Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl
Cheesy Steak & Shrimp Skillet Bowl
Surf-and-turf in one pan — seared steak, juicy shrimp, peppers, and melted cheese
This cheesy steak and shrimp skillet bowl is restaurant-style surf and turf without the fuss: seared Cajun steak strips, juicy shrimp, sweet peppers and onions, all finished under a blanket of melted cheese.
Each bowl packs 38 g of protein with only 7 g net carbs.
Why you'll love this skillet bowl
- 38g protein per bowl — serious protein
- Only 7g net carbs per serving
- One pan, 30 minutes start to finish
- Restaurant-style surf and turf at home
- Gooey melted cheese over everything
- Perfect over cauliflower rice or as-is
Health notes
- High protein: 38g per bowl from steak, shrimp, and cheese.
- Low carb: Just 7g net carbs — no rice, no tortillas.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar anywhere.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free.
Key element — sear the steak and shrimp separately
Cook the steak first, then the shrimp, then the veggies — never all at once. Crowding the pan steams the meat instead of searing it, and you lose that golden crust.
Ingredients
Skillet bowl
- 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or provolone)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Swaps
- Steak cut: Flank steak or ribeye work beautifully too.
- Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or provolone.
- Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms with the peppers.
Instructions
| 1 | Season. Toss the steak strips with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Season the shrimp with the remaining Cajun seasoning. |
| 2 | Sear the steak. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the steak strips 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. |
| 3 | Sear the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside — don't overcook them. |
| 4 | Sauté the veggies. Add the remaining oil, then the peppers and onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened with a little char. |
| 5 | Combine and melt. Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the mozzarella over everything, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 6 | Serve. Divide into bowls, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve hot — over cauliflower rice if you like. |
Pro tips
- Get the skillet screaming hot before the steak goes in — that's what builds the crust.
- Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Shrimp cook fast — pull them the moment they curl and turn pink.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning so they sear instead of steam.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per bowl (4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Net carbohydrates | 7g |
| Total carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Total fat | 27g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Estimates per bowl (4 servings), based on sirloin steak, shrimp, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and mozzarella.
Variations
Spicy Cajun
Add a diced jalapeño with the peppers and use pepper jack cheese.
Garlic butter
Finish with a tablespoon of garlic butter stirred through before the cheese.
Fajita style
Swap the Cajun seasoning for fajita seasoning and serve in low-carb tortillas.
Mushroom
Add sliced mushrooms with the peppers for an earthier bowl.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Airtight containers |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Without the cheese topping is best; add fresh cheese on reheating |
| Reheat | — | Skillet over medium heat; microwave makes the shrimp rubbery |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this skillet bowl
1. Protein per bowl?
2. Net carbs per bowl?
3. Why sear the steak and shrimp separately?
4. How long do you sear the steak per side?
5. How do you melt the cheese at the end?
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