream sauce is what truly takes this dish to the next level. It’s rich, indulgent, and flavorful, with the natural sweetness of lobster and shrimp complementing the creamy, buttery base.
The secret to a great cream sauce is to simmer the ingredients slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Start with butter and aromatics like garlic and shallots, then deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine and clam juice. The cream should be added gradually, and it should be allowed to simmer until it thickens into a rich, luscious sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
The addition of smoked paprika brings a hint of smokiness, while the garlic powder and onion powder add layers of savory depth. When the lobster and shrimp are folded in at the end, they take on the flavors of the sauce, making them more tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
This surf and turf dish is decadent on its own, but it’s always nice to serve it with a few complementary sides that can balance the richness of the steak and seafood. Consider pairing it with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and subtle garlic flavor are the perfect foil for the richness of the steak and sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, earthy element to the plate.
- A Light Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy richness of the main course.
- Grilled Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough can help mop up any leftover sauce, making every bite count.
Wine pairing is essential to complete the experience. A bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the steak. For a more elegant touch, a buttery Chardonnay complements the richness of the seafood cream sauce.
Conclusion: A Memorable Dining Experience
Steak with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce is the epitome of gourmet cooking at home. It’s a dish that celebrates indulgence, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare with a bit of attention to detail. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving a luxurious meal, this dish is sure to impress anyone at your table.
The combination of tender steak, delicate shrimp, and lobster in a creamy, flavorful sauce creates a sophisticated and delicious meal. It’s the perfect way to make any meal feel extraordinary. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent and special, this surf and turf recipe is your go-to for a meal that is nothing short of spectacular.