Steak and shrimp stir fry is a dish that effortlessly brings together the juicy, tender flavors of flank steak and succulent shrimp, all wrapped in a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something quick, fulfilling, and downright delicious. I still remember the first time I whipped up this simple yet impressive stir fry; the delightful aromas that filled the kitchen had my family rushing to the table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to gather and share moments, making it a favorite recipe in my household.
What Makes This Recipe Special
You might be wondering why you should try making steak and shrimp stir fry at home. Well, for starters, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes—quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and fully customizable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous palates, everyone seems to enjoy this satisfying dish. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies in your fridge.
“This steak and shrimp stir fry has become my go-to dinner when friends come over. It’s quick, that perfect blend of flavors, and everyone always wants the recipe!” – A happy home cook.
Preparing Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Making steak and shrimp stir fry is as straightforward as it gets. The cooking process includes marinating the proteins, quickly frying them until perfectly cooked, and then tossing them with fresh veggies for that signature stir fry crunch. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll find yourself enjoying a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious 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
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Steak and Shrimp: In a bowl, combine flank steak and shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This steak and shrimp stir fry is so versatile! Serve it over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal or toss it with noodles for a delicious twist. A side of spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad would balance the meal beautifully. Get creative with your plating by arranging the ingredients in layers or on skewers for a fun presentation!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain the texture—add a splash of water to steam and prevent drying out.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: When preparing your flank steak, always slice against the grain. This method results in more tender and easy-to-chew pieces.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix in any seasonal vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of cook times to keep everything at the right tenderness.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of pineapple juice for a sweet twist or a drizzle of Sriracha for added heat. You could even incorporate some sesame oil for a nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste. For a vegetarian version, swap out the steak and shrimp with tofu and additional veggies!
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The preparation time for steak and shrimp stir fry is around 15 minutes if you have everything prepped. Cooking takes an additional 10 minutes, so in total, you can have dinner ready in just under half an hour!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess water in the pan.
What can I substitute for flank steak?
You could use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken breast if you prefer. The key is to keep the meat thinly sliced for quick cooking.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Sure! Simply replace regular soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a drizzle of chili oil during cooking for a kick.
How can I make this stir fry more kid-friendly?
You might want to reduce the soy sauce and spice levels, or simply serve the shrimp and steak separately for picky eaters.
Is it safe to store leftovers?
Yes, it’s safe to eat leftovers within three days when properly stored in the fridge. Always reheat until steaming hot before serving again.
Can I freeze steak and shrimp stir fry?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container or freezer bag, and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Embrace the delightful process of making this steak and shrimp stir fry, and enjoy the burst of flavors at your dinner table!
Print
Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and delicious stir fry featuring flank steak and shrimp, tossed with vibrant vegetables.
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
- Marinate the Steak and Shrimp: In a bowl, combine flank steak and shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
