When you want a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require a complicated recipe, this Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Seafood Skillet with Corn and Broccoli is the perfect choice. Juicy, bite-sized pieces of steak are seared until beautifully browned, then combined with tender shrimp, sweet corn, and fresh broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Everything comes together in one skillet, making this meal both flavorful and convenient. The combination of steak and shrimp gives you two completely different textures in every bite, while the corn adds natural sweetness and the broccoli provides a fresh, slightly crisp contrast.
The garlic butter sauce ties everything together with a savory, aromatic finish that makes this skillet incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steak and shrimp make a hearty combination
- Everything cooks in one skillet
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Rich garlic butter flavor
- Corn adds a touch of natural sweetness
- Broccoli balances the richness
- Easy enough for a weeknight dinner
- Perfect served with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1½ pounds sirloin steak or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1½ cups corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
- ½ small onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- ¼ cup water or broth
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1–2 tablespoons beef or chicken broth, as needed
- Red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels.
Place them in a bowl and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Toss until evenly coated.
Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry as well.
Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Set aside.
Keeping the shrimp dry helps them develop better color when they hit the hot skillet.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the olive oil.
Once the skillet is hot, add the steak pieces in a single layer.
Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on their size and your preferred doneness.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the steak in two batches.
Transfer the seared steak to a plate and loosely cover it.
Don’t worry if the steak isn’t completely finished at this stage. It will return to the skillet later.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add another teaspoon of oil to the same skillet if needed.
Add the seasoned shrimp.
Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until they become opaque and pink.
Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the steak.
Shrimp cook very quickly, so avoid leaving them in the skillet while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli and sliced onion to the skillet.
Pour in ¼ cup water or broth.
Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli becomes bright green and crisp-tender.
Remove the lid.
Add the corn and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
If you’re using canned corn, make sure it is well drained before adding it.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the butter to the skillet.
Once melted, add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the lemon juice and lemon zest.
Stir everything together, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 7: Bring Everything Together
Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet.
Toss gently with the vegetables and garlic butter.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until everything is hot and coated in the sauce.
For food safety, make sure the steak reaches your desired safe level of doneness and the shrimp are fully cooked. Shrimp should reach approximately 145°F (63°C) internally.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle the skillet with fresh parsley.
Add an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve immediately while the garlic butter sauce is warm and glossy.
Tips for the Best Steak and Shrimp Skillet
Use a hot skillet
A properly heated skillet helps create a beautiful sear on the steak rather than allowing the meat to steam.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Too many ingredients at once can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning.
Cook steak and shrimp separately
They require different cooking times. Cooking them separately prevents the shrimp from becoming overcooked while waiting for the steak.
Pat everything dry
Moisture on the steak or shrimp can interfere with browning.
Don’t burn the garlic
Garlic only needs a short time in the butter. Once it becomes fragrant, immediately continue with the sauce.
Add lemon at the end
The fresh acidity helps balance the richness of the butter and brings out the flavor of the shrimp.
What Kind of Steak Should You Use?
Sirloin is an excellent choice because it is flavorful and relatively lean.
Ribeye provides more marbling and a richer flavor.
New York strip also works well and gives you tender, flavorful pieces.
Whatever cut you choose, cut the steak into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Fresh, Frozen, or Canned Corn?
All three can work.
For the sweetest flavor, fresh corn is excellent when in season.
Frozen corn is convenient and doesn’t need to be completely thawed before cooking.
Canned corn works well too—just drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
Easy Variations
Cajun Steak and Shrimp
Replace the paprika and Italian seasoning with your favorite Cajun seasoning. Add a little extra garlic butter for a bold, spicy finish.
Creamy Garlic Version
After cooking the garlic, add ½ cup heavy cream and a handful of Parmesan. Simmer gently until slightly thickened before returning the steak and shrimp.
Spicy Garlic Butter
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or finely chopped fresh chili.
Mushroom Version
Add 1½ cups sliced mushrooms along with the onions. Cook until golden before adding the broccoli.
Potato Steak and Shrimp Skillet
Add cooked baby potatoes or roasted potato chunks for an even more substantial one-pan meal.
Extra Vegetable Version
Add bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or green beans.
What to Serve With It
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but you can stretch it into a complete family dinner with a simple side.
Serve it with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty bread
- Buttered noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Fresh garden salad
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Rice is particularly good because it absorbs the extra garlic butter sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
For the best texture, this meal is best cooked shortly before serving.
However, you can save time by preparing the ingredients in advance.
Cut the steak, season the shrimp, chop the broccoli, slice the onion, and prepare the garlic butter ingredients several hours ahead.
Keep raw steak and shrimp refrigerated separately until you’re ready to cook.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool promptly and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
Store for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of broth or water.
Avoid prolonged reheating because shrimp can become chewy and steak can become tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli is convenient and can be added directly to the skillet. You may need to cook it slightly longer to achieve the desired tenderness.
Can I use another type of seafood?
Yes. Scallops or firm pieces of white fish can work, although their cooking times will differ from shrimp.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Use a naturally tender cut, avoid overcooking it, cut it against the grain where appropriate, and don’t leave it sitting in the skillet while the vegetables cook.
Can I make this without butter?
Yes. Olive oil can replace some or all of the butter, although the characteristic garlic-butter flavor will be lighter.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Keyword: Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp, Steak and Shrimp Skillet, Seafood Skillet
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Seafood Skillet with Corn and Broccoli brings together steakhouse-style flavor with the convenience of a one-pan dinner.
The deeply browned steak, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, crisp-tender broccoli, and fragrant garlic butter create a combination that feels indulgent without requiring a complicated cooking process.
Serve it over rice or alongside roasted potatoes to turn it into a filling family meal, or enjoy it straight from the skillet when you’re craving something rich, savory, and satisfying.
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Meta Description: Make this easy Garlic Butter Steak and Shrimp Skillet with tender steak, juicy shrimp, sweet corn, broccoli, lemon, and rich garlic butter. A hearty one-pan dinner.