The bold and savory Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious fusion of surf and turf, bringing together juicy strips of beef and tender shrimp in a rich garlic sauce. This dish is a vibrant medley of color and flavor with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and onion, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.
Perfectly seasoned and coated in a blend of soy, hoisin, and oyster sauce, this stir fry delivers an irresistible umami kick that will make you come back for seconds. The balance of textures from crisp veggies to succulent meat and shrimp makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it low-carb on its own, this dish is a fast, flavorful fix for your stir-fry cravings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
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1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 onion, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1/4 cup water
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
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Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
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 large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add sliced steak and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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Add garlic, onion, and vegetables to the skillet. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
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Return steak and shrimp to the pan.
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Pour the sauce over everything and toss well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
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Serve hot over jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: A Perfect Fusion of Surf and Turf in 30 Minutes
When it comes to quick and satisfying dinners, stir fry recipes always win. The sizzling sound of ingredients hitting the wok, the aromatic blend of garlic and soy, and the colorful harmony of proteins and vegetables make stir fries one of the most rewarding dishes to cook at home. Among the many variations, Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry stands out as a flavorful, high-protein, nutrient-rich meal that combines the boldness of beef with the tenderness of shrimp, all wrapped in a savory garlic-soy sauce.
If you’re a fan of surf and turf dishes but want something lighter and more balanced than a heavy steak dinner, this recipe is for you. It’s fast, flexible, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or need a fast meal after work, this dish delivers both comfort and sophistication with minimal effort.
Why Steak and Shrimp Make the Perfect Pair
Combining beef and shrimp in one dish isn’t just a luxury, it’s also a flavor bomb waiting to happen. The rich, meaty flavor of beef pairs beautifully with the sweet, succulent taste of shrimp. This duo is especially satisfying in stir fry form, where the high heat of a wok or skillet quickly sears the meat and locks in the juices without overcooking the seafood.
Choosing the right cut of beef is key. In this recipe, flank steak is used for its lean texture and quick cooking time. It’s best sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined—tail on or off depending on your preference.
The Secret Is in the Sauce
What truly elevates this stir fry is the sauce. It’s a well-balanced blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of cornstarch to help it cling beautifully to every piece of meat, shrimp, and veggie. The cornstarch doesn’t just thicken; it creates a velvety coating that ties all the ingredients together with a glossy finish.
Garlic is a standout ingredient here not just a background note, but a central player. Finely minced and sautéed, it infuses the entire dish with a warm, pungent depth that complements both the shrimp and steak.
Want to spice it up? Add a dash of chili flakes, a spoonful of sriracha, or a few slices of fresh Thai chili to bring some heat into the picture. The beauty of stir fry is its adaptability to your personal taste.
A Medley of Veggies for Crunch and Color
Another key component of any stir fry is the vegetables. In this version, we use bell peppers, broccoli, and onions, offering a vibrant trio of color, texture, and nutrition. Red and green bell peppers provide sweetness and crunch, while broccoli adds fiber and a slight bitterness that balances the rich proteins and savory sauce. Onion slices soften and caramelize slightly during cooking, lending a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dish.
Feel free to switch things up based on what’s in season or in your fridge. Snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or carrots can all make great additions or substitutions. The goal is to keep it colorful and balanced.
Wok or Skillet? Cooking Tools Matter
While a wok is traditional and ideal for stir frying because of its high sides and even heat distribution, a large skillet will also work just fine. The important thing is to use high heat and not overcrowd the pan. Cook the steak and shrimp in batches if needed to ensure they sear and don’t steam.
Using high heat allows the vegetables to char slightly while remaining crisp, and it ensures the proteins brown quickly while staying juicy inside. A hot pan is your best friend when stir frying.
Serving Suggestions
The classic way to serve this dish is over steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the sauce beautifully and makes it a hearty meal. If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, swap the rice for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own with a side of sautéed greens or a cucumber salad.
This recipe also makes a fantastic meal prep option. Just pack it with your preferred grain into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated meal even more delicious.
Nutrition Benefits
This steak and shrimp stir fry is not only tasty; it’s also nutritious. You get a generous dose of lean protein from both beef and shrimp, plus vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables. Shrimp is low in calories but rich in selenium, iodine, and B12, while flank steak provides iron and zinc. The colorful veggies contribute fiber, antioxidants, and crunch without overwhelming the plate.
It’s naturally dairy-free, and with some tweaks (like swapping out oyster sauce), it can be made gluten-free or paleo-friendly. This kind of recipe offers flexibility for various dietary needs while remaining satisfying.
Make It Your Own
This dish is endlessly customizable. Some variation ideas include:
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Swap the protein: Try it with chicken and shrimp, tofu and steak, or even scallops and pork.
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Add nuts: A handful of cashews or peanuts adds crunch and richness.
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Try different sauces: Teriyaki, sweet chili, or black bean sauce can provide a new flavor profile.
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Add fresh herbs: Top with Thai basil, cilantro, or green onions for a burst of freshness.
The more you make it, the more you’ll discover how it fits your family’s flavor preferences and pantry staples.
Conclusion
The Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is proof that a quick, 30-minute meal can still be delicious, elegant, and satisfying. With a harmonious balance of protein, vegetables, and bold garlic-soy flavors, this recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality indulgence. Whether you’re trying to impress guests, feed your family something wholesome, or just treat yourself after a long day, this dish will not disappoint.
It’s fast to make, flexible to suit your preferences, and sure to become a repeat favorite. With every sizzling bite, you’ll be reminded that great food doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs the right ingredients, a hot pan, and a little love.
So next time you’re craving something special yet simple, skip the takeout and make this steak and shrimp stir fry at home. It’s a surf-and-turf celebration in a single skillet.