Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce

Introduction:

If you’re in the mood for a rich, decadent meal that combines the hearty goodness of steak with the creamy and spicy flair of Cajun shrimp, look no further! Our Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce recipe brings together tender cuts of steak and plump, succulent shrimp in a mouth-watering, flavorful sauce. With a hint of spice, garlic, and a creamy base, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of steak and shrimp is a classic surf and turf pairing, but the addition of the Cajun seasoning elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Intensity of the Recipe:

• Difficulty Level: Medium

• Flavor Intensity: High (due to Cajun spices)

• Cooking Skill Level: Intermediate (requires basic knowledge of pan-searing and sauce-making)

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 2 boneless ribeye steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Cajun Shrimp Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

1. Season the Steaks: Begin by seasoning the ribeye steaks. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the steaks. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

2. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to get hot, but not smoking.

3. Sear the Steaks: Place the steaks in the skillet and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak cooked more. Use tongs to flip the steak gently and avoid piercing the meat, which can cause juices to escape. When done, transfer the steaks to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp and Making the Sauce

4. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the olive oil. Once it heats up, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

5. Make the Cajun Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

6. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for a few seconds to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.

7. Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift all the flavorful bits from the steak and shrimp. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a rich texture.

8. Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and further thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

9. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring them gently into the sauce. Allow the shrimp to heat through in the sauce for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Serving

10. Plate the Steak: Place the rested steaks on individual plates. Spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce over the top, ensuring a generous portion of shrimp and sauce covers each steak.

11. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the steak and shrimp for a burst of color and freshness.

12. Serve: Serve your Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce with your favorite side dishes. Consider pairing it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Steak Cuts: While ribeye steaks are ideal for their marbling and tenderness, you can use other cuts like New York strip, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and preferred doneness.

• Shrimp: If you don’t have shrimp, you could substitute chicken breast or thigh. However, the shrimp adds a wonderful flavor that pairs well with the creamy, spicy sauce.

• Adjusting the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and omit the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you like things extra spicy, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning and adjust to your taste.

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, skip the steak and shrimp. Instead, sauté mushrooms in place of the shrimp for a similar texture. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.

• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a rich Zinfandel. If you prefer white wine, a full-bodied Chardonnay would also be a great match.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 620 kcal

• Protein: 47g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Fat: 45g

• Saturated Fat: 18g

• Cholesterol: 155mg

• Sodium: 1200mg

• Potassium: 650mg

• Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 10% of the DV

• Calcium: 15% of the DV

• Iron: 15% of the DV

Note: The nutritional values above are approximate and can vary based on ingredient substitutions or serving sizes.

Conclusion:

This Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce recipe is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the indulgent richness of a perfectly cooked steak with the irresistible creaminess and spice of Cajun shrimp. It’s a perfect dish to impress guests at a dinner party or to enjoy with loved ones on a special night. With simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant. The key to success here is balancing the seasonings to suit your taste and ensuring the sauce is creamy and well-seasoned. Enjoy your culinary creation!