Introduction:
Craving a meal with bold, smoky flavors and a spicy kick? This Cajun Shrimp and Steak recipe brings together the best of surf and turf, marinated in robust Cajun spices and grilled to perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, it’s a fiery, satisfying feast that will impress any palate!
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
🌶️ Ingredients
For the Cajun Marinade:
- 🌶️ 2 tsp paprika
- 🌶️ 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
- 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
- 🧅 1 tsp onion powder
- 🌿 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 🌿 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 🧂 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Steak:
- 🥩 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or your favorite cut)
- 🧈 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For the Shrimp:
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🧈 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For Serving:
- 🍋 Lemon wedges (for squeezing over)
- 🌿 Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
📝 Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun spices.
- Divide the spice mix equally between the steak and shrimp.
- Drizzle each with olive oil and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Let the steak and shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steak:
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (adjust depending on thickness and desired doneness).
- Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook to keep them juicy.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Arrange the steak and grilled shrimp on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of tang.
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp and Steak:
- Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, smoky Cajun flavors with both tender steak and succulent shrimp.
- Quick & Versatile: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu grill parties.
- Surf & Turf Perfection: Experience the best of both worlds with a hearty steak paired with juicy shrimp.
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
💡 Tips:
- Rest Your Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after grilling helps retain its juices and enhances tenderness.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch more cayenne pepper on the shrimp just before serving.
- Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet or grill pan on high heat works wonderfully.
- Extra Flavor: A light drizzle of melted butter over the shrimp as soon as they come off the grill can add an extra layer of richness.
Enjoy your Cajun Shrimp and Steak—a fiery, flavor-packed dish that brings a taste of the South right to your table!