Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
If you are craving a dish that combines bold flavors with a touch of elegance and comes together in under 30 minutes, the Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe perfectly marries tender, juicy steak bites with succulent shrimp all coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with freshness and richness. It’s comfort food elevated, ideal for weekday dinners or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite skillet meals to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe are simple, fresh, and essential to building those layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. Each element plays a vital role—from the savory steak and sweet shrimp to the fragrant garlic and silky butter that bring everything together beautifully.
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful steak bites that sear beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Enhance and season your steak and shrimp perfectly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Used for searing steak and shrimp, imparting a subtle richness.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, delicate contrast to the steak.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: The base for your silky, flavor-packed garlic butter sauce.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic punch essential to the dish’s signature taste.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish with a pop of color.
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional): A bright finish that lifts the richness and adds balance.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak Bites
Start by seasoning your bite-sized steak cubes generously with salt and pepper—seasoning is key for flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak pieces and sear them thoroughly, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and reach your desired doneness. Then remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest. This step locks in the steak’s juices and creates that irresistible caramelized crust.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, in the same hot skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re perfectly cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and slightly curled. Remove the shrimp from the pan and nestle them next to the steak bites. Using the same skillet helps build flavor by incorporating the steak’s delicious browned bits.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet. As it melts, use a spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits left from searing. Then add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until its aroma fills your kitchen. This buttery garlic base is what truly elevates the dish, infusing every bite with deep richness and fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the steak bites and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything in the luscious garlic butter sauce so that each piece is perfectly coated. For an optional but highly recommended touch, squeeze in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness. Finally, sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness—this little touch makes the dish look as great as it tastes.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet hot from the pan over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite sautéed vegetables. The sauce will soak into these sides, making every forkful a delightful experience. This versatile dish is all about bold flavors paired with simple preparations that come together for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley are the classic accompaniment, adding a refreshing green zing that contrasts beautifully with the butter and garlic. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra indulgence. A lemon wedge on the side invites diners to adjust bright acidity to their taste.
Side Dishes
Rice and mashed potatoes are absolute winners with this skillet recipe because they soak up all that garlicky butter sauce. For a lighter option, crisp steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a lovely crunch and vibrant color. Crusty bread is also a fantastic choice, perfect for mopping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a fancier presentation, serve everything in individual cast-iron skillets to keep the dish hot and add rustic charm. Alternatively, pile the steak bites and shrimp atop a bed of creamy polenta or on fresh pasta for a comforting twist. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an unexpected pop of sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the steak and shrimp might soften slightly, but reheating gently will help maintain their flavor and juiciness.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover steak bites and shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve as much texture as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet bites gently over low heat on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Stir occasionally and add a small splash of olive oil or butter if needed to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the steak and rubberize the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin and ribeye are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use flank or skirt steak as long as you cut it into bite-sized pieces and don’t overcook it. The key is to pick a steak that sears well and remains tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure to double-check any sides or additions you serve with it to keep the meal gluten-free.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood?
Certainly! Scallops or lobster chunks work wonderfully in place of shrimp and pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since seafood cooks quickly.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its bright, pungent flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Use about ½ teaspoon and add it toward the end of cooking to avoid burning or losing flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default! The Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe focuses on buttery, garlicky richness without heat. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you want a spicy kick that complements the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe will bring a little magic to your dinner table with its unbeatable combination of savory steak, tender shrimp, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends and family. Dive in and enjoy every single flavorful bite—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender sirloin steak cubes and succulent shrimp, sautéed to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for a savory weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 1 lb sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Season the steak cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites and sear them for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and melt it, scraping up any browned bits left from the steak and shrimp. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak bites and shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce. Add lemon juice for extra flavor, if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter steak bites and shrimp skillet over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh garlic and fresh parsley.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper searing.
- Adjust cooking times depending on the size of steak cubes and shrimp for desired doneness.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a nice brightness to the dish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the garlic butter sauce at its best.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
