Sizzling Garlic Butter Steak Bites And Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Crispy garlic butter steak bites dance with succulent shrimp in a mouthwatering skillet that promises pure culinary magic.

Seared proteins glisten with golden edges, promising an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

My kitchen always comes alive when this incredible dish starts to sizzle and pop across the hot surface.

Intense aromas waft through the air, teasing taste buds and building anticipation for the meal ahead.

Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs create a symphony of taste that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

Home cooks can effortlessly master this restaurant-quality meal with just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

  • What cut of steak works best for steak bites?

Sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin are excellent choices. Cut into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

  • How do I know when the steak and shrimp are perfectly cooked?

For steak, aim for a golden-brown exterior. For shrimp, they should turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter?

Yes, olive oil helps prevent butter from burning and adds a nice sear, while butter provides rich flavor and helps create the delicious garlic sauce.

Reasons Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet Shine

  • Craft a Quick Protein Powerhouse: This recipe delivers a protein-packed meal loaded with succulent steak and tender shrimp, perfect for satisfying hunger and providing essential nutrients in one delicious skillet.
  • Master Minimal Cleanup Cooking: Using a single skillet saves time on washing dishes, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without extensive kitchen work and multiple pots and pans.
  • Create Versatile Dining Experience: The dish works brilliantly as a main course for dinner, can be served over rice or pasta, and adapts easily for casual weeknight meals or impressive date night cooking.
  • Boost Flavor with Simple Technique: By searing steak and shrimp separately and creating a rich garlic butter sauce, you'll elevate basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that tastes complex but requires minimal cooking skills.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp

For the Proteins:
  • Steak Bites: Tender beef chunks that create a delicious main protein for the skillet.
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that adds a light and flavorful complement to the steak.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that provides depth and enhances the natural flavors of the meat and seafood.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes and adds a zesty note to the shrimp and sauce.
For the Cooking Fats and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil that helps achieve a perfect sear on the proteins.
  • Butter: Rich dairy product that creates a luxurious garlic butter sauce and adds depth to the dish.
  • Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the sauce with intense flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a fresh garnish and adds a pop of color.
  • Lemon Wedges: Citrus garnish that allows for additional brightness when serving.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp Skillet

Step 1: Spice Up the Proteins

Grab two separate bowls. In the first bowl, sprinkle steak bites with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
In the second bowl, toss shrimp with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh lemon juice

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place steak bites in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowding each other. Let them sizzle and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side until they reach your desired doneness.

Scoop out the steak bites and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same skillet, add olive oil and butter.

Drop in the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and look translucent. Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the steak bites.

Step 4: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Splash in some lemon juice and use a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the steak bites and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the luxurious garlic butter sauce, making sure each piece gets coated.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Success

  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on your steak bites, ensuring maximum flavor and even cooking.
  • Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture and preserve their delicate, sweet taste.
  • Use the same skillet for cooking steak, shrimp, and making the garlic butter sauce to capture and layer all the delicious browned bits and cooking juices.
  • Keep cooking times short for both steak and shrimp to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking, which can make the proteins tough and dry.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace olive oil with oregano-infused olive oil, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried Mediterranean herbs for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a side of avocado salsa.
  • Asian Fusion Flair: Swap butter for sesame oil, add grated ginger, and drizzle with soy sauce. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic Asian-inspired dish.
  • Cajun Carnival: Dust steak and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage for extra spice, and serve over dirty rice for a New Orleans-style experience.

Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Shrimp

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory steak and buttery sauce.
  • Refresh with Cocktails: Mix a zesty margarita or gin and tonic with fresh lime to cut through the richness and enhance the seafood's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Rustic Sides: Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or crusty artisan bread to soak up the luxurious garlic butter sauce and create a complete meal experience.
  • Match Herbal Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro to add brightness and create a harmonious balance with the steak and shrimp's robust flavors.

Storage Guidelines for Garlic Butter Steak Bites Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Carefully transfer meal to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking.

Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stop when food reaches steaming temperature to prevent rubbery texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Delicious Garlic Butter Steak Bites And Shrimp Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic butter steak bites and shrimp skillet delivers pure culinary magic straight from Southern kitchens. Juicy proteins nestled in rich, herbed butter create an irresistible one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or your choice), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 pound (227 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat and seafood by blending aromatic spices, creating a robust flavor profile with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for the steak. Marinate shrimp with zesty lemon juice and basic seasoning.
  2. Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, creating a sizzling surface. Carefully distribute steak pieces in a single layer to achieve optimal caramelization. Sear each side for precisely 2-3 minutes until a rich golden-brown crust develops, maintaining desired doneness. Transfer cooked steak to a holding plate.
  3. Utilize the identical skillet, introducing additional olive oil and butter. Gently introduce shrimp, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent. Remove shrimp and place alongside steak.
  4. Reduce skillet temperature to medium, allowing remaining butter to melt smoothly. Introduce minced garlic, creating an aromatic base and releasing intense flavors for roughly 1 minute. Deglaze with a splash of lemon juice, extracting caramelized remnants from skillet surface.
  5. Reunite steak and shrimp within the garlic-infused butter sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and accompany with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy dimension.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality beef cuts like sirloin or ribeye for tender, juicy steak bites that melt in your mouth.
  • Pat meat and shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Use cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and incredible caramelization of proteins.
  • Customize spice blend by adding cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs like thyme for extra depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star