Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry

If you’re torn between steak or shrimp for dinner why not have both? This Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry delivers the best of both worlds in one sizzling skillet. Tender, marinated strips of flank steak meet juicy shrimp, stir-fried with crisp-tender vegetables in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It’s bold, balanced, and irresistibly good.

Perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or a homemade “takeout night,” this dish comes together quickly with minimal prep. It’s also endlessly customizable and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.

Whether you’re craving something hearty, light, or flavorful, this stir-fry is guaranteed to satisfy with juicy steak, succulent shrimp, and that crave-worthy umami-packed sauce all in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Surf-and-turf twist: Combines the richness of beef with the lightness of shrimp for a satisfying protein punch.
• Quick cook time: Ready in about 25 minutes, start to finish.
• Vibrant & healthy: Full of colorful vegetables and lean proteins.
• Customizable: Switch up the veggies or sauce to fit your taste or pantry.
• One-pan meal: Everything cooks in a wok or skillet—easy cleanup!

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves 4

Protein

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain – for maximum tenderness
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – medium or large size works well

Marinade/Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for umami and saltiness
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – tenderizes steak and thickens the stir-fry sauce

Vegetables

• 1 bell pepper, sliced – any color, adds sweetness and crunch
• 1 cup broccoli florets – classic stir-fry veggie, lightly crisp
• 1 carrot, julienned – adds color and subtle sweetness
• 2 green onions, chopped – for brightness and bite

Aromatics

• 3 garlic cloves, minced – foundational stir-fry flavor
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – brings heat and depth

Oils & Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – high smoke point, great for stir-frying
• Salt & pepper, to taste – balance seasoning
• Sesame seeds, for garnish – nutty, toasted finish

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls (for marinade and prepping ingredients)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Optional: rice cooker or pot for making rice or noodles on the side

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the steak

In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it sit while you prep the rest of the ingredients (about 10–15 minutes). This tenderizes the steak and helps it sear beautifully.

2. Prep the shrimp

If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with a paper towel—dry shrimp = better browning.

3. Stir-fry the steak

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes, flipping once, until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

4. Cook the shrimp

Add another 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Stir-fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside with the steak.

5. Sauté the vegetables

In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until just tender but still crisp.

6. Combine and finish

Return the steak and shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 1–2 more minutes until heated through and evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.

7. Serve

Top with green onion greens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or lettuce cups.

Tips & Variations

Optional Flavor Additions

• Add spice: Stir in sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste.
• Sweet & savory: Add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or honey for a sweeter profile.
• Tangy twist: A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end adds brightness.

Protein Swaps

• Use chicken breast or thighs instead of steak.
• Sub tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version (marinate the same way).

Vegetable Substitutions

• Use snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas—whatever you have!
• Add baby spinach or bok choy for extra greens.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is a perfect blend of umami, mild sweetness, garlic spice, and savory meatiness. The shrimp bring lightness while the beef adds richness. Crisp vegetables provide balance and texture.

Pair With:

• White rice or jasmine rice
• Steamed noodles or rice noodles
• Crispy lettuce cups for a low-carb option

Drink Pairings:

• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Asian lagers or light beer
• Iced jasmine tea or ginger-lime sparkling water

Nutritional Overview (estimates per serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	380–420 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	8–10g (from veggies)
Fat	20g
Fiber	3g

• High-protein and low-carb friendly
• Naturally gluten-free if using tamari instead of soy sauce
• Can be made dairy-free and nut-free

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Pre-slice your steak and marinate overnight for even more flavor.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Avoid freezing if possible, as shrimp and veggies may lose texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp or vegetables?
Yes! Thaw shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking. For frozen veggies, sauté them a bit longer to release excess water.

What cut of steak is best?
Flank steak is ideal for stir-frying due to its tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak are also great options.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes—but cook steak and shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which prevents browning.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently, but you can easily add spice with chili garlic paste, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.

What kind of pan works best?
A wok or large nonstick skillet is perfect. Make sure it’s wide and hot enough for high-heat cooking.

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Step	Time
Marinate steak	10 mins
Cook steak	3 mins
Cook shrimp	3 mins
Sauté vegetables	4 mins
Combine & finish	2 mins
Total Time	~25 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in shallow bowls over rice or noodles.
• Top with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for visual appeal.
• For parties, offer as a DIY lettuce wrap bar—serve filling alongside butter lettuce leaves.
• Garnish with lime wedges, chili flakes, or crushed peanuts for extra flair.

Recipe Variations

1. Steak & Pineapple Stir-Fry – Add pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
2. Spicy Szechuan Version – Add Szechuan peppercorn oil and chili paste for bold heat.
3. Noodle Bowl Remix – Toss the stir-fry over rice noodles with a sesame‑lime dressing for a quick noodle bowl.

Ingredient Spotlight: Flank Steak

Flank steak is lean, flavorful, and fast-cooking—making it ideal for stir-fries. For best results:

• Slice very thin against the grain (look for the muscle lines and cut perpendicular).
• Use a brief marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch to help with tenderness and browning.
• Don’t overcook medium-rare or just cooked through ensures juiciness.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use high heat: Stir-frying is fast and relies on hot oil and quick sears—keep everything moving.
• Dry your proteins: Moisture on steak or shrimp can steam instead of sear. Pat dry with paper towels first.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Sear in batches to preserve texture and flavor.
• Slice evenly: Uniform pieces of meat and vegetables cook more evenly and quickly.
• Pre-mix sauces: If adding extra sauce ingredients, mix in a small bowl before cooking so you can quickly pour and toss.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to texture loss in shrimp and vegetables.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and prevent dryness. Avoid overheating shrimp to keep them tender.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Component	Amount
Calories	~400
Protein	~35g
Carbs	~10g
Fat	~20g
Fiber	~3g

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-free with tamari
• Nut-free
• Dairy-free
• Low-carb and high-protein

Conclusion

This Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry proves that fast meals can still be luxurious. It’s a perfect surf-and-turf medley for nights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Bold, savory, colorful, and customizable—this recipe will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, one bite of this stir-fry and you’ll skip the takeout menu next time. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress.

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