Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak: A Bold and Flavorful Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is the ultimate indulgent dinner that brings together two of the most flavorful proteins—succulent steak and juicy shrimp—topped with a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. The combination of smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning with the creamy sauce creates a balance of heat and richness that elevates the steak and shrimp. This dish is perfect for a special occasion, a weekend dinner, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. I first made this when I was craving a bold and satisfying dinner, and it became an instant favorite. The creaminess of the sauce complements the seared steak and shrimp perfectly, while the Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of kick. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak:

• Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your choice): Choose a cut that you enjoy and that will hold up to the rich sauce. Ribeye or strip steak is a great choice for a juicy result.
• Olive oil: For searing the steak to a perfect crust.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
• Butter: For adding richness to the steak and creating a smooth sear.

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The shrimp will be the star of this dish, soaking up all the Cajun flavor and cooking quickly.
• Cajun seasoning: Adds a bold, smoky, spicy flavor to the shrimp.
• Olive oil or butter: To sauté the shrimp and keep them juicy.
• Garlic: For aromatic depth in the Cajun sauce.

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

• Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce, adding smoothness and richness.
• Chicken broth: To thin out the sauce and add depth.
• Cajun seasoning: To keep the flavor consistent with the shrimp and steak.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: For an extra creamy, cheesy finish to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to balance the richness of the cream.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a fresh finish.

Directions

For the Steak:

1. Season the steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the steak in the pan and sear it for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness (for medium-rare, cook for about 4 minutes per side). Add butter to the pan during the last minute of cooking to enhance the flavor and help create a golden crust.
3. Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the shrimp and sauce. This helps keep the steak juicy.

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
2. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet used for the steak, add a bit more olive oil or butter and heat over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:

1. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Season the sauce: Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Finish the sauce: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or Cajun seasoning if necessary.

To Assemble:

1. Combine shrimp and steak: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the sauce, allowing them to warm up in the creamy sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Serve: Place the rested steak on plates, spoon the creamy Cajun sauce and shrimp over the steak, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Version: If you love extra heat, add some chopped fresh jalapeños to the sauce or use a spicier Cajun seasoning blend.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the steak with a hearty veggie like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks and follow the same cooking method for the shrimp.
• Garlic Lovers: For more garlic flavor, add extra minced garlic to both the shrimp and the sauce.
• Cheese Variations: If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Gouda, mozzarella, or any melty cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	580
Protein (g)	44
Carbs (g)	8
Fat (g)	42
Saturated Fat (g)	17
Fiber (g)	1
Sugar (g)	3
Sodium (mg)	890

Expert Tips & Customizations

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly—once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
• Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking helps redistribute the juices, keeping it tender and juicy.
• Control the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, use a lower-sodium Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount of seasoning in the shrimp and sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the steak and shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat gently before adding the shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

What kind of steak is best for this dish?

Ribeye, strip steak, or sirloin work wonderfully for this recipe, but you can use any steak cut you prefer.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños to kick up the spice level.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is a bold and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something extra delicious. The combination of juicy steak, spicy Cajun shrimp, and rich, creamy sauce will leave you coming back for more. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but impressive enough to serve on any occasion!

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