steak and shrimp stir fry

A steak and shrimp stir fry is the perfect dish for any occasion, combining tender steak with juicy shrimp, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce. This quick and flavorful meal is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve on a weeknight or for special gatherings. With its vibrant presentation and irresistible taste, this stir fry stands out as a delightful choice for seafood and meat lovers alike.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Steak and Shrimp
• For the Sauce and Seasoning
• For Cooking
• For the Vegetables
• For Garnishing
• How to Make steak and shrimp stir fry
• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
• Step 2: Marinate the Steak
• Step 3: Heat the Oil
• Step 4: Cook the Steak
• Step 5: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 6: Add Shrimp
• Step 7: Final Seasoning
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve steak and shrimp stir fry
• With Rice
• On Noodles
• In Lettuce Wraps
• As Tacos
• With Salad
• How to Perfect steak and shrimp stir fry
• Best Side Dishes for steak and shrimp stir fry
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing steak and shrimp stir fry
• Reheating steak and shrimp stir fry
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my steak and shrimp stir fry more flavorful?
• Can I use frozen shrimp for steak and shrimp stir fry?
• What vegetables pair well with steak and shrimp stir fry?
• How can I customize my steak and shrimp stir fry?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of steak, shrimp, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying taste experience.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Healthy Option: Rich in protein and vitamins, this stir fry is both nutritious and filling.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for a delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for even cooking and allows ingredients to be tossed easily.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for thinly slicing steak and chopping vegetables quickly.

Ingredients

For the Steak and Shrimp

• 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)

For the Sauce and Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)

For Garnishing

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make steak and shrimp stir fry

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Ensure all ingredients are ready before you start cooking. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Peel and devein the shrimp if not prepped.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

• In a bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well until coated. Let it marinate while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

• Add marinated steak to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

• In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Step 6: Add Shrimp

• Add shrimp to the pan along with cooked steak. Stir-fry everything together for another 3–4 minutes until shrimp turns pink.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well to combine flavors.

Step 8: Serve

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your scrumptious steak and shrimp stir fry, loaded with flavor!

How to Serve steak and shrimp stir fry

For a delightful meal, serving your steak and shrimp stir fry can elevate the dining experience. Here are some appealing serving suggestions that will complement this tasty dish.

With Rice

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The light, fluffy texture of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the stir fry.
• Brown Rice – For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your meal.

On Noodles

• Lo Mein Noodles – Tossing your stir fry with lo mein noodles creates a satisfying and hearty dish.
• Rice Noodles – These gluten-free noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, offering a different texture.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce – Serve the stir fry in butter lettuce cups for a fresh and crunchy alternative.
• Iceberg Lettuce – Crisp iceberg adds a refreshing crunch, making each bite enjoyable.

As Tacos

• Corn Tortillas – Fill soft corn tortillas with steak and shrimp for a fun twist on traditional tacos.
• Flour Tortillas – Flour tortillas provide a soft wrap that holds all the flavors together nicely.

With Salad

• Asian Cabbage Slaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the stir fry.
• Mixed Greens Salad – Lightly dressed mixed greens can freshen up the meal while providing extra nutrition.

How to Perfect steak and shrimp stir fry

Creating an exceptional steak and shrimp stir fry is simple with these tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Slice Meat Thinly – Cutting flank steak against the grain ensures tenderness in every bite.
• Marinate for Flavor – Letting the steak marinate in soy sauce adds depth to its flavor before cooking.
• High Heat Cooking – Cooking over high heat helps achieve that perfect sear on both steak and shrimp.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead – Having all ingredients prepped allows for quick cooking, ensuring freshness in every bite.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cooking in batches prevents steaming, allowing for better browning of ingredients.
• Add Vegetables Last – Introducing vegetables towards the end keeps them vibrant and crisp while still tender.

Best Side Dishes for steak and shrimp stir fry

Pairing side dishes with your steak and shrimp stir fry can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these delicious options:

1. Fried Rice – Classic fried rice complements the flavors while adding texture; toss in some peas or carrots for color.
2. Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach with garlic provides a nutritious green side that balances richness.
3. Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls add crunchiness alongside your stir fry, making it an exciting combination.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad brings brightness to your plate, perfect for cleansing the palate.
5. Miso Soup – This warm soup offers umami flavor that pairs nicely with Asian-inspired dishes.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly grilled asparagus adds elegance and complements the protein-packed dish beautifully.
7. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles can cut through richness, enhancing your overall dining experience.
8. Steamed Edamame – A great source of protein; these lightly salted soybeans make an excellent snack or side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making steak and shrimp stir fry, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the protein: This can lead to tough steak and rubbery shrimp. Cook them separately for better control over doneness.
• Not slicing the steak correctly: If you slice against the grain, the meat will be more tender. Always ensure you cut thin strips for optimal results.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating adds flavor and tenderness. Even a short time in soy sauce makes a difference.
• Crowding the pan: Overloading your skillet can cause steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.
• Ignoring vegetable prep: Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing steak and shrimp stir fry

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating steak and shrimp stir fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making steak and shrimp stir fry:

How do I make my steak and shrimp stir fry more flavorful?

Adding a marinade with garlic, ginger, or citrus juices enhances flavor. You can also experiment with various sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp for steak and shrimp stir fry?

Yes! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to avoid excess moisture during stir-frying.

What vegetables pair well with steak and shrimp stir fry?

In addition to bell peppers and broccoli, consider adding snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms for extra color and crunch.

How can I customize my steak and shrimp stir fry?

Feel free to swap out proteins or add different vegetables based on what you have at home. Tofu or chicken works great as alternatives!

Final Thoughts

This steak and shrimp stir fry is not only quick but also bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. With its vibrant colors and customizable ingredients, it appeals to various tastes. Don’t hesitate to try different vegetable combinations or sauces to make it your own!