Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp Recipe
If you want to turn any dinner into an unforgettable occasion, Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp is your golden ticket. Imagine juicy ribeye steaks, perfectly charred on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender within, shared plate with plump, paprika-spiced shrimp that drip with garlicky butter. The secret? A sizzling, lemon-kissed sauce that ties everything together and the kind of simple, vibrant ingredients that make every bite taste like a celebration. This surf and turf mashup brings out the best in both steak and shrimp, and it’s surprisingly quick to pull off—even on a weeknight!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple doesn’t have to mean boring. The ingredients in Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp are all about powerful flavors and great textures. Each one plays its part in making this dish sing, from the smoky steak to the zingy, herby finish.
- Ribeye steaks (2, about 12 ounces each): Look for steaks with nice marbling; it’s the key to tenderness and flavor.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp work great here; the larger size keeps them extra juicy on the grill.
- Olive oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Essential for getting that beautiful golden crust on both steak and shrimp.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): This is where the bold flavor kicks in—don’t skimp!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Rich, creamy, and the perfect carrier for all that garlic.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the deeply savory flavors and keeps things lively.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweet smokiness that’s especially amazing on shrimp.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balanced seasoning is key; don’t forget to season throughout.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity to the meat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a whisper of heat, add these to the garlic butter.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A vibrant pop of color and herbal freshness for the final touch.
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Ingredients
Get your grill going on medium-high heat so it’s piping hot by the time your proteins hit the grates! While it’s heating up, pat the steaks dry—this helps them sear beautifully. Letting steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes ensures they cook evenly. Meanwhile, peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already, and line up your garlic, butter, and other flavor-makers to streamline the process.
Step 2: Season Steaks and Shrimp
Rub the steaks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy—well-seasoned steak is unforgettable steak. Next, toss the shrimp in a bowl with the remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This quick marinade gives the shrimp a fragrant, slightly smoky character that’s irresistible once grilled.
Step 3: Grill the Steaks
When the grill is ready, lay the steaks on the grates and let them sizzle undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side. This gives you a gorgeous crust and a perfect medium-rare center (adjust by a minute or so either way for your preferred doneness). Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest; this is the magic window where all the delicious juices settle back into the meat.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
While your steaks are resting, thread the shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Pop them onto the grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side—shrimp turn bright pink and opaque when done. They’re quick, so keep an eye on them! Overcooked shrimp can get rubbery, but with this method, they’ll come out plump and perfect.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While everything’s grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and (if you like a little heat) the red pepper flakes. In just a minute or two, your kitchen will be perfumed with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic butter—the essential finishing touch for Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp. Take it off the heat once the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 6: Brush, Garnish, and Serve
Generously brush the garlic butter over both the rested steaks and fresh-off-the-grill shrimp—the more, the better. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while everything is at peak succulence, and get ready for applause at the table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley not only enlivens the plate with color, but gives a clean, herbal note that balances the richness of the butter and beef. For an extra touch, add a few lemon wedges so guests can brighten their meal with an extra squeeze of citrus.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp truly shines when paired with classic steakhouse favorites. Try fluffy baked potatoes topped with extra garlic butter, grilled asparagus, or a garlicky rice pilaf. The dish’s bold flavors also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for mopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can wow your crowd by plating this surf and turf atop a dramatic wooden board, flanked with roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, slice the steak and fan it next to skewered shrimp over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. Or, try serving the shrimp on top of the steak for the ultimate stacked showstopper—perfect for special occasions or date night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the steak and shrimp to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep everything tasting as fresh as possible while keeping food safety in mind. Keep any extra garlic butter in a separate small container for easy reheating and drizzling later.
Freezing
While you can freeze Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp, steak maintains its best texture and flavor when enjoyed freshly cooked. If you must freeze, wrap each component tightly and slip them into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge for gentler reheating.
Reheating
For the best experience, gently reheat steak and shrimp in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water over low heat—just until warmed through. Be careful not to over-cook, particularly with the shrimp. To revive the garlic butter, just give it a quick zap in the microwave or on the stovetop and brush it over the proteins before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a heavy cast-iron skillet or grill pan on your stovetop does a fantastic job. Get it nice and hot, and follow the same cooking times for juicy steak and shrimp with a gorgeous sear.
Which cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye is the classic choice for Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp thanks to its marbling and flavor. However, New York strip or even filet mignon also work beautifully—just adjust the cooking time as needed for different thickness.
Do I have to use fresh parsley for garnishing?
Fresh parsley adds unrivaled color and a burst of fresh flavor, but you can use chives or dill if you have those on hand. In a pinch, a small sprinkle of dried parsley works, though fresh is always best for that final flourish.
Can I marinate the steak or shrimp ahead of time?
A quick olive oil, salt, and pepper rub right before grilling is all you need for great steak flavor, but you can season the shrimp with the paprika and let them marinate for up to an hour in the fridge for even more depth. Avoid marinating with acids (like lemon) for long periods, as they can make shrimp mushy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! There are no gluten-containing ingredients in Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp, making it a naturally gluten-free option. Just double-check your butter and seasonings are gluten-free if you’re cooking for anyone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming to impress or just want to treat yourself, Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp is a surefire winner. It’s big on flavor, comes together in a flash, and brings that steakhouse magic right to your own table. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new go-to recipe for a special dinner at home!
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Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delectable meal with this Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp recipe. Perfectly seasoned ribeye steaks and succulent shrimp are grilled to perfection and then drizzled with a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This surf and turf dish is a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 12 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steaks dry and rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Steaks: Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Finish and Serve: Brush the garlic butter over the steaks and shrimp. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Let steaks sit at room temperature before grilling for best results.
- Pair with baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, or rice pilaf.
- If no grill, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan indoors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 55 g
- Cholesterol: 245 mg