This simple surf and turf recipe is the perfect combination of tender filet mignon and buttery garlic shrimp.
It feels elegant enough for a special occasion but is surprisingly easy to make at home in one skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The steak turns out juicy and flavorful with a beautiful crust from the cast-iron skillet.
The shrimp cook quickly in a rich garlic rosemary butter sauce that tastes restaurant-quality.
This recipe uses simple ingredients while delivering an impressive dinner perfect for date nights.
Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easier and keeping all the flavors together.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Filet mignon provides a tender, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
Large shrimp cook quickly and soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.
Butter and garlic create a rich pan sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
A high-heat cooking oil helps create a golden crust on the steaks.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pat the steaks and shrimp dry before seasoning to help them sear properly.
Use a hot cast-iron skillet for the best crust and even cooking.
Allow the steak to rest after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly.
Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.
How to Make Simple Surf And Turf
Step 1 – Season the steak and shrimp
Pat the filet mignon and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season steaks with salt and black pepper, then season the shrimp separately.
Step 2 – Sear the steaks
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add oil, then sear the steaks for 4 minutes on the first side and 3–4 minutes on the second side.
Step 3 – Sear the edges and rest
Use tongs to sear the edges of the steaks for 30–60 seconds per side. Remove the steaks when they are about 10 degrees below your desired doneness and tent loosely with foil.
Step 4 – Build the butter sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, garlic cloves, and rosemary to the skillet. Let the butter melt and become fragrant.
Step 5 – Cook the shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 1 minute per side until pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after cooking.
Step 6 – Finish and serve
Return the steaks to the skillet and spoon the garlic rosemary butter sauce over the steak and shrimp before serving.
What to Serve Them With
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp side salad for freshness.
Warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap filet mignon for ribeye or New York strip steak if preferred.
Use lobster tails instead of shrimp for a more luxurious version.
Add fresh thyme in place of rosemary for a different herb flavor.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the steak and shrimp.
The garlic butter sauce can be spooned over leftovers to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What steak doneness works best?
Medium-rare to medium is ideal for filet mignon in this recipe.
Do I need a cast-iron skillet?
A cast-iron skillet works best, but any heavy-bottom skillet can be used.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl.
Can I add extra sauce?
Yes, you can double the butter and garlic for extra pan sauce.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A buttery Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Yes, grilled steak works wonderfully with the garlic butter shrimp.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbs and suitable for keto diets.
Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Yes, scallops or lobster tails are excellent alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This simple surf and turf recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
The combination of juicy steak, tender shrimp, and garlic rosemary butter makes every bite feel special. It’s an easy yet impressive dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 lb filet mignon, 2 steaks, each 1 1/2-inch thick
12 oz large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail-on (21–25 count)
1 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, divided
3/4 tsp black pepper, divided
1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
Pat dry the shrimp and steaks thoroughly with paper towels. Season steaks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Season shrimp with remaining salt and pepper.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Sear steaks for 4 minutes on the first side and 3–4 minutes on the second side. Sear edges for 30–60 seconds. Remove and tent with foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the skillet.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook about 1 minute per side until pink and opaque.
Return steaks to the skillet and spoon garlic butter sauce over the steak and shrimp before serving.
