Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak (A Flavorful, Hearty Dish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is a perfect blend of rich, savory steak paired with juicy, spicy shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish combines the best of both worlds – the indulgent, tender texture of steak and the zesty kick of Cajun-spiced shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers every time.

The creamy sauce, infused with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a touch of cream, brings all the flavors together in one comforting, satisfying dish. It’s hearty, rich, and packs just the right amount of spice, offering a balance of heat and creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print

Ingredients

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

Steak (such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon) serves as the rich, tender base of the dish, and the seasoning ensures a flavorful crust on the outside.

Shrimp adds a juicy, slightly sweet contrast to the steak, spiced with Cajun seasoning to give it a bold, spicy kick.

Cajun seasoning blends paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano to give the shrimp and steak a smoky, spicy flavor.

Heavy cream creates the luscious, velvety sauce that complements both the shrimp and steak perfectly.

Butter adds richness and depth, helping to sear the steak and shrimp.

Garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic depth and enhances the flavors of both the shrimp and steak.

Parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a nutty, salty flavor to the creamy sauce.

Chicken broth helps balance the richness of the sauce while deglazing the pan, lifting the flavorful bits left behind by the steak and shrimp.

Fresh parsley garnishes the dish, offering a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the heat from the Cajun seasoning.

Salt and pepper help season the steak and shrimp, ensuring the flavors are well balanced.

Directions

1. Prepare the Steak
   Start by seasoning the steak with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear it for 3-4 minutes per side, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the steak.
3. Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
   In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine Steak and Shrimp
   Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the creamy Cajun sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to reheat the steak and shrimp and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

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.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2-3 servings. Preparation time is 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes. Total time from start to finish is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is highly customizable. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or replace it with a more subtle spice mix. For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the sauce.

You can swap the shrimp for scallops or even chicken for a different flavor profile. If you want to make the dish lighter, consider using a lighter cream or half-and-half in place of heavy cream, though it will alter the richness.

To add more texture and flavor, sauté some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the shrimp. They pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600 kcal
Protein	45 g
Carbohydrates	8 g
Fat	45 g
Saturated Fat	20 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	850 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. They should only take 2-3 minutes per side to turn pink and opaque.

Let the Steak Rest
Let your steak rest for a few minutes after searing it. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender, juicy steak.

Balance the Sauce
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a little longer to reduce.

Use Fresh Cajun Seasoning
Make sure to use fresh Cajun seasoning to get the most out of the smoky, spicy flavors. You can also make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes! Ribeye, filet mignon, and sirloin all work well. Choose your preferred cut based on texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The steak and shrimp can be cooked separately, and the sauce can be prepared in advance. Simply combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe without Cajun seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute with another spice blend like Creole seasoning, or even make a simple garlic-butter sauce instead.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I make this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is already low-carb, but to make it even more keto-friendly, serve it with a low-carb vegetable side, like cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Steak is a bold, indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of Cajun spices, tender steak, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce makes for a flavorful, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special night or just craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is sure to impress.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!