If you’re on the lookout for a truly show-stopping meal, look no further than Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp. This dish brings together perfectly charred, juicy ribeye steaks and plump, smoky shrimp, all topped with a golden cloak of garlicky butter. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests at a summer cookout or simply want to treat yourself to something special, Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp is as easy to whip up as it is to devour. The punchy hit of garlic, the richness of real butter, and that burst of citrus at the table make every bite sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but purposeful. Each ingredient has a distinct part to play, whether it’s bringing bold flavor, juicy texture, or vibrant color to your Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp plate.
- Ribeye steaks: Thick, marbled steaks offer unmatched tenderness and rich, beefy flavor — New York strip or sirloin can stand in, but ribeye is seriously luxe.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The sweetness and snap of fresh shrimp make the perfect partner to beef, absorbing flavors and grilling up beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Softened butter gets infused with garlic and herbs, melting into a luscious sauce over hot steak and seafood.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Garlic is the star of the show here, adding punchy aroma and warming heat to both steak and shrimp.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens up each bite and brings a pop of color to the finishing butter.
- Olive oil: A light brush ensures the shrimp won’t stick to the grill and gives them a subtle, fruity finish.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled foods.
- Salt and pepper: Never underestimate the power of seasoned proteins; salt enhances everything, pepper adds gentle fire.
- Lemon wedges: The zing of fresh lemon at the end cuts through the richness and brightens everything up.
How to Make Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Proteins
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high — you’re aiming for strong, even heat to get a gorgeous char. While it heats up, pat your ribeye steaks dry with paper towels so they’ll sear rather than steam. Season both sides of the steaks with salt, pepper, and a good sprinkle of smoked paprika for flavor and color. Meanwhile, pat the shrimp dry, then toss them in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. This ensures every mouthful is juicy and tastes like a summer night on the patio.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine your softened butter with plenty of minced garlic and fresh parsley. Mix it until it’s uniformly speckled with green and wonderfully fragrant. This garlic butter is your flavor hero — it’s going to melt over hot steak and shrimp, bringing everything together with creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Grill the Steaks
Place your steaks on the grill and don’t touch them for 4-5 minutes; let those grill marks do their thing! Flip, and cook for another 4-5 minutes for a perfect medium-rare, or leave them a bit longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. A good steak will feel bouncy (not stiff) to the touch when ready.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
With about 2 minutes left on the steak, add your shrimp directly onto the grill. They cook quickly — just 1-2 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink with those gorgeous grill marks and become opaque, they’re done. Don’t overcook, or they’ll go rubbery!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Immediately after pulling everything off the grill, top the hot steaks (and shrimp, if you like) with big dollops of your garlic butter. Let the steaks rest under foil for five minutes; this helps them stay wonderfully juicy and allows the butter to melt right in. Serve the Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp together on a big platter, with lots of lemon wedges for squeezing right at the table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp
Garnishes
I love to finish Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp with extra chopped parsley and a final shower of flaky sea salt. If you’re feeling festive, a little zest from your lemon wedges adds a floral aroma and a pop of color. You can’t go wrong with a drizzle of any extra garlic butter, either.
Side Dishes
This hearty centerpiece pairs fantastically with crisp green salads (think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion), buttery grilled corn on the cob, or roasted baby potatoes. For something lighter, a chilled cucumber salad works wonders with the richness of the garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things extra special (and Instagram-worthy), try skewering the shrimp and laying them crosswise over sliced steak. Or, stack everything up on a wooden cutting board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a rustic, family-style feel. Since Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp already feels like a celebration, don’t be afraid to play with color and presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let steak and shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two days. Be sure to store any remaining garlic butter separately for easy reheating.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked steak and shrimp individually on a baking sheet before moving them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep their texture intact. Garlic butter can be frozen in small portions — just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and drop into a resealable bag. Both can be frozen for up to one month without sacrificing much flavor or quality.
Reheating
To reheat, let everything come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Warm steak and shrimp gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a little splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Melt your garlic butter separately and drizzle it just before serving so every plate is as mouthwatering as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp?
Absolutely! While ribeye is a classic choice for its flavor and tenderness, you can easily swap in sirloin, New York strip, or even filet mignon. Adjust your grill time based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Should I leave the tails on the shrimp?
That’s all about presentation! Leaving the tails on looks pretty and can make the shrimp easier to pick up, but they’re just as tasty without. Feel free to remove them if you prefer a more refined, fork-friendly bite.
Can I make Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp on a grill pan indoors?
Yes! If weather isn’t cooperating, use a grill pan over medium-high heat. You’ll still get gorgeous sear marks and great flavor — just make sure to ventilate your kitchen well when searing steak.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute a quality vegan butter for the dairy butter and make sure the rest of your ingredients are plant-friendly. You’ll still get that irresistible garlic-herb flavor over your steak and shrimp.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque, usually just 1-2 minutes per side over high heat. Overcooked shrimp become dry and rubbery, so keep a close eye and remove them from the grill as soon as they curl and glisten.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a better treat to make you feel like a superstar chef at home than Garlic Butter Grilled Steak & Shrimp. The combination of garlicky, buttery richness and the perfect balance of surf and turf flavors is beyond satisfying. Give this recipe a try for your next special dinner, and prepare for rave reviews!
