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How to Make Steak & Shrimp Loaded Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Baked Potatoes
Start by prepping your baked potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the Russet potatoes clean under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel, then rub them with olive oil and season generously with salt.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet) and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the potatoes. You’ll know they’re done when the skins are crispy and a fork or knife easily slides into the flesh of the potato.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the potatoes are baking, season the steak fillets with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Once the pan is hot, add the steaks and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on your preferred level of doneness). For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). If you like your steak more done, cook for a few extra minutes.
For an added touch of flavor, you can finish the steaks by adding a tablespoon of butter to the pan and spooning it over the steak as it finishes cooking. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
While the steak rests, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan (or use a separate skillet). Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and drizzle with a little lemon juice for extra freshness, if desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Potatoes
Once the potatoes are done baking, carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the insides. Use a fork to fluff the potato flesh and create a nice, soft bed for the toppings.
Start by layering each potato with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese so that it melts over the warm potato. Then, top each potato with equal portions of the steak and shrimp. Add a dollop of sour cream, then sprinkle with crispy bacon bits (if using), and finish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the loaded potatoes immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still gooey. You can enjoy them as a full meal on their own or serve them alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Steak & Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato
- Choose the Right Steak: Opt for a well-marbled cut of steak like ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner cuts, sirloin or flank steak are great options as well.
- Cook the Shrimp Just Right: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should be pink and opaque, but still juicy. If they turn tough or rubbery, they’ve been overcooked.
- Customize the Toppings: While sour cream, cheese, and green onions are classic, you can get creative with your toppings. Consider adding guacamole, sautéed mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead Option: If you’re short on time, you can bake the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the potatoes in the oven or microwave, then load them up with steak, shrimp, and toppings.
- Serve with a Side: While the loaded potatoes are hearty on their own, you can pair them with a crisp salad, roasted asparagus, or even steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the steak and shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The Steak & Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato is a meal that combines the best of both worlds—succulent, flavorful steak paired with juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp, all nestled in the heart of a fluffy, creamy baked potato. With melty cheese, tangy sour cream, and crunchy bacon bits, this dish is a flavor-packed experience in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of the dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can adjust the seasonings, toppings, and even the proteins to suit your tastes.
So next time you want to take your baked potato to the next level, give this Steak & Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato a try. It’s a meal that delivers big on both flavor and comfort—guaranteed to be a new favorite!
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