A flavorful steak and shrimp stir fry is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender steak with juicy shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, making it a go-to meal that impresses without requiring extensive cooking time. Plus, it’s adaptable; you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
- Colorful Presentation: A mix of vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only adds nutrition but also makes the dish visually appealing.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with different vegetables or proteins to create your own unique stir fry variations.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, this meal is both nutritious and filling.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before you start. Each tool plays a crucial role in ensuring your steak and shrimp stir fry comes out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Provides even heat distribution for quick cooking, essential for stir frying.
- Cutting board: Offers a safe surface to slice ingredients while minimizing mess.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform cooking and better presentation.
- Measuring spoons: Guarantees accurate measurements for sauces and seasonings to achieve the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Shrimp
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make steak and shrimp stir fry
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Chop vegetables as mentioned above.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, combine thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce. Sprinkle cornstarch over it and mix well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 3: Heat the Wok
Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil once hot enough to shimmer but not smoke.
Step 4: Stir Fry Steak
Add marinated steak to the hot wok. Stir-fry quickly until browned but not fully cooked through, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook Shrimp
In the same wok, add shrimp. Stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Toss in bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return cooked steak to the pan with vegetables. Mix everything well and allow flavors to meld for another minute or two.
Step 8: Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot! Enjoy your delicious steak and shrimp stir fry!
How to Serve steak and shrimp stir fry
Serving steak and shrimp stir fry can enhance its appeal and flavor. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish, making it a delightful experience for everyone.
On a Bed of Rice
- Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice. This will absorb the savory sauce nicely.
With Noodles
- Pair the dish with stir-fried rice noodles or soba noodles for a different texture and taste.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps. This adds crunch and freshness to each bite.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or basil to elevate the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
With a Side of Dipping Sauce
- Offer a tangy dipping sauce on the side, such as sweet chili or soy sauce, for an extra flavor kick with each bite.
How to Perfect steak and shrimp stir fry
Creating the perfect steak and shrimp stir fry is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for an optimal dish.
- Cut meat thinly: Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness in every bite.
- Preheat your pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding oil. This helps achieve that desirable sear on the meat.
- Cook in batches: If you have a lot of ingredients, cook them in smaller amounts. This prevents steaming and ensures proper browning.
- Use high smoke point oil: Opt for vegetable oil or peanut oil, as they withstand high heat without burning.
- Season at different stages: Add soy sauce at different times during cooking for depth of flavor throughout the dish.
Best Side Dishes for steak and shrimp stir fry
Complement your steak and shrimp stir fry with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal without overpowering it.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while harmonizing well with the main dish.
- Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice can be made with vegetables, eggs, or additional protein to round out your meal.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and vibrancy.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in soy sauce and vinegar provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus roasted until tender gives a nice earthy flavor complementing the stir fry.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad mixed with herbs and vegetables offers a hearty yet healthy side option.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve spiralized zucchini noodles lightly sautéed in garlic for added flavor.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of toasted garlic bread can soak up any leftover sauce while adding a comforting touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your steak and shrimp stir fry turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Using thick cuts of meat: Thick slices of steak can take longer to cook and may not tenderize properly. Always slice against the grain into thin strips for quick cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.
- Neglecting the marinade: Skipping the marinade can result in bland flavors. Marinate your steak and shrimp for at least 10 minutes before cooking to enhance taste.
- Ignoring vegetable prep: Not cutting vegetables uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure all veggies are cut into similar sizes for even doneness.
- Not heating the oil sufficiently: If the oil is not hot enough, your stir fry will be soggy. Preheat your pan until the oil shimmers before adding ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing steak and shrimp stir fry
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating steak and shrimp stir fry
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed up.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making steak and shrimp stir fry.
What is a good alternative protein for steak and shrimp stir fry?
Chicken or turkey can be excellent substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
Can I make this steak and shrimp stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
How can I customize my steak and shrimp stir fry?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also adjust sauces based on your taste preferences.
What is the best way to serve steak and shrimp stir fry?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
This delicious steak and shrimp stir fry is quick to make, full of vibrant flavors, and incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or proteins according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Indulge in a delightful steak and shrimp stir fry that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. This dish harmoniously combines tender flank steak and succulent shrimp, tossed with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Enhanced by a savory soy sauce marinade, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The versatility of this stir fry allows you to mix in your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a customizable meal that everyone will love. In just 20 minutes, you can create a visually stunning and nutritious dinner that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
- In a bowl, combine the steak with soy sauce and cornstarch; let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry the marinated steak until browned (2–3 minutes); remove from the pan.
- In the same wok, cook shrimp until pink (3–4 minutes).
- Add sliced bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the steak to the pan; mix everything well for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper; garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference—snap peas or zucchini work great! Serve over jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
