If you’ve ever dreamed of a meal that delivers a juicy, flavorful steak complemented by a rich, velvety sauce packed with a zesty Cajun kick, then the Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This dish marries perfectly seared steak with succulent shrimp in an irresistibly creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that will have you savoring every bite with delight. It’s comfort food elevated to a restaurant-quality experience, yet simple enough to make on any night when you want to impress or simply treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe truly special comes down to some simple yet essential ingredients that bring together bold flavors and luxurious textures. Each element plays a part, from the juicy steak that grounds the dish, to the shrimp that adds a touch of sweetness, and the creamy sauce that ties everything together with a beautiful balance of heat, tang, and richness.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Perfect for getting that gorgeous sear on your steak without sticking or burning.
- 1 pound steak (strip loin or rib eye recommended): Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Cajun seasoning to taste: Adds the signature spicy, smoky punch to both steak and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enhances the richness of the sauce and helps cook the shrimp to tender perfection.
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined: Brings a sweet, ocean-fresh flavor and a delightful contrast in texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and gentle heat.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or dry white wine: Used for deglazing to capture the flavorful fond at the bottom of the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture and mellow creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce’s profile.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Boosts the sauce’s bold seasoning for a uniform spicy kick.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty finish that enriches the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty note that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh herbal aroma to the final dish.
How to Make Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Begin by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat your steak dry and generously season both sides with Cajun seasoning. This seasoning is the star of the show, giving your steak a bold flavor and a little spicy crust. Carefully place the steak in the skillet and let it sear undisturbed for several minutes until it develops a rich, golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the other side to your desired doneness before removing the steak from the pan and allowing it to rest. Resting keeps those juices locked in, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp just until they turn a lovely opaque pink, which usually takes just a couple of minutes per side. Avoid overcooking here, as the shrimp should remain plump and tender. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside to join the steak later.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
With the skillet still warm, toss in the chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about a minute, being careful not to let it burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are pure magic, infusing your sauce with deep umami flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and an additional tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, increasing the sauce’s complexity and spice level. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it thicken slightly. Once thickened, whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and silky smooth. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley right at the end to brighten the sauce and add fresh, herbaceous notes. Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet so they can soak up some of the sauce’s deliciousness. Your Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe is now ready for plating!
How to Serve Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish look as fabulous as it tastes, finish it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and freshness. A few extra twists of freshly ground black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and a subtle smoky aroma that perfectly complements the Cajun flavors.
Side Dishes
This wonderfully rich dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or perfectly steamed green beans. A light and crisp salad with a citrusy vinaigrette can also cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, slice the rested steak against the grain and fan it out on the plate, then spoon the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce generously over the top. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra citrus burst. Alternatively, try plating the steak whole with the shrimp sauce artfully drizzled over or beside it, topped with a sprig of fresh parsley for that restaurant-quality touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak and shrimp in the sauce to maintain moisture and flavor. When ready to enjoy again, make sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze just the sauce and shrimp separately from the steak. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When thawed, reheat the sauce and shrimp slowly on the stove before adding the steak to warm it through without drying it out.
Reheating
Reheat the Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent separation. Avoid using high heat or a microwave, which can toughen the steak and make the shrimp rubbery. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating can restore texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strip loin or rib eye are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the perfect doneness and avoid toughness.
Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used or choose a milder blend. The cream in the sauce also helps mellow out the heat, so balancing the spice is easy to customize based on your taste preferences.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
While heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness, you can try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. The texture will be thinner, so you might want to simmer a bit longer to thicken the sauce.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Use fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp of medium size for the best balance of texture and flavor. Avoid jumbo shrimp as they might overpower the sauce, and very small shrimp could get lost in the richness.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the steak a few hours ahead to let the flavors penetrate more deeply. You can also prepare the shrimp and garlic mixture in advance, but for best results, cook everything just before serving to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate your dining experience with a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable. The marriage of tender, perfectly cooked steak with a luscious, spicy shrimp sauce will quickly have friends and family asking for seconds. Give this recipe a go—you’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a plate full of soulful, satisfying goodness.
Print
Steak in Creamy Cajun Shrimp Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A luxurious and flavorful dish featuring a perfectly seared steak topped with a creamy Cajun shrimp sauce. This recipe blends the spicy, bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with rich cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating an indulgent meal perfect for special occasions or a delicious dinner treat.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 pound steak (e.g., strip loin, rib eye)
- Cajun seasoning to taste
For the Shrimp Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Steak: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear it until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth (or dry white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Cajun seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil to thicken slightly.
- Finish the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, giving the sauce a creamy texture. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness and freshness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring them into the sauce to heat through. Serve the creamy Cajun shrimp sauce generously over the rested steak for a rich and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, allow the steak to rest after searing to keep it juicy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with dry white wine for an extra depth of flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and taste.
