If there’s one dish that always makes people stop and say, “Wow, what is that?”—this is it. Welcome, and thank you so much for being here. This Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Charred ribeye steak, tender Cajun shrimp, and a lemony, herbed cowboy butter that melts into every bite. I promise, if you’ve never made cowboy butter before, your kitchen is about to be transformed. The aroma alone is worth it!

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What Is Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter?

Surf N Turf is the iconic pairing of red meat and seafood, usually featuring a rich, juicy cut of beef and something from the sea—most commonly shrimp, lobster, or scallops. What sets this version apart is the addition of cowboy butter: a velvety, melted compound butter infused with lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes.

It’s not just a topping. It’s the unifying force that ties the smoky, savory steak and the Cajun-spiced shrimp together into one cohesive and absolutely delicious dish.

Whether you’re firing up the grill in summer or craving something cozy indoors, this is a meal that delivers luxury and comfort in equal measure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average steak and shrimp recipe. It’s bold, buttery, and brimming with personality. Here’s why it’ll earn a permanent place in your rotation:

It feels fancy but is incredibly simple – No complicated prep. No fancy ingredients. Just technique and seasoning.
Dinner in 30 minutes – Yes, really. Even with homemade cowboy butter.
That cowboy butter! – You’ll be drizzling it over grilled corn, roasted potatoes, even bread. Trust me.
Perfect for special occasions or a date night in – Elegant without the hassle.
Customizable – You can easily swap proteins or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

What It Tastes Like

The steak is seared to a beautiful crust on the outside, tender and juicy inside. It’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper, letting the meat speak for itself. The shrimp? Bold and smoky from Cajun spices, paprika, and garlic, with a citrusy finish thanks to fresh lemon juice. Then comes the cowboy butter—an herby, garlicky, spicy concoction that melts into the hot proteins, soaking in flavor and elevating everything it touches. The final bite is a perfect balance of rich, tangy, spicy, and savory.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

Protein-packed and satisfying – Keeps you full and fueled.
Low-carb and keto-friendly – Great for a range of dietary needs.
Perfect for meal prep – The components reheat well and can be used in other dishes.
Impressive presentation – Looks as good as it tastes, especially for guests.

Ingredients for Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter

For the Ribeye Steak:

2 boneless ribeye steaks
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

For the Cajun Grilled Shrimp:

1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon

For the Cowboy Butter:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives or scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Grill or cast iron skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Skewers (for shrimp)
Tongs
Zester or microplane
Chef’s knife and cutting board

Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Use filet mignon, sirloin, or NY strip if ribeye isn’t available. Each brings a unique flavor and texture.
Swap shrimp for scallops or lobster tails if you’re feeling fancy. The cowboy butter plays well with both.
Adjust spice level by omitting the red pepper flakes or dialing back the Cajun seasoning.
Add a touch of honey to cowboy butter for a sweet-and-spicy balance.
Toss in fresh thyme or tarragon for a different herb profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cowboy Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, mustard, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm—you want it ready to pour over the steak and shrimp as soon as they come off the heat.

2. Prep the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Thread them onto skewers for grilling or get them ready for a cast iron skillet.

3. Grill or Sear the Shrimp

Grill shrimp over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred. If using a skillet, cook in a hot pan for the same amount of time. Remove from heat and immediately brush with some of the cowboy butter so it melts into every curve and crevice.

4. Cook the Steaks

Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat your grill or cast iron skillet to high. Add oil and sear the steaks for 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness and your desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

5. Assemble and Serve

Plate the sliced steak alongside the shrimp. Drizzle warm cowboy butter generously over both. Garnish with more parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges.

What to Serve with Surf N Turf

You’ve got your protein and your buttery goodness—but here are some incredible side dishes to complete the meal:

Grilled asparagus with olive oil and sea salt
Garlic mashed potatoes or a low-carb cauliflower mash
Crisp, cool cucumber salad with dill and yogurt
Buttered corn on the cob with chili-lime seasoning
Toasted baguette slices to soak up extra cowboy butter

And for something hearty, cheesy, and just as satisfying on the side or the next day, try this Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole. It’s a no-fuss classic that’s every bit as comforting.

Expert Tips for Success

Bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. It ensures even cooking and a better sear.
Use a thermometer. For medium-rare steak, aim for 130–135°F.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Whether cooking steak or shrimp, leave room so everything browns instead of steams.
Rest the meat. Always let steak rest before slicing—it keeps the juices where they belong.
Keep cowboy butter warm but not bubbling—it should be pourable and aromatic, not scorched.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover steak and shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of cowboy butter.
Leftover cowboy butter can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen into individual portions for future use. It’s also fantastic melted over roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or even tossed with pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the cowboy butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. The shrimp can also be marinated a few hours ahead, and the steak can be seasoned and kept at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

Do I need skewers for the shrimp?
Skewers make grilling easier and prevent shrimp from falling through the grates, but if you’re using a skillet, you can skip them.

What if I don’t like seafood?
Skip the shrimp and double the steak, or try another protein like chicken thighs or even grilled mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian twist.

Is cowboy butter spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes.

What wine or drink pairs well with this?
A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon works well with the steak, while a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the shrimp. For something fun and casual, try a chilled beer or even a spicy margarita. Speaking of spicy, this Spicy Crawfish Ramen Cups makes a great follow-up if you’re craving more Cajun-inspired heat.

Wrap-Up: This Is the Meal to Make When You Want to Impress

Whether it’s a date night, a weekend cookout, or just a weeknight where you want to treat yourself, Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter is the answer. It’s rich but balanced, easy but show-stopping, and absolutely loaded with flavor.

Don’t forget to grab your camera—this is one of those meals that looks as good as it tastes. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it sooner!

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Better yet, share your version on Pinterest or Instagram—I love seeing your kitchen wins! And if you’re looking for something just as bold and creative to serve alongside or the next day, check out this savory, craveable Burrito Quesadilla Loaf—it’s like taco night meets sandwich dreams.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Serves 4)

Calories: 520
Protein: 38g
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: <1g

Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter: A Bold, Buttery, and Unforgettable Feast

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Surf N Turf with Cowboy Butter is a flavor-packed feast featuring seared ribeye steak and smoky Cajun shrimp topped with zesty, garlicky cowboy butter. This quick and easy recipe delivers steakhouse-quality results in under 30 minutes—perfect for special dinners or weeknight splurges. That cowboy butter? It’s rich, herby, lemony, and downright addictive. A total game-changer. Serve with roasted veggies or grilled bread and prepare to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Ribeye Steak

2 boneless ribeye steaks
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

For the Cajun Grilled Shrimp

1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Juice of ½ lemon

For the Cowboy Butter

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives or scallions, chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Make the Cowboy Butter:
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Thread onto skewers or prep for skillet.
Grill or Sear the Shrimp:
Cook over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat and brush with warm cowboy butter.
Cook the Steaks:
Pat steaks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat grill or skillet to high. Add oil and sear steaks for 3–5 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
Assemble and Serve:
Plate sliced steak and shrimp. Drizzle with remaining cowboy butter and garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges. Serve hot!

Notes

Let steaks come to room temperature before cooking for the best sear.
Cowboy butter can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Use a thermometer for perfect steak doneness: 130–135°F for medium-rare.
Leftovers? Try them in tacos or over rice with extra cowboy butter.
Swap ribeye for filet, NY strip, or even chicken thighs—anything grilled loves this butter!
Want more bold flavor ideas? Try my Spicy Crawfish Ramen Cups or this crowd-favorite Burrito Quesadilla Loaf.