One bite and I was twelve again, helping Grandma whisk soy sauce in her old cast iron skillet. This steak and shrimp stir fry isn’t just tastyit’s become a hit on Pinterest for good reason. Quick to prep, packed with flavor, and perfect for everyday cooks looking to shake up the weeknight routine.
This easy stir fry highlights thin-sliced steak, juicy shrimp, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce that clings beautifully to vibrant veggies. Just a little sizzling in the skillet, and suddenly dinner feels luxurious. You’ll use pantry staplesupgraded with freshness. For ingredient swaps, storage tips, and FAQs, keep reading below!
I grew up stepping over onion peels and soy splashes in our cramped Texas kitchen. When the fridge was nearly bare, Mom made stir fry magic. After plenty of testing, I’ve created a version that adds a little something specialyou’ll love the secret touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and flavorful: Ready in 35 minutes, this stir fry is ideal for weeknight meals with maximum taste and minimal effort.
- High-protein goodness: A satisfying combo of steak, shrimp, and veggies that fuels you with lean protein and vital nutrients.
- Customizable: Swap veggies or adjust spice levels based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
- One-pan magic: No excessive dishesjust straightforward cooking and great comfort food.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
This stir fry sticks to the comforting basics while letting seasonal produce shine. Here’s what you’ll need and how each ingredient contributes:
| Ingredient | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|
| Flank steak | Thin slices ensure fast cook time and help the meat stay tender and flavorful. |
| Shrimp | Adds sweetness and richness. Choose medium to large peeled deveined shrimp for best texture. |
| Soy sauce | Provides deep umami flavor and forms the savory base of the sauce. |
| Vegetables (bell pepper, broccoli, carrot) | Brighten the dish with vibrant color and crisp, fresh texture packed with fiber. |
| Ginger and garlic | Bold aromatics that make the whole kitchen smell irresistible. |
| Green onions and sesame seeds | Add that perfect-asian-inspired finishing flavor and eye-catching garnish. |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Let’s bring it all togetherfrom prep to platein clear, simple steps:
- Marinate: In a mixing bowl, mix soy sauce with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Toss with your sliced flank steak and cleaned shrimp. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to tenderize and flavor the proteins.
- Sear the steak: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the steak (avoid crowding) and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Set aside and repeat if needed.
- Sauté shrimp: In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with steak.
- Stir fry veggies: Add your chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, and thinly sliced carrots to the pan. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes, or until veggies are just tender. Add garlic and ginger in the last 30–60 seconds to avoid burning.
- Combine and finish: Return steak and shrimp to the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly, letting it heat through for another 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Quick Cooking Timing Tips
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Marinate steak and shrimp | 15–20 mins |
| Cook steak | 2–3 mins per batch |
| Sear shrimp | 2–3 mins |
| Stir fry vegetables | 3–4 mins |
| Combine and garnish | 1–2 mins |
Troubleshooting and Swaps
If your results need a little tweak, these quick fixes usually do the trick:
- Too much liquid? Turn up the heat and cook uncovered for 1–2 more minutes to help it evaporate.
- Uneven veggie texture? Steam tough veggies like broccoli briefly before adding to the stir fry.
- Missing an ingredient? Swap in snow peas, mushrooms, or frozen stir fry mix as a tasty replacement.
- Watch the sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce if needed, and taste before adding additional salt or seasoning.
Serving and Storage
Serve this stir fry hot over steamy jasmine rice, brown rice, or lightly seasoned cauliflower rice for a lower-carb plate. It makes a filling main course on its own or alongside a light salad.
| Storage Method | How Long |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. |
| Freezer | Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat carefully to avoid overcooked shrimp. |
Reheat Tip: Warm leftovers in a skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth to revive moisture. Avoid microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery and steak tough.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Blending beef and shrimp in one stir fry strikes a delicious balance of surf and turf. Success depends on timing. Keep the shrimp snappy and the steak tender by cooking each separately in high heat, then tossing everything together quickly. Layering umami-rich soy with gingery aromatics gives this dish irresistible depth.
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The Long Road to My Favorite Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
This recipe didn’t emerge overnight. Earlier batches had chewy shrimp and limp vegetables. But after testing combinationsadjusting pan heat, marinating just right, and timing the veggie stir fryit finally came together. Now it’s the recipe I crave after long days. It’s as much about comfort as it is about flavor.
FAQs ( Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Recipe )
Conclusion
This steak and shrimp stir fry delivers satisfying flavor and balanced nutrition in under 40 minutesjust what you need for a cozy dinner that doesn’t feel routine. Each element shines thanks to simple steps, good seasoning, and timing tips that work in any kitchen.
Want to mix it up? Try snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn. Extra sauce? Stir in a spoonful of hoisin or drizzle with chili garlic oil. Leftovers make a tasty lunchjust reheat gently in a skillet to keep everything tender.
I’d love to hear what you added or changed! Share your version in the comments or tag me online. Cooking becomes even more joyful when it’s sharedespecially recipes that bring back warm memories and full bellies.
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch. Add steak and shrimp, mix well and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add marinated steak in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon vegetable oil if needed. Cook marinated shrimp 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return steak and shrimp to skillet with vegetables. Toss and cook 1 minute to heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
