Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is that quick weeknight lifesaver we all need when dinner time sneaks up on us. You know, when everyone’s starving, the kitchen feels like chaos, and takeout sounds way too tempting? This flavorful dish brings together juicy steak, tender shrimp, and a rainbow of veggies in a savory sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Asian restaurant—but fresher and faster.

It’s a dish that’s fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a Tuesday. The best part? This Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is ready in under 30 minutes, meaning you can whip it up even on your busiest nights and still feel like a total kitchen rockstar.

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What is Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry?

Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is the ultimate surf-and-turf meal in a single sizzling skillet. It’s a mix of tender beef slices and succulent shrimp, tossed with crisp vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, all coated in a garlicky soy-based sauce. This dish strikes that perfect balance—hearty from the steak, light from the shrimp, and colorful from the veggies. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a good stir fry at a restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home, this is your chance. Plus, you can customize it—add snow peas, swap shrimp for scallops, or even use chicken if that’s what you’ve got. It’s your kitchen, your rules.

Reasons to Try Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Let’s be honest—this dish practically sells itself. But here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry. First, it’s quick. You can have dinner on the table faster than it takes your favorite delivery app to arrive. Second, it’s nutritious—protein-packed, veggie-rich, and full of flavor without relying on heavy sauces. Third, it’s versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or trying to impress guests, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

And let’s not forget the cleanup factor—since everything cooks in one pan, you’re not stuck scrubbing dishes all night. If you love recipes that are bold, balanced, and totally satisfying, this one deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

• 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 to Make Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry – Step by Step

Making this Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is simpler than you might think, and following this Step by Step guide will have you feeling like a total pro in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who crave big, bold flavor without the fuss. We’ll go from prepping and marinating to sizzling and serving — all in one pan, with minimal mess and maximum taste.

Step 1: Marinate the Steak and Shrimp

Start your Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Step by Step adventure by prepping your protein. In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch, whisking until it’s smooth and slightly thick. This combo works like magic — it tenderizes the steak while helping the sauce cling beautifully later on. Add your thinly sliced flank steak and peeled shrimp to the bowl, then toss them gently until each piece is evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for about 15 to 20 minutes.

This short marination time is key: it infuses your proteins with umami richness without making the shrimp mushy. If you’re prepping ahead, you can marinate the steak alone for a few hours in the fridge and add the shrimp closer to cooking time. For more tips on balancing marinades for surf-and-turf recipes, check out my Garlic Steak Bites and Potatoes — it’s another fast, high-protein dinner that uses a similar technique.

Step 2: Heat the Pan Like a Pro

Before cooking, make sure all your veggies are chopped and ready to go — stir frying moves fast! Set a large skillet or wok over high heat and drizzle in one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Give it a minute to shimmer; the pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles instantly. This high heat is essential for that crave-worthy sear and smoky wok flavor.
Cooking on high heat keeps the vegetables crisp and the proteins tender, a trick I also use in my Low Carb Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry. Once your pan’s ready, grab those marinated steak slices and get ready for the best part — the sizzle.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Working in batches if needed, lay the steak slices in a single layer across the skillet. You’ll hear that immediate sear — that’s the sound of deliciousness in progress. Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes before stirring. This gives it time to brown and build flavor. Flip or toss the pieces until they’re evenly browned on both sides, then transfer them to a plate.
Resist the temptation to overcook — you want the beef juicy, not tough. Set it aside, but don’t wipe out the pan. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom? Pure flavor gold. We’ll use them later to deepen the sauce.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if it’s looking dry. Toss in the marinated shrimp, spreading them out so each piece gets its moment on the hot surface. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn a gorgeous pink with slightly curled tails.
When done, remove them from the pan and add them to the steak. You’ll notice how the shrimp picked up some of that savory beef essence — that’s the beauty of cooking everything in the same skillet. If you love that balance of land and sea, my Grilled California Avocado Chicken offers another high-protein pairing that’s just as satisfying.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Now, time to bring color into the mix! Add your sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot to the same skillet. Crank the heat back up to high if it’s cooled down. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes, tossing frequently, until the veggies start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Once they’re vibrant and slightly tender, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them — burnt garlic can overpower the entire dish. The aroma right now should be irresistible — that combination of garlic, ginger, and savory residue from the steak and shrimp is what gives this dish its signature “restaurant-level” taste.

If you’re into veggie-packed dishes like this, you might also love my Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables — it uses a similar quick-cook technique to keep everything crisp and flavorful.

Step 6: Combine and Toss Everything Together

Here’s where the Step by Step magic comes together. Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything gently to mix well. You’ll see the glossy sauce coating each ingredient, the veggies still bright, and the shrimp and beef glistening. Let it all cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
At this stage, season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If you want a little extra kick, add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. You can even drizzle in a teaspoon of oyster sauce or sesame oil for more depth.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything’s perfectly combined, turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These simple toppings add a burst of freshness and nutty aroma that takes the dish from great to “wow.”
Serve your Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Step by Step masterpiece immediately. It’s perfect over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. Want to keep things lighter? Try it with cauliflower rice or alongside a side like my Easy Greek Lemon Rice for a bright, citrusy contrast.

Step 8: Bonus Tip – Make It Your Own

The beauty of this Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Step by Step recipe is how customizable it is. Swap broccoli for snap peas, use chicken instead of shrimp, or play with sauces — a bit of teriyaki, a spoonful of honey, or even a splash of rice vinegar can transform the flavor.
If you love experimenting with fusion-style stir fries, try my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles next — it’s another 30-minute wonder that pairs beautifully with this dish.

By the time you finish this Step by Step guide, you’ll not only have a sizzling, colorful, restaurant-quality stir fry in front of you — you’ll also feel more confident handling quick, high-heat recipes at home. It’s fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy (and maybe a little impressed).

Pro Tip: Clean as you go. Stir fry cooking is quick, and cleanup feels a whole lot easier when you’re not facing a mountain of dishes after your delicious dinner.

What to Serve with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb. It’s also amazing with noodles—try it with soba, rice noodles, or spaghetti (yep, that works too!). If you’re craving more inspiration, check out my Garlic Chicken Lo Mein or Low Carb Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry for more quick weeknight ideas.

Key Tips for Making Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

1. Slice your steak thinly and against the grain—it makes a huge difference in tenderness.
2. Don’t overcrowd your pan; cook in batches if necessary to keep that golden sear.
3. Have everything ready before you start cooking—stir fry moves fast!
4. Use high heat to keep your veggies crisp and your meat juicy.
5. Want to switch it up? Add a splash of oyster sauce or chili flakes for extra kick.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving too long—shrimp doesn’t like that. This dish also freezes surprisingly well; just skip the green onions and sesame seeds until you’re ready to serve again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely. Skirt steak or sirloin works great too.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yep! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce.
What oil works best? Vegetable, canola, or avocado oil—all handle high heat like champs.
Can I add more veggies? Go for it! Snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms fit right in.
Can I meal prep this? Definitely—it reheats like a dream.

Final Thoughts

Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is one of those recipes that make you feel like you’ve mastered the art of weeknight cooking. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—everything a busy home cook dreams of. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort and sophistication. For more quick, high-protein dinners, you might love my Grilled California Avocado Chicken or High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. So grab that wok, crank up the heat, and give this Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry a go—you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.

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