If you’re looking for a hearty dinner that really delivers on flavor, this combination of juicy Cajun shrimp, seared steak, seasoned rice, and creamy garlic sauce is hard to beat. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this a satisfying, restaurant-style meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steak and shrimp together. Both get a bold Cajun seasoning treatment for maximum flavor.
- That creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Rich and smooth, it ties the whole dish together.
- Built on seasoned rice. A flavorful base that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
- Ready in 35 minutes. A hearty, restaurant-style dinner that comes together fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced into strips
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups cooked Cajun style rice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or beef broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cajun Steak & Shrimp Rice with Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. Season the steak and shrimp. Season the steak strips and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
2. Sear the steak. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer the steak to a plate.
3. Cook the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the same hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink, lightly charred, and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the steak.
4. Start the garlic sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make it creamy. Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Add the steak and shrimp. Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the creamy garlic sauce and heat briefly until warm.
7. Build the rice bowls. Divide the warm Cajun style rice between serving bowls or plates. Spoon plenty of creamy garlic sauce over the rice, then pile the Cajun steak and shrimp generously on top.
8. Garnish and serve. Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Cajun Steak & Shrimp Rice
- Sear the steak in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan causes it to steam instead of sear, so work in batches if needed.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Two to three minutes per side is enough; they’ll turn rubbery if left too long.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce, since pre-shredded cheese can make it slightly grainy.
- Toss gently when combining everything. This keeps the steak and shrimp coated in sauce without breaking them apart.
What to Serve with Cajun Steak & Shrimp Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed vegetable makes a nice addition if you want something fresh alongside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, flank steak or ribeye both work well in place of sirloin.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce will be thinner and less rich than with heavy cream.
Cajun Steak & Shrimp Rice with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the steak strips and shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer the steak to a plate.
- Add the shrimp to the same hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink, lightly charred, and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the creamy garlic sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the creamy garlic sauce and heat briefly until warm.
- Divide the warm Cajun-style rice between serving bowls or plates. Spoon plenty of creamy garlic sauce over the rice, then pile the Cajun steak and shrimp generously on top.
- Finish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. The seasoned rice, tender steak, juicy shrimp, and creamy sauce make this an especially satisfying easy seafood dinner.