If you’re searching for a delicious, speedy weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen, this steak and shrimp stir fry delivers big time. In this article, we’ll dive into how to create this sizzling combo of tender beef, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables in just one pan. Whether you’re after a balanced protein meal or a bold stir-fry twist on a surf and turf classic, you’ll love what’s coming up. Plus, we’ll touch on perfect pairings and tasty variations.
Let’s kick things off with a story from my own kitchen.
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Table of Contents
Why I Love Making Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
A Flavor-Filled Memory from My Kitchen
Every time I cook this steak and shrimp stir fry, I’m taken back to a weekend where everything just clicked—the weather, the music, and the sizzle in my skillet. I had family over for a casual dinner, and with just a few ingredients, I turned a regular meal into something a little more exciting. It started with some flank steak I had on hand, and shrimp from the freezer. I tossed in fresh broccoli, a sweet bell pepper, and a carrot that was just begging to be used. Within 30 minutes, I had this vibrant, saucy stir fry on the table—and not a single bite left.
What I love most about steak and shrimp stir fry is how adaptable it is. Got leftover veggies? Toss them in. Prefer rice or noodles? You choose. And if you’re into bold flavor twists, you’ll want to try my take after seeing this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry, which follows a similar quick-cook principle but with a tangy herb kick.
A Balanced Meal with a Surf & Turf Bonus
This dish combines lean protein from both shrimp and beef, colorful vegetables, and a garlicky soy-ginger sauce that pulls it all together. It hits the notes of savory, slightly sweet, and umami—all in one pan. Plus, you can cook it fast without sacrificing flavor, which is why it’s in regular rotation at my house.
When you’re in the mood for something a bit tropical, pair it with jasmine rice and maybe even serve alongside something fruity like this Hawaiian chicken coconut rice. The juicy textures and slightly sweet flavors complement the umami-rich stir fry beautifully.
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Ingredients & Smart Swaps
Fresh Ingredients That Bring Big Flavor
The beauty of steak and shrimp stir fry is in its simplicity—yet every element brings something essential to the dish. Here’s what I use regularly:
- Flank steak: sliced thin against the grain for tenderness.
- Shrimp: peeled and deveined—tail on or off, up to you.
- Vegetables: broccoli florets, julienned carrots, and bell pepper add crunch and color.
- Aromatics: garlic and ginger give the stir fry that signature depth and fragrance.
- Soy sauce & cornstarch: for flavor and a lightly glossy finish.
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
One thing I’ve found helpful is prepping everything ahead—slicing, mincing, and measuring—before the heat hits the pan. Stir fries move fast, and once you’re cooking, there’s no time to pause.
If you’re like me and crave bold sauces, the garlic-soy combo here will remind you of the sticky goodness in recipes like this slow cooker Korean beef. Though it’s not a stir fry, it offers the same satisfying umami bite—one that pairs great with rice or noodles too.
Easy Substitutions for Busy Nights
No flank steak? You can easily swap it out for sirloin or even thin-sliced chicken breast. Want a vegetarian version? Try tofu or even hearty mushrooms in place of steak. Don’t have broccoli on hand? Snap peas, zucchini, or bok choy work beautifully.
If you’re avoiding soy, you can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce and arrowroot for cornstarch—it thickens the sauce just the same.
For spice lovers, adding a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper gives this dish an extra layer of heat. You might even find yourself craving something similar like this crockpot Thai chicken curry, which layers spice and sweetness in another quick-prep way.
How to Cook Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry (Step-by-Step)
Prep, Sear, Stir: The Winning Stir Fry Flow
This stir fry is all about timing and high heat. You’ll want to work in quick steps—think of it as a dance in the kitchen.
Step 1: Marinate the proteins
In a bowl, toss sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of pepper. Do the same with the shrimp in a separate bowl. Let both sit while you prep your veggies.
Step 2: Cook the steak and shrimp separately
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the steak slices in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and repeat with shrimp until just pink and curled. Set both aside.
Step 3: Stir fry your veggies
Add more oil if needed, then cook garlic and ginger until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in the carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine everything
Return the steak and shrimp to the pan. Add the remaining soy sauce and toss everything to coat. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Finish and garnish
Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles—or go low-carb with cauliflower rice.
You can see the similarities here to dishes like this garlic butter honey BBQ chicken taco where garlic-forward flavors and juicy proteins shine in every bite.
Keep It Simple—Or Make It Sizzle
I love stir fries because they’re endlessly adaptable. If you’re making this for meal prep, just double the batch and store it in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully.
Want a similar flavor in a different format? Try the grilled chicken caprese for a lighter, summery take that still brings richness and ease.
Serving Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry with Style
Simple Sides and Delicious Pairings
This dish already covers your protein and veggie bases, but the right side dish can make it feel like a full, satisfying meal. I usually serve my steak and shrimp stir fry over jasmine rice or rice noodles. You can also go with brown rice for more fiber or try cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb.
For extra crunch or contrast, a light salad like this best broccoli salad recipe works wonders. Its creamy, slightly tangy dressing balances out the bold stir fry flavors. Want something with more zing? Pair with elote corn salad for a vibrant, slightly spicy touch that wakes up the whole plate.
Add-Ins That Boost the Stir Fry Even More
Want to customize it even further? Here are a few of my favorite ways to remix this dish:
- Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce to deepen the umami.
- Toss in a handful of snap peas or baby corn for more texture.
- Like it spicy? Add chili garlic paste or Thai red curry paste during the veggie stir.
If you enjoy creamy, rich sauces over noodles, this stir fry could be your gateway to something like cowboy butter chicken linguine—a hearty, buttery pasta dish that’s loaded with flavor.
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Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Surf & Turf Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fast and flavorful steak and shrimp stir fry with vibrant vegetables and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.
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
1. In two bowls, marinate shrimp and steak separately with soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper. Let rest 10 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Sear steak slices for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add shrimp and cook until just pink and curled. Set aside.
4. Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables until crisp-tender.
5. Return steak and shrimp to skillet. Add remaining soy sauce and toss to combine.
6. Cook 1–2 more minutes, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
For extra heat, add chili flakes or sriracha.
Great with jasmine or brown rice.
Can be meal prepped and stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of steak is best for steak and shrimp stir fry?
Flank steak is one of the best choices because it’s lean and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
Can I use frozen shrimp for stir fry?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to prevent extra moisture from affecting the sear.
Should I cook the shrimp and steak together or separately?
Cook them separately for best texture and flavor. They require different cook times.
What sauces go well with steak and shrimp stir fry?
Soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, and sesame oil all work well. Add chili for heat if desired.
Conclusion
Steak and shrimp stir fry is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies. It’s perfect for weeknights but special enough for entertaining too. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can bring a restaurant-quality surf & turf experience right to your table.
Whether you’re craving bold flavors like in slow cooker Korean beef or looking for something versatile like grilled chicken caprese, this dish fits right in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back.
Let’s keep cooking and sharing the meals that bring us joy—one stir fry at a time.
