You’re about to prepare a meal that brings together the sizzle of steak and the tender succulence of shrimp — all dressed in a silky, fragrant garlic-butter sauce that wraps every bite in deep, savory comfort. This Irresistible Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a relaxed weeknight treat, or even a simple dinner to impress guests — and it comes together in under 30 minutes.
🍽️ Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound of steak bites — ideally choose a tender, well-marbled cut such as sirloin or ribeye, so the meat stays juicy and develops a good sear.
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined — picking shrimp that are already cleaned saves prep time and ensures even cooking.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter — this generous amount of butter is what gives the dish its rich, velvety sauce that clings to each piece of steak and shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced — fresh garlic is essential: its aroma and flavor transform the dish into something truly irresistible.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped — this adds a fresh, green lift, breaking through the richness with a herbal brightness.
Seasoning & Optional Finish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — simple seasoning to bring out the flavors of the steak and shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) — for a subtle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice — a splash at the end brightens everything up, balancing the richness with a fresh, citrusy note.
🔪 Step-by-Step Method
1. Prep the Steak Bites
Start by patting the steak bites dry with paper towels — this removes extra moisture so you can achieve a beautiful, golden sear. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This rest period helps the steak relax and ensures a more even sear when cooking.
2. Sear the Steak Bites
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your steak bites in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed, to let each piece get sufficient heat). Sear the bites for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until they develop a deep golden-brown crust and look beautifully caramelized. That crust gives the steak both flavor and texture, sealing in juices so the inside stays tender.
3. Cook the Shrimp
After searing the steaks, add the shrimp to the same skillet (no need to clean it out — the flavorful browned bits left behind actually add depth). Cook the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking ensures they stay tender and juicy, not rubbery. When they’re done, transfer them to a plate momentarily.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, foam, and begin to bubble gently — about 30 seconds. Then stir in the minced garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using). Let the garlic cook just until fragrant and lightly golden at the edges — roughly 30 seconds. Watch closely: garlic can burn fast if left too long, which would make the sauce bitter instead of rich.
5. Combine Everything & Finish
Now return the steak bites and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together so each piece becomes generously coated in the buttery garlic sauce. Cook for about another minute to let the flavors meld — the sizzling butter coats the meat and seafood alike, wrapping them in a glossy, aromatic glaze. Finish with a splash of lemon juice to add brightness and contrast to the deep buttery flavor.
🍛 Serving Suggestions
This skillet dish is lovely as-is, but it really shines when paired with thoughtful sides that complement or contrast the richness:
- Creamy mashed potatoes — they soak up every last drop of garlic butter, making each bite extra indulgent.
- Garlic bread — crusty, warm, and perfect for mopping up the leftover buttery sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad — to bring a bright, fresh crunch and help balance the richness of steak and butter. A simple lemon-dressed green salad or lightly steamed veggies add freshness and color.
- Rice pilaf or pasta — a neutral, comforting base that lets the flavors of the steak and shrimp shine.
If you like, a crisp white wine also pairs beautifully — its acidity cuts through the butter and complements the seafood, elevating the meal.
💡 Why This Dish Works
This recipe is a little piece of “surf-and-turf” magic: steak and shrimp together give a satisfying mix of textures and flavors — the rich, meaty chew of steak alongside the tender, sweet pop of shrimp. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together — its warmth and aroma permeate the proteins, ensuring every bite is layered with flavor, and the final splash of lemon juice adds the brightness you didn’t know the dish needed until you taste it.
Because it’s all in one skillet and comes together quickly, it’s ideal for busy nights, spontaneous dinners, or when you want to serve something that feels special without hours of work.