The Ultimate Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: A Restaurant-Quality Meal in 30 Minutes

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a perfect stir fry—the sizzle of ingredients hitting a hot surface, the aromatic steam rising with tantalizing scents, and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables mingling with premium proteins. This spectacular steak and shrimp stir fry combines two luxurious proteins in one dazzling dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re seeking an impressive weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Why This Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe Works

This dynamic surf-and-turf combination brings together the best of both worlds—the rich, meaty flavor of steak paired with the sweet, delicate taste of shrimp. But what truly sets this recipe apart?

• Quick and efficient: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited but taste cannot be compromised .

• Protein-packed: With both steak and shrimp, this dish delivers a substantial 55g of protein per serving, making it incredibly satisfying and ideal for fitness enthusiasts .

• Customizable: Easily adapt the vegetables, sauces, and spice level to suit your preferences or what you have available in your refrigerator.

• Health-conscious: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free when using tamari or coconut aminos, accommodating various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor .

• Meal prep friendly: The components reheat beautifully, making it an excellent option for weekly meal preparation .

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

The magic of this steak and shrimp stir fry lies in its combination of quality ingredients and balanced flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Proteins

• Flank steak: Approximately 1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain. Flank steak is ideal for stir-frying because it marinates exceptionally well and becomes perfectly tender when cooked quickly over high heat . If unavailable, you can substitute with sirloin, ribeye, or NY strip .

• Shrimp: 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. I recommend larger shrimp varieties if available, as they stand up better to high-heat cooking and provide a more substantial bite . Avoid using pre-cooked shrimp as it will become tough when reheated .

The Vegetables and Aromatics

The vegetable selection provides color, texture, and nutritional balance:

• Bell pepper: 1 medium, sliced. Use any color you prefer, though a mix of red, yellow, and green creates visual appeal .

• Broccoli florets: 1 cup, cut into bite-sized pieces.

• Carrot: 1 medium, julienned or thinly sliced.

• Garlic and ginger: 3 cloves garlic (minced) and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced). These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the dish.

• Green onions: 2-3, chopped, for garnish and fresh flavor.

The Sauce Components

• Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons. For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos, which is lower in sodium than traditional soy sauce .

• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, used to velvety the proteins and help thicken the sauce.

• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons, for high-heat cooking. Avocado oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil also work well.

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: For garnish and nutty flavor.

• Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat.

• Other vegetable options: Snap peas, cabbage, brussels sprouts, or mushrooms .

Table: Ingredient Substitutions at a Glance

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Slice the steak: Place your flank steak in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly, which makes slicing thinner strips easier. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips approximately ¼-inch thick. Cutting against the grain is crucial for achieving tender beef in the final dish.

2. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the sliced steak and shrimp to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. While the proteins marinate, prepare your vegetables.

3. Chop vegetables: Slice the bell pepper, chop the broccoli into florets, julienne the carrot, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separated.

Cooking Process (15 minutes)

4. Cook the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet, wok, or griddle over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, ensuring each piece has contact with the hot surface. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if necessary. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving to develop a good crust, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

5. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, flipping halfway through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Remove and set aside with the steak.

6. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp—they should retain some bite for textural contrast. Add the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

7. Combine everything: Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together gently and cook for another minute until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

8. Garnish and serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra flavor boost, add a drizzle of sesame oil or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

Achieving stir fry perfection requires more than just following a recipe—these professional techniques will elevate your results:

1. The power of high heat: Ensure your cooking surface is properly preheated before adding ingredients. A hot surface creates the “wok hei” or “breath of the wok”—that characteristic smoky flavor that defines excellent stir-fry .

2. Don’t crowd the pan: Cooking in batches might seem tedious, but it’s essential for proper searing. Overcrowding creates steam, which boils rather than sears your ingredients, resulting in less flavor and texture .

3. Mise en place: Have all your ingredients prepped and within reach before you start cooking. Stir fries come together quickly, with no time to chop vegetables once cooking begins.

4. Velveting the proteins: The cornstarch in the marinade isn’t just for thickening—it creates a protective coating on the proteins that helps them retain moisture during high-heat cooking, resulting in exceptionally tender steak and shrimp.

5. Vegetable timing: Add vegetables according to their density and cooking time. Denser vegetables like carrots and broccoli need more time than quicker-cooking vegetables like bell peppers.

6. The sauce reduction: Allow the sauce to reduce slightly and coat the ingredients. This concentration of flavors creates a more impactful dish than a thin, watery sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While this steak and shrimp stir fry is magnificent on its own, these serving options can transform it into a complete meal:

• Rice varieties: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option .

• Noodle alternatives: For a different twist, serve over lo mein noodles, yakisoba, or zucchini noodles .

• Complementary sides: A simple cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or vegetable spring rolls make excellent starters.

• Garnish generously: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh herbs, sesame seeds, sliced chilies, or a wedge of lime add freshness and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to marinate the steak?

Absolutely! Marinating is the most important step for achieving flavorful, tender steak. The acid in the marinade (from soy sauce) helps break down tough muscle fibers, while the seasonings penetrate the meat . Even 15-20 minutes makes a significant difference, though longer marinating (up to 4 hours) will develop even more flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! This stir fry is excellent for leftovers and meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making leftovers particularly delicious .

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to refresh the ingredients without overcooking. Microwave reheating is convenient but can slightly overcook the shrimp.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely—stir fries are highly adaptable. Great additions include snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, mushrooms, cabbage, or bok choy. Just adjust cooking times based on the density of the vegetables you choose .

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes with the vegetables, include sliced fresh chilies, or drizzle with chili oil or sriracha before serving. For integrated heat, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the marinade.

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A Versatile Foundation for Culinary Creativity

This steak and shrimp stir fry recipe is more than just a single dish—it’s a template for endless culinary variations. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, feel free to experiment with different protein combinations, vegetable medleys, and sauce profiles. The method of high-heat cooking, proper marinating, and attention to timing remains constant, but the flavor possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Whether you’re cooking a quick family dinner, impressing guests, or preparing meals for the week ahead, this dynamic stir fry delivers on every front—flavor, nutrition, and visual appeal. The combination of tender steak and juicy shrimp with crisp-tender vegetables in a savory sauce is virtually guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

So heat up your skillet, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!