Mozzarella-Stuffed Ribeye with Garlic Lemon Shrimp – A Surf & Turf Dream

Mozzarella-Stuffed Ribeye Steaks with Garlic Lemon Shrimp

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner that hits all the indulgent notes—juicy steak, gooey cheese, and tender shrimp with a bright citrusy twist—this is the dish you need. These mozzarella-stuffed ribeye steaks are seared to perfection, then roasted and topped with garlicky, lemony shrimp for a luxurious surf-and-turf experience right from your kitchen.

It’s bold, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for a date night, special occasion, or just a treat-yourself dinner.


❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

This dish hits the mark for all the senses. You get the rich, beefy depth of a ribeye, the creamy pull of mozzarella cheese melting in the center, and the zing of shrimp cooked in lemon and garlic. It’s balanced but indulgent, hearty but fresh.

And best of all? You only need one skillet and the oven. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.


🛒 Ingredients

For the Stuffed Ribeye:

  • 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Lemon Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (about 450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon – juice and zest
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (as needed)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔁 Ingredient Notes and Swaps

  • Mozzarella: Try fontina or provolone for a different melt.
  • Steak: Ribeye is rich and marbled, but sirloin works too.
  • Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen; just be sure to fully thaw first.
  • Herbs: Add thyme or rosemary to the skillet for a deeper aroma.
  • Kick of heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp for spice.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ribeye Steaks:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice a horizontal pocket into each steak—be careful not to cut all the way through.
  3. Stuff each pocket with shredded mozzarella.
  4. Season the outside of the steaks with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Steaks:

  1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.

3. Finish in the Oven:

  1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness and steak thickness.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest while you cook the shrimp.

4. Cook the Garlic Lemon Shrimp:

  1. In the same skillet (wipe out excess fat if needed), heat a bit more olive oil.
  2. Sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
  3. Add shrimp, lemon juice, and zest. Cook 3–4 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley.

5. Serve It Up:

  • Plate the mozzarella-stuffed ribeye.
  • Spoon lemon-garlic shrimp generously on top.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest if desired.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Let the steaks rest after baking to retain juices.
  • Avoid overcooking the shrimp—they cook fast and stay tender if watched closely.
  • Use a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing, or you’ll steam instead of brown.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Round out this hearty meal with:

  • A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
  • Grilled asparagus or sautéed green beans
  • For a drink, try a chilled blueberry lemonade or a bold red wine like cabernet.

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet with a splash of broth.
  • Freezer: Not ideal once shrimp and cheese are combined, but steak alone can freeze well for up to 2 months.

🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love

Here are some more bold, satisfying dishes from the ChefManiac kitchen:


🥄 Final Thoughts

This mozzarella-stuffed ribeye with garlic lemon shrimp brings the wow factor with minimal effort. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging yourself, it’s a dish that delivers on every level: creamy, juicy, zesty, and rich.

Tried it? Leave a comment or tag us @ChefManiac with your plate! And don’t forget to check out more flavor-packed recipes that make everyday meals feel special.