This Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grilled Steak Dinner is a bold surf-and-turf combo that brings serious flavor to the table. With smoky, buttery shrimp and perfectly seared steak, it’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something comforting but still a little fiery. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party centerpiece, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Steak:
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Shrimp:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp butter
For Serving:
2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes
Grilled or roasted vegetables (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Steaks:
I rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then I heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on how done I like them. After cooking, I always let them rest for about 5 minutes to keep them juicy.
Cook the Cajun Shrimp:
While the steaks rest, I toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, I add the shrimp and cook them for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink. A quick squeeze of lemon over the top adds brightness and ties all the flavors together.
Assemble the Feast:
I plate each steak with a generous helping of shrimp on the side. I like to serve it with rice or mashed potatoes, plus some grilled veggies if I’ve got them. A sprinkle of fresh parsley finishes it off beautifully.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 600 kcal (approx.)
Variations
I sometimes switch out the ribeye for New York strip or flank steak depending on what I have.
When I want less heat, I cut back on the Cajun seasoning and skip the smoked paprika.
For an even bolder flavor, I marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mix for 20 minutes before cooking.
I’ve also tried serving this with cheesy grits or garlic bread for a Southern-style twist.
If I want to go low-carb, I replace the rice with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, I warm it gently in a skillet or low oven, covered to keep it from drying out. For the shrimp, I reheat them in a pan with a bit of butter for just a minute or two—overheating can make them rubbery. Rice or mashed potatoes reheat easily in the microwave with a splash of water.
FAQs
How spicy is the Cajun shrimp?
It has a medium kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. I can adjust the heat level easily by reducing or increasing the seasoning.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
I usually go with ribeye or sirloin for flavor and tenderness, but filet mignon or New York strip also work really well.
Can I grill everything instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely. I sometimes throw both the steak and shrimp on the grill for a smokier flavor—just use a grill pan or skewers for the shrimp to prevent them from falling through the grates.
What sides go best with this dish?
I often serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or cheesy grits, plus a simple green veggie like roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grilled Steak Dinner delivers big flavor in every bite with juicy steak, buttery shrimp, and bold Cajun spices. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests. Whether I’m keeping it simple or adding extras like veggies and sides, this dish always satisfies.
📖 Recipe:
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Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grilled Steak Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grilled Steak Dinner is a bold surf-and-turf combo featuring smoky, buttery shrimp and perfectly seared steak. Packed with Cajun spices and finished with a lemony kick, it’s a flavorful and satisfying 30-minute meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for steak)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil (for shrimp)
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for shrimp)
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cooked rice or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Grilled or roasted vegetables (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- While the steaks rest, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for added brightness.
- Plate each steak with a serving of shrimp on the side.
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes and optional grilled vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can substitute ribeye with New York strip or flank steak.
Adjust the spice level by reducing Cajun seasoning and omitting smoked paprika.
For deeper flavor, marinate shrimp for 20 minutes before cooking.
Serve with cheesy grits or garlic bread for a Southern-style variation.
Use cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a low-carb version.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat steak gently in a covered skillet or low oven; reheat shrimp briefly in a pan with butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with shrimp and sides
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
