Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet with Peppers

 

Introduction

Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet with Peppers is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that combines two favorites in one irresistible pan. Tender, beautifully seared pieces of steak are paired with juicy shrimp and sweet red bell peppers, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce filled with herbs and savory seasonings.

This recipe is perfect when you want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. The steak develops a deep caramelized crust, the shrimp remain tender and succulent, and the peppers bring a touch of sweetness and freshness to every bite. Cooking everything in one skillet also allows the flavors to blend together, creating a delicious buttery sauce that coats every ingredient.

Serve this dish on its own for a satisfying low-carb dinner, or pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

For the Steak

1 1/2 lbs (680 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into large bite-sized cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Shrimp

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Peppers

2 large red bell peppers, cut into chunky pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/3 cup (80 ml) beef or chicken broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the Steak

Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels, then cut it into generous bite-sized pieces.

Season the steak with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently so every piece is evenly seasoned.

Heating the steak slightly toward room temperature and removing excess surface moisture will help it develop a better golden-brown crust when it reaches the hot skillet.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a separate bowl.

Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently until evenly coated and set aside while you begin cooking the steak.

3. Sear the Steak

Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to become hot.

Arrange the steak pieces in a single layer, leaving some space between them. If your skillet is not large enough, cook the steak in batches rather than overcrowding the pan.

Sear the steak for approximately 2–3 minutes without moving it. Turn the pieces and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, or until beautifully browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.

During the final minute, add 1 tablespoon of butter and spoon the melted butter over the steak.

Transfer the cooked steak to a clean plate and loosely cover it while preparing the remaining ingredients.

4. Cook the Bell Peppers

Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet if needed.

Add the red bell pepper pieces and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The peppers should become slightly tender while still maintaining some texture. Allow some of the edges to caramelize for extra flavor.

Transfer the peppers to the plate with the steak.

5. Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes on the first side, then turn each shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Drizzle with fresh lemon juice. As soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque and develop a lightly golden exterior, transfer them to a plate.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp because they will be returned to the skillet at the end.

6. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Pour in the beef or chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 2–3 minutes so the flavors can combine.

7. Combine Everything

Return the seared steak and cooked bell peppers to the skillet. Toss gently in the garlic butter sauce until everything is well coated.

Add the shrimp last and carefully fold them into the mixture.

Allow everything to warm together for about 1–2 minutes over low heat. Avoid cooking much longer, as both the steak and shrimp can become tough if overcooked.

Finish with fresh lemon juice and generously sprinkle chopped parsley over the entire skillet.

Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if necessary.

8. Serve

Serve the Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet immediately while everything is hot and glossy with garlic butter sauce.

For a complete meal, spoon the steak, shrimp, and peppers over fluffy white rice. You can also serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, buttered pasta, or crusty bread.

For extra freshness, garnish each serving with additional parsley and a small squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet with Peppers brings together juicy steak, succulent shrimp, colorful peppers, and a rich homemade garlic butter sauce in one comforting meal. Every bite offers a satisfying combination of tender meat, delicate seafood, sweet vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory buttery flavor.

Although the finished dish looks impressive enough for a special dinner, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. Cooking the ingredients in the same skillet builds layers of flavor, while the simple garlic butter sauce brings everything together beautifully.

Whether served over rice for a hearty family dinner or alongside potatoes and vegetables for a special weekend meal, this steak and shrimp skillet is best enjoyed hot from the pan with plenty of that flavorful garlic butter sauce spooned over the top.