Introduction to Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp
This Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp recipe is reliable on a busy night—it keeps the steps short and the flavor high. It uses pantry staples and a few smart cues, so you know exactly when to stir, simmer, and serve. You do not need special tools or fancy skills—follow the cues and you will get a cozy, homey Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp every time.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
Benefits of This Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp
The method is simple, the ingredient list is sensible, and the results are repeatable. It scales up for family or down for one, and it takes well to the swaps in the Variations section. Cleanup is easy because most of the cooking happens in one pan.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
- Fast, weeknight-friendly method.
- Pantry ingredients and clean flavors.
- Flexible swaps for protein, veg, and heat level.
- Scales for family or meal prep.
- Consistent results using visual cues.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak (ribeye or sirloin), sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving

Directions
- Season the Steak and Shrimp
- In a bowl, season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Do the same with the shrimp in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Sear the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the steak. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together for 1 minute, spooning the garlic butter over the top.
- Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if using, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste your Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
- Soften aromatics until sweet before adding liquids.
- Avoid overcrowding to keep browning active.
- Finish with salt or acid for balance.
External Resources for Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp
Variations
- Protein: chicken, turkey, tofu, beef, or mushrooms.
- Lighter: olive oil for butter, extra stock for body.
- Spicy: red pepper flakes, cayenne, or harissa.
- Gluten-free: GF pasta or serve over rice.
- Low-carb: zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—cool fully and store airtight up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or water.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat on low and refresh seasoning to taste.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Most versions freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently.
What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
Reduce briefly to thicken; loosen with stock, pasta water, or milk if too thick. Adjust salt and acid.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp is weeknight friendly, flexible, and built around dependable cues. It gives you control without stress and delivers the comfort people expect. Serve this Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp with a simple salad or crusty bread and dinner is done.
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste your Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp Herby: Rich Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak ribeye or sirloin, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the Steak and Shrimp
- In a bowl, season the steak pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Do the same with the shrimp in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Sear the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter melts and the pan is hot, add the steak. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together for 1 minute, spooning the garlic butter over the top.
- Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if using, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes & Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp
Good heat brings sweetness from onions and browning builds savory depth without bitterness. Salt sharpens flavor while a touch of acid at the end makes everything taste brighter. If the Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp sauce feels thick, add a splash of liquid; if it feels thin, simmer a minute longer.
Do not rush the aromatics; let them soften until sweet before you add liquids. Avoid crowding the pan so moisture can escape and browning can happen. Taste your Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp before serving and adjust salt, acid, and heat to your liking.
This Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp is weeknight friendly, flexible, and built around dependable cues. It gives you control without stress and delivers the comfort people expect. Serve this Garlic Butter Skillet Steak and Shrimp with a simple salad or crusty bread and dinner is done.