Chef Mitchell preparing Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce recipe during my early days as a chef while experimenting with flavors. The combination of steak and shrimp seemed unconventional at first, but after perfecting the sauce, it quickly became a favorite among my family and friends. Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe to enhance the creaminess and richness, making it a go-to for special occasions."

As a culinary expert with over a decade of experience, I've dedicated my career to mastering American cuisine. My passion lies in creating innovative dinner recipes that are both approachable and delicious. I love sharing my knowledge and techniques with home cooks to help them elevate their meal experiences.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce served on a plate

Why This Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for its unique blend of flavors, combining the hearty taste of steak with the delicate sweetness of shrimp. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious texture that complements the proteins perfectly. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this dish at home. It's an ideal choice for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner.

The key to success in this recipe is proper seasoning and cooking techniques. Searing the steak creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The shrimp is quickly sautéed to maintain its natural sweetness, and the cream sauce ties everything together, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

💡 Professional Tip

Always let your steak rest before slicing to retain its juices. This will ensure that each piece is tender and flavorful. Additionally, don't rush the sauce; let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp cream sauce ahead of time. Simply make the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan and cook the steak fresh for the best texture and flavor.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream, which will impart a different flavor but still provide creaminess.

For steak, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. The shrimp should be opaque and pink when fully cooked, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes in a hot skillet. Keep an eye on both to ensure perfect results.

While it's not recommended to freeze the cooked steak as it can alter its texture, you can freeze the shrimp cream sauce. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. To maintain quality, it's best to freeze the sauce separately from the steak.

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or pasta for a more filling meal. A crisp white wine or a light red wine makes a great beverage choice to complement the flavors.

When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce's consistency if needed.

While the steak is best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture, the shrimp cream sauce can be made in advance. Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then cook the steak fresh when you're ready to serve for the best results.

To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from splitting. For the steak, slice it and heat it briefly in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the steak from becoming tough.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The steak or shrimp may be dry.

Solution: Ensure you're not overcooking the steak and remove it from heat once it reaches the desired doneness. For shrimp, cook only until they're opaque and pink, which should take 3-4 minutes.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The steak lacks a crispy exterior.

Solution: Make sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve a good sear. Additionally, using a hot skillet will aid in creating that coveted crust.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The steak is overcooked and tough.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Aim for medium-rare for the juiciest results, and let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the steak is undercooked.

Recovery: If the steak is undercooked, return it to the skillet and cook it for a few more minutes, checking the temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The steak has a burnt exterior.

Prevention: Ensure to use medium-high heat and monitor the cooking process closely. If the exterior is burning but the inside is undercooked, lower the heat and cook it longer to achieve an even cook throughout.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For an overly salty dish, add a touch of cream to mellow the saltiness, or serve with unsalted sides.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, enhance it with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Fresh ingredients for Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce

Essential Ingredients for Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce

The primary ingredients for this dish include high-quality ribeye steak and fresh shrimp. Choosing a well-marbled steak enhances the flavor and tenderness, while fresh shrimp ensures the best texture and taste. Other key ingredients include heavy cream for the sauce and aromatic garlic to boost the flavors.

When selecting your ingredients, opt for organic or grass-fed meat when possible. Fresh seafood is crucial for achieving that sweet, delicate flavor in the shrimp. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged will elevate the cream sauce significantly.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ribeye Steak: Opt for a well-marbled ribeye steak to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. A steak with good marbling will remain juicy during cooking and provide a rich taste that pairs beautifully with the shrimp cream sauce.
  • Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp for this recipe; they should be firm and have a slight sheen. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking to achieve the best texture in the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Use high-quality heavy cream for the sauce to achieve its rich, velvety texture. Avoid using low-fat alternatives as they won't provide the same creaminess and can affect the overall flavor of the dish.
Cooking process for Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This recipe involves straightforward cooking techniques that yield restaurant-quality results. Start by properly seasoning and searing your steak, which creates a flavorful crust. The shrimp is cooked quickly to maintain its sweetness, while the cream sauce is gently simmered to develop a rich flavor.

Pay attention to timing during the cooking process to ensure the steak is juicy and the shrimp is perfectly tender. The combination of the two proteins topped with a creamy sauce creates an impressive dish that’s both comforting and celebratory.

Key Technique for Perfect Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce

The key to perfecting this dish lies in the cooking temperature and timing. Searing the steak at high heat ensures a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. For the shrimp, a quick sauté guarantees tenderness and sweetness, while the cream sauce should simmer gently to meld the flavors harmoniously.

Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
    Use high-quality cream for richness
  • 1/2 cup white wine
    Choose a good quality wine
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    For cooking steak and shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons butter
    Adds richness to the sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    For garnish and flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs ribeye steak
    Cut into thick steaks
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    Use large, fresh shrimp
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Essential seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
    Adds a smoky flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    Optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Freshly squeezed for brightness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak

    Season the ribeye steak generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

  2. Cook the Steak

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.

  3. Sauté the Shrimp

    In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.

  4. Make the Cream Sauce

    Pour in the white wine and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

  5. Combine and Serve

    Slice the steak and place it on serving plates. Spoon the shrimp cream sauce over the steak and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.

  6. Enjoy

    Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Steak with Shrimp Cream Sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the shrimp cream sauce separately from the steak.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs excellently with a variety of sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a light salad. For a gourmet touch, serve it with a side of asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts, and enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine.

Recipe Variations

You can customize this recipe by swapping out the ribeye steak for sirloin or filet mignon for a different flavor and texture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other seafood, such as scallops or crab, for a unique twist on the sauce.