Steak and Shrimp with Cowboy Butter Recipe

What is Surf and Turf and Why is it So Popular?

Surf and turf is the ultimate luxury meal, combining the richness of steak with the delicate, juicy flavors of seafood—most commonly shrimp or lobster. This combination is popular because it balances bold, meaty textures with light, buttery seafood, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether served at a steakhouse or made at home, surf and turf is a go-to choice for special occasions, dinner parties, or when you simply want a restaurant-quality meal without leaving the house.

Why is a Cast-Iron Skillet Best for Cooking Steak and Shrimp?

A cast-iron skillet is the ideal tool for searing because it retains heat better than stainless steel or non-stick pans. When cooking steak, you need consistent high heat to develop that perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Shrimp also benefits from cast iron because it cooks quickly and evenly, developing a slight char without drying out. If you want steakhouse-quality sear and flavor, using a cast-iron skillet is one of the best methods.

What is Cowboy Butter and How Does It Elevate Steak?

Cowboy butter is a flavor-packed, melted butter sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. It’s designed to enhance the natural flavors of steak and shrimp while adding a bold, herby, slightly spicy kick. This sauce is incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. The combination of rich, savory butter with the smoky char of steak creates a next-level flavor experience that turns any dish into a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

For the Steak & Shrimp:

• 2 ribeye steaks (or filet mignon, NY strip)
• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp butter (for searing)

For the Cowboy Butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp chopped chives
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cowboy Butter

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, chives, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully incorporated. Set the mixture aside, keeping it warm for later use. If making ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Step 2: Season & Prep the Steak

Before cooking, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because excess moisture prevents browning. Generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, pressing the seasoning in for better adhesion. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

Step 3: Reverse Sear and Sear the Steak

Start by preheating the Hasty Bake Grill to 225°F using lump charcoal for an even heat source, which will allow the steak to cook slowly and evenly, locking in flavor while keeping it juicy. Pat the steaks dry, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Place the steaks on the grill over indirect heat, allowing them to slowly cook until the internal temperature reaches 110-115°F (about 35-45 minutes). Remove from the grill and let them rest while preheating a cast-iron skillet over high heat.

Once the skillet is scorching hot, add 1 tbsp butter and a splash of olive oil, then immediately place the steaks in the pan. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, pressing down lightly to ensure maximum contact for an even crust. Flip and baste the steaks with butter while searing the second side. Sear the edges as well to render the fat for extra flavor. Once the steaks hit 125-130°F for medium-rare, remove them from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and let it heat up. Place the shrimp in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so avoid leaving them on the heat too long. Remove them from the skillet and immediately toss them in a spoonful of cowboy butter for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Arrange the steak and shrimp on a plate, spooning extra cowboy butter over the top. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of sides like grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes. For an extra indulgent touch, serve the cowboy butter on the side as a dipping sauce.

Below is a printable recipe card! 

Steak and Shrimp with Cowboy Butter

This Steak and Shrimp with Cowboy Butter recipe is the ultimate surf & turf meal, featuring reverse-seared steak for a perfect crust and juicy interior, paired with succulent shrimp tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter. Cooked over a Hasty Bake Grill and finished in a cast-iron skillet, this recipe delivers bold, smoky flavors with every bite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Steak & Shrimp

• 2 ribeye steaks or filet mignon, NY strip
• 1 lb jumbo shrimp peeled & deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp butter for searing

For the Cowboy Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp chopped chives
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ⸻

Method

 

Step 1: Prep the Cowboy Butter

1. In a bowl, mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, parsley, chives, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well combined. Set aside and keep warm for serving.

Step 2: Reverse Sear & Sear the Steak

1. Preheat the Hasty Bake Grill to 225°F with lump charcoal.
2. Pat steaks dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place steaks on the grill over indirect heat and cook until the internal temp reaches 110-115°F (about 35-45 minutes).
4. Remove steaks and let them rest while heating a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
5. Add butter and olive oil to the pan, then sear steaks 1-2 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.
6. Remove from heat when the internal temp reaches 125-130°F (medium-rare) and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed.
2. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Toss shrimp with a spoonful of cowboy butter for extra flavor.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Plate the steak and shrimp together.
2. Drizzle with cowboy butter or serve on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Pro Tips for the Best Steak & Shrimp

• Use high-quality steak – Ribeye, filet mignon, or NY strip provide the best texture and flavor.
• Pat the shrimp dry before cooking – This helps them achieve a better sear.
• Rest the steak before slicing – Letting the juices redistribute keeps it tender and juicy.
• Make extra cowboy butter – It’s great for dipping bread or drizzling over vegetables.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2-3
• Calories per Serving: ~650

Final Thoughts

This Steak and Shrimp with Cowboy Butter recipe is a true showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re grilling or pan-searing, this surf and turf dish delivers unbeatable richness and bold flavors. The garlicky, herby cowboy butter takes everything up a notch, making each bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or even a backyard cookout, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Try it out and let us know what you think! For more steak and seafood recipes, check out all of our recipes at the link below! 

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Items Used In This Recipe

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Knitted Gloves

Food Processor

Cast Iron Skillet 

Meater +

Charcoal Chimney

Charcoal Starters