If you crave an easy weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent and restaurant-worthy, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet is pure magic in one pan! Tender steak and juicy shrimp are swiftly seared, then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce brightened with lemon and parsley. The combination is satisfyingly hearty yet still feels fresh and light—plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a “surf and turf” meal at home, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but every ingredient plays a starring role in the finished dish. Each one layers on flavor, texture, or color, making your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet feel truly special.

Steak: Go for sirloin or ribeye — they’re tender, juicy, and cut easily into perfect bite-sized cubes.
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp provide sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color alongside the steak.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is the soul of the garlic sauce; use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
Olive Oil: A splash keeps the butter from burning while getting the steak beautifully seared.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire skillet with aromatic, savory depth.
Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a smoky edge to both steak and shrimp.
Onion Powder: For a gentle hint of sweetness and complexity.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out the bold flavors of your proteins.
Lemon Juice: A zesty squeeze ties everything together and cuts through the richness.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley brings vibrant color and a refreshing finish to every bite.
Lemon Wedges (optional): Serve on the side for a fresh citrus boost right at the table.

How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet

Step 1: Season the Steak and Shrimp

Start by patting your steak cubes and shrimp nice and dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps them brown beautifully in the skillet. Next, season both generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder, making sure every piece is evenly coated—these flavors form the backbone of your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak bites in a single layer (if your pan isn’t big enough, cook in batches for the best crust!). Let them cook, undisturbed, for 2 to 3 minutes on one side before flipping to finish the sear. Once they’re done to your preferred doneness, remove the steak bites from the pan and transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Cook the Shrimp

With the fond and flavor left in the skillet, add your remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—it’ll quickly become fragrant, signaling you’re ready for the shrimp. Add the shrimp directly to the skillet and let each side cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn opaque and irresistibly pink.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the steak bites to the skillet with the shrimp, then drizzle over the fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together to coat the steak and shrimp in that gorgeous garlic butter sauce. Let them mingle on the heat for about another minute—just enough to combine the flavors without overcooking the proteins. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges if you like.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet

Garnishes

Add a shower of fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of green and a hint of freshness. Lemon wedges are a perfect addition on the side, inviting everyone to squeeze their own zesty finish. For a little extra shine, you might even drizzle some of the pan juices over each plate—it’s liquid gold!

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet shines served over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. If you want to keep things low-carb, serve it with sautéed green beans or a crisp, simple salad. It’s a main that truly plays well with a variety of comforting sides!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, skewer alternating pieces of steak and shrimp on cocktail picks for eye-catching appetizers. Or, serve family-style in the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves to the buttery goodness. For a modern bistro feel, layer atop toasted garlic bread for a hearty surf-and-turf open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors settle and develop even more overnight, making reheated leftovers super satisfying!

Freezing

While both beef and shrimp generally freeze well on their own, the dreamy garlic butter sauce can separate after thawing. If you do want to freeze, store your steak bites and shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. For the best texture, freeze the proteins without sauce and make a fresh batch of the garlic butter when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or fresh butter to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as shrimp and steak can become rubbery. Just heat through until both are steaming and coated in silky sauce again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This helps them sear better and prevents excess moisture from diluting the garlic butter sauce in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet.

What cut of steak works best for skillet recipes like this?

Sirloin and ribeye are both excellent because they’re tender, flavorful, and stand up well to quick cooking. You could try strip steak, too, but avoid tougher cuts that need long, slow cooking.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus would all be amazing additions. Just make sure to sauté them briefly (or pre-cook) before adding the steak and shrimp so everything finishes together with perfect doneness.

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp cook quickly—look for them to turn opaque and pink, and to curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will get tough and shrink into tight spirals, so keep a close eye during this step in your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy free?

You can swap the butter for a quality plant-based alternative or even use all olive oil. While the classic richness of butter is hard to totally replicate, you’ll still get a flavorful, luscious skillet dinner!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fresh, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special but comes together fast, Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet is a game changer. The flavors are pure comfort, the prep is simple, and it’s as happy on a weeknight as it is for company. Give it a try and enjoy every irresistible, buttery bite!

Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious surf and turf dish featuring tender garlic butter steak bites and succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a skillet. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak Bites:

1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Additional:

Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Steak and Shrimp: Pat dry the steak and shrimp, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Cook the Steak: Sear the steak in butter and olive oil until browned. Set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp in garlic butter until pink and opaque.
Combine Ingredients: Return steak to the skillet, add lemon juice, and toss with parsley.
Serve: Sprinkle parsley and serve with lemon wedges.