The Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry is a delicious celebration of savory surf and turf flavors, all coming together in one sizzling skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this vibrant dish is filled with tender slices of steak, juicy shrimp, and an array of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a bold, umami-rich sauce.
Whether served over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles, this easy stir-fry brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your everyday meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the balance of textures, protein, and vibrant veggies in every satisfying bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced
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1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, minced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 cup snap peas
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2 green onions, chopped
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1/4 cup water
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Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Stir-fry red bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
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Return steak and shrimp to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything to coat evenly.
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Stir in chopped green onions, cook for 1 more minute, and remove from heat.
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Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Flavor-Packed Fusion for Quick and Nourishing Meals
Few dishes combine speed, nutrition, and satisfaction like a well-executed stir-fry, and the Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry stands at the top of that list. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or indulging in a quick yet luxurious dinner, this stir-fry delivers the bold, sizzling flavors of a restaurant-style surf and turf right from your own kitchen. This dish celebrates the union of tender beef, succulent shrimp, and crisp, colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that ties the elements together beautifully.
This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing depth of flavor. In just around 30 minutes, you can create a hearty, wholesome meal that satisfies both the palate and nutritional needs. The magic of stir-fry lies in its high heat and fast execution. With a few fresh ingredients and a reliable skillet or wok, you’ll create a masterpiece that’s worthy of both a family dinner or a dinner party presentation.
Why Steak and Shrimp Work So Well Together
Steak and shrimp may come from different culinary worlds, land and sea, but when combined, they form a perfectly balanced duo. The beef offers a rich, hearty texture and deep umami flavor, while shrimp brings a touch of sweetness and brininess. Together, they complement each other beautifully, especially when paired with the punchy umami profile of soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces.
What makes this combination even more appealing is how well they absorb the stir-fry sauce. Steak, when sliced thin and cooked quickly, remains juicy and flavorful. Shrimp, with its slightly firm texture, holds up well under heat and retains its natural sweetness. When sautéed together, they create a flavor-packed protein base that’s satisfying and memorable.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
- Protein
The key to this recipe lies in using high-quality, fresh ingredients. For the beef, opt for a well-marbled cut such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. These cuts are tender, flavorful, and cook quickly, making them ideal for stir-frying. Be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Shrimp should be large, raw, and peeled (deveined if possible). Frozen shrimp can also work well as long as they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Vegetables
One of the best features of stir-fry is its flexibility with vegetables. In this recipe, red bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are recommended for their texture, color, and nutritional value. The crisp snap peas and crunchy bell peppers contrast wonderfully with the tender shrimp and beef. You can easily swap in other vegetables like snow peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or even zucchini, depending on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- Aromatics and Sauce
Garlic and ginger are non-negotiables in most Asian-inspired stir-fries. Their aromatic intensity is crucial in creating the foundation of flavor. When paired with sesame oil, which lends a nutty richness, they take the dish to the next level.
The sauce includes soy sauce for saltiness and umami, hoisin for sweetness and depth, and oyster sauce for that extra savory hit. A touch of cornstarch thickens the sauce, helping it cling beautifully to every piece of meat and vegetable.
Cooking Technique Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
Mastering a stir-fry is all about preparation and heat control. Since the actual cooking time is short, you’ll need to have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before the pan hits the stove.
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Use a wok or large skillet: A wok’s shape is perfect for quickly cooking ingredients over high heat while allowing room to toss without overcrowding.
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Preheat your pan: Stir-fry works best with high, consistent heat. Preheating ensures searing, not steaming, your protein.
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Cook protein in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook steak and shrimp separately to maintain their texture and avoid releasing too much moisture.
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Don’t overcook shrimp: Remove them the moment they turn pink and opaque. They’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
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Add sauce at the end: Pour in the sauce after all ingredients are cooked. This helps the sauce coat everything evenly without becoming too thick or burned.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. With a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutritional benefits:
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High Protein: Between the steak and shrimp, this meal packs a protein punch, excellent for muscle repair, energy, and satiety.
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Low Carb Option: Served without rice or with cauliflower rice, this becomes a great low-carb option.
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Fiber and Vitamins: The colorful vegetables offer essential nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.
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Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and shrimp contribute to heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
You can easily adapt this dish to meet dietary needs. For a keto-friendly version, reduce or eliminate the hoisin sauce. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure all sauces are gluten-free certified.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides:
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Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Classic and fluffy, these rice varieties are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
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Noodles: Serve it over stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for a hearty noodle bowl.
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Cauliflower Rice or Zoodles: For a low-carb twist, these lighter options keep the dish satisfying without the extra carbs.
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Spring Rolls or Dumplings: If you’re preparing a multi-course meal, consider starting with light appetizers like veggie spring rolls or potstickers.
Don’t forget to top the dish with optional garnishes like sesame seeds, a squeeze of lime, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions to add brightness and texture.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This stir-fry is also a fantastic option for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and reheats quickly without losing its appeal.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.
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Freezing: While it’s best fresh, the cooked stir-fry can be frozen. Avoid freezing raw shrimp and steak together with vegetables, as textures may suffer.
Conclusion
The Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry is more than just a quick meal, it’s a bold and beautiful dish that satisfies cravings for both comfort food and vibrant nutrition. Its balance of surf and turf makes it a standout among weeknight dinners, while its adaptability ensures it can fit into almost any dietary preference or lifestyle. From the sizzle of the wok to the rich aromas filling your kitchen, this recipe delivers an experience that’s as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat.
Whether you’re feeding guests or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish will undoubtedly become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special. With the right ingredients, a little prep, and high heat, you can whip up a memorable meal that rivals your favorite takeout—only better.