1. Prepare the Steak
- Season the Steak: Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Cook the Steak
- Sear the Steak: Add the steaks to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. For medium, cook an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil.
3. Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add the lemon juice and chopped parsley, tossing to coat.
4. Combine and Serve
- Slice the Steak: Slice the rested steaks against the grain into thin strips.
- Combine in Skillet: Return the steak slices to the skillet with the shrimp. Add optional cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Transfer the steak and shrimp mixture to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Meat: Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the steak and shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Rest the Meat: Allow the steak to rest before slicing to keep the juices in.
Variations
Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to customize your steak and shrimp skillet:
- Garlic Butter: Finish the dish with a pat of garlic herb butter for extra richness.
- Cajun Style: Use Cajun seasoning on the steak and shrimp for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Medley: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve created a delectable Steak and Shrimp Skillet that’s sure to impress. This recipe combines the best of land and sea in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or just a delightful weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this surf and turf masterpiece. Bon appétit!