🥩🔥 Cajun Steak and Shrimp
🍽️ Serves: 2–4
⏱ Total Time: ~30 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For the steak:
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1–1½ lbs ribeye, sirloin, or NY strip steak
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade — recipe below)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter (for basting, optional)
For the shrimp:
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¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Optional: squeeze of lemon for finishing
🔥 Cajun Seasoning (DIY Blend):
Mix together:
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1 tbsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp cayenne (adjust to heat preference)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Season the steak:
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Pat steak dry with paper towels.
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Rub with Cajun seasoning and a little olive oil. Let sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes.
2. Cook the steak:
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Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.
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Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add steak and sear 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and doneness preference.
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Optional: Add butter to pan and baste steak for final minute.
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Remove, tent with foil, and let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the shrimp:
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While steak rests, wipe out pan if needed, then heat 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds, then add shrimp and Cajun seasoning.
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Cook 1–2 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and curled.
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Squeeze with lemon if desired.
4. Assemble and serve:
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Slice steak against the grain.
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Serve topped with Cajun shrimp and spoon any leftover pan butter/garlic over the top.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Over garlic mashed potatoes
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With Cajun rice or dirty rice
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On top of creamy grits
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Tossed with Cajun Alfredo pasta
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Alongside roasted veggies or a fresh salad
📝 Tips:
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Want it saucier? Deglaze pan with a splash of white wine or broth after cooking shrimp and reduce slightly.
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Works great on the grill too — just cook steak and shrimp separately and finish with a buttery drizzle.
Let me know if you’d like to turn this into a Cajun surf-and-turf pasta or a sheet pan version!
