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One Pot cajun butter steak and shrimp skillet recipe – tender juicy steak bites with spicy shrimp and chunks of bell pepper in a delicious cajun butter sauce.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
One Pot Cajun Shrimp and Steak
These steak bites and shrimp are covered in spicy and delicious cajun butter for a rich, hearty skillet dinner that goes from fridge to fork in less than 20 minutes total.
This steak and shrimp skillet tastes great on its own, or in tacos, wraps, burritos, sandwiches – or over pasta, rice, or vegetables!
The best part about this cajun steak and shrimp skillet is that it is naturally low carb and keto compliant – so you can indulge without packing on the carbs!
What Type Of Steak For Steak Bites
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Rich and creamy, butter adds a velvety smoothness and a hint of indulgence to the dish.
- Sirloin steak (1 lb) – Robust and meaty, sirloin steak offers a savory umami flavor with a tender texture when cooked to perfection.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp) – Spicy and aromatic, Cajun seasoning brings a punch of heat and a symphony of herbs and spices, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
- Bell pepper (1) – Sweet and slightly tangy, bell pepper lends a fresh and vibrant flavor, contrasting with the boldness of the Cajun seasoning.
- Cloves garlic (6) – Pungent and aromatic, garlic infuses the dish with its signature savory flavor, enhancing the overall depth and complexity.
- Shallot (1) – Mild and slightly sweet, shallot contributes a subtle oniony flavor with hints of garlic, complementing the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Shrimp (1 lb) – Sweet and succulent, shrimp offers a delicate brininess and a tender texture, absorbing the flavors of the Cajun butter sauce while adding a seafood richness to the dish.
Use this Method
Season. In a bowl, toss steak cubes in cajun seasoning.
Cook Protein. In a large skillet, heat butter on medium high until foamy. Add in steak and brown quickly, stirring occasionally.
Add Veggies. Stir in bell pepper and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in shallots and garlic and cook to soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Finish. Stir in shrimp and cook until opaque bright white and pink. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Cajun Shrimp and Steak
Make your own Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons paprika, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon onion powder.
Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality shrimp and steak for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Ingredients Ahead: Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Marinate the Steak: Marinate the steak in Cajun seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Season Shrimp Liberally: Season the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful kick.
Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Make sure your grill or skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the steak and shrimp.
Sear the Steak: Sear the steak on the grill or skillet for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Make Cajun Butter Sauce: Prepare a flavorful Cajun butter sauce by melting butter in a skillet and adding garlic, Cajun seasoning, and a splash of lemon juice.
Baste with Cajun Butter: Baste both the shrimp and steak with the Cajun butter sauce while cooking to infuse them with flavor and keep them moist.
Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Cajun butter shrimp and steak with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh finish, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preference for spice. You can always add more during cooking if desired.
Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
FAQS
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 140-145°F (60-63°C). Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the temperature to rise a few degrees.
Yes, you can use different cuts of steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and desired doneness of the steak.
Yes, you can prepare the Cajun butter sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.
Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness depending on the brand and ingredients used. It typically has a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste preferences or choose a mild Cajun seasoning if you prefer less spice.
Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels carefully, especially for seasonings and sauces, to avoid gluten-containing ingredients.
Yes, you can use unsalted butter and adjust the salt level to your taste by adding salt to the sauce during cooking.
What to Serve With Cajun Butter Shrimp and Steak
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these potatoes complement the richness of the shrimp and steak.
Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, grilled asparagus adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the meal. Try this recipe!
Creamy Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with a hint of tanginess balances the bold flavors of the Cajun butter shrimp and steak.
Cornbread: Classic cornbread with a touch of sweetness provides a comforting and rustic side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or pancetta offer a savory and slightly smoky flavor.
Cajun Dirty Rice: A flavorful blend of rice, spices, and ground meat, Cajun dirty rice adds depth and heartiness to the meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with Cajun spices complement the shrimp and steak with their natural sweetness and hint of spice.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with Cajun butter adds a summery flair to the meal.
Avocado and Tomato Salad: A refreshing avocado and tomato salad with lime dressing provides a cool contrast to the bold flavors of the main dishes.
Southern Collard Greens: Slow-cooked collard greens seasoned with bacon or ham hock offer a soulful and comforting side dish.
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Cajun Butter Steak and Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning, start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste if using store-bought
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 6 cloves garlic diced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss steak cubes in cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat butter on medium high until foamy.
- Add in steak and brown quickly, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in bell pepper and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in shallots and garlic and cook to soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and cook until opaque bright white and pink.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this dish tonight for Valentines Day and my man loved it!! Thank you!
I’m so glad you loved it!
I have already prepped everything except the salad I’m having with your recipe. Letting my steak cubes marinated in the seasoning. I expect it to be very good… Thanks
It says serve immediately and this may be a dumb question but can I refrigerate and reheat?
You can – but I recommend cooking the shrimp right before serving. Shrimp reheats ok, but tastes best and has best flavor the first time – the steak is tasty reheated though!
Totally enjoyable one!! Thanks a lot!
Looks delicious will try for dinner.