If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly impressive, this Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Juicy, perfectly seared ribeye steak meets tender, flavorful shrimp, all brought together by a luxuriously rich and silky garlic cream sauce. Every bite combines the best of land and sea with a garlicky, cheesy sauce that elevates this classic pairing to pure gourmet bliss. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but high-quality ingredients is what makes this dish sing. Each element plays a crucial role — from the rich ribeye, the fresh and delicate shrimp, to the luscious garlic cream sauce that ties everything together with vibrant flavor and velvety texture.
- 1 lb Ribeye steak: Offers rich flavor and tenderness; choose grass-fed for extra quality.
- 1 lb Shrimp: Peeled and deveined; look for fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp.
- 1/2 cup Butter: Enriches the creamy garlic sauce and enhances overall flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced; provides a fragrant kick in the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess; half-and-half can be a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Grated; enhances the sauce with its nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley: Chopped; brightens up the dish with color and freshness.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak.
- Salt: To taste; brings out the flavors; sea salt is a great choice.
- Pepper: To taste; freshly cracked enhances the dish’s aroma and taste.
How to Make Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined to save time later. Letting the ribeye steak come to room temperature ensures it cooks evenly, giving you a juicy center and that luscious crust.
Step 2: Season the Ribeye
Generously sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides of the steak. Don’t be shy with seasoning — that flavor is key, and giving it some time to absorb while you heat the pan will make a noticeable difference.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, signaling it’s hot enough for a perfect sear that locks in all those savory juices.
Step 4: Cook the Ribeye
Place the ribeye carefully in the skillet and let it develop a gorgeous golden crust. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. This stage is where the steak builds its incredible flavor.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Remove the steak and set it on a cutting board, covering loosely with foil. Resting the meat for about 10 minutes lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Step 6: Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, add your minced garlic cloves. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This quick step releases the garlic’s aromatic punch without overwhelming the sauce.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir it with the garlic, letting it thicken slightly over 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be rich and silky, the perfect base for the Parmesan cheese and seafood.
Step 8: Add Parmesan Cheese
Mix in the grated Parmesan until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This adds nutty, sharp depth that beautifully balances the creaminess, bringing the sauce to luxurious perfection.
Step 9: Cook the Shrimp in the Sauce
Toss the shrimp into the skillet and let them simmer for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright pink and opaque. They soak in the garlicky, cheesy sauce, making every bite a seafood delight.
Step 10: Combine Steak and Shrimp
Thinly slice the rested ribeye and return it to the skillet. Gently mix with the shrimp and sauce so each slice is coated in creamy goodness. Now you have the perfect, harmonious blend that makes this Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the star garnish here — it adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness. A small sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top before serving adds a subtle kick and aroma that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides to balance its richness. Think garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides offer contrasting textures and flavors that complement the creamy garlic sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party wow factor, serve this dish family-style on a large platter with the steak slices fanned out and shrimp nestled on top, drizzled generously with that glorious sauce. Alternatively, plating the surf and turf separately but spooning sauce over both allows everyone to savor each component individually or together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the steak tender and the shrimp moist, avoid overcooking when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes better without the creamy sauce, which can separate after thawing. Freeze the cooked steak and shrimp separately, then prepare the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much, ensuring the dish stays luscious and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is recommended for its marbling and flavor, filet mignon or strip steak can also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What if I’m allergic to dairy?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar creamy effect, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh for maximum creaminess. If you make it ahead, gently rewarm and whisk to recombine before adding the shrimp and steak.
Is it possible to grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Definitely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just be sure to let the steak rest well after grilling to keep it juicy.
How can I tell when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly; they’re done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curve. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye during the last step.
Final Thoughts
This Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a spectacular way to elevate any meal with flavors that feel both indulgent and comforting. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Gourmet Surf and Turf with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Experience the perfect balance of rich, tender ribeye steak paired with succulent shrimp, all brought together in a luscious creamy garlic sauce. This gourmet surf and turf recipe combines simple yet flavorful ingredients for a dinner that’s both indulgent and satisfying, perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Ribeye steak (offers rich flavor and tenderness; choose grass-fed for extra quality)
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined; look for fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Butter (enriches the creamy garlic sauce and enhances overall flavor)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced; provides a fragrant kick in the creamy sauce)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (adds luscious creaminess; half-and-half can be a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated; enhances the sauce with its nutty depth)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped; brightens up the dish with color and freshness)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak)
- Salt (to taste; brings out the flavors; sea salt is a great choice)
- Pepper (to taste; freshly cracked enhances the dish’s aroma and taste)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, ensuring the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and the steak is at room temperature for even cooking.
- Season steak: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the ribeye steak and let the seasoning absorb while you heat the skillet.
- Heat skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Sear steak: Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms.
- Rest steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board, covering it loosely with foil for about 10 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it with the garlic until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Melt cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Cook shrimp: Toss in the shrimp and let them simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Combine steak and shrimp: Thinly slice the steak and return it to the skillet, mixing it with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest before slicing ensures juiciness and tenderness.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use fresh parsley to add a bright color contrast and fresh flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are fully cooked; they should be pink and opaque without any translucence.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
