Dinner

Easy Steak and Shrimp Recipe

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Craving a restaurant-style surf and turf dinner without the hefty price tag? This Easy Steak and Shrimp Recipe is my go-to when I want something bold, savory, and satisfying in under 30 minutes. Tender slices of beef, juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich garlic-herb flavor come together in one skillet for a quick and impressive meal. Served over fluffy rice and finished with sesame seeds, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

If you’re looking for an easy steak and shrimp stir fry recipe that’s perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for guests, this one never disappoints.

Ingredients List

Protein

  • 1 pound skirt steak, flank steak, or other cut of beef, thinly sliced

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables

  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (yellow or sweet onion works too)

  • 1/2 yellow or golden bell pepper, sliced (red or orange are excellent substitutes)

  • 8 ounces sugar snap peas or snow peas (in pods)

Flavor & Sauce

  • 4 Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® Sauté Starter squares

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Serving

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown rice)

Required Kitchen Tools

When I prepare this easy steak and shrimp stir fry, I keep the tools simple and efficient:

  1. Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan – Essential for achieving a beautiful sear on both the steak and shrimp.

  2. Sharp Chef’s Knife – For slicing steak thinly and evenly.

  3. Cutting Board – To prep all vegetables and protein.

  4. Tongs or Spatula – For flipping steak and shrimp without overcooking.

  5. Measuring Spoons – To ensure balanced flavor with soy sauce and sesame seeds.

Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free.

Preparing the Steak and Shrimp

Perfect texture starts with proper preparation. I always take a few extra minutes here because it makes all the difference.

Slicing the Steak

To keep the beef tender, I slice it thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and ensures each bite is juicy rather than chewy. If the steak is slightly chilled, it’s much easier to cut into thin strips.

Prepping the Shrimp

Make sure the shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. I pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps them sear instead of steam.

Cooking the Steak and Shrimp

This part comes together quickly, so I recommend having all ingredients prepped beforehand.

Searing the Steak

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add 2 Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® squares and let them melt completely.

  3. Add the sliced steak in a single layer.

  4. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.

  5. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a beautiful caramelized crust.

Cooking the Shrimp

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 sauté squares.

  2. Add the shrimp in a single layer.

  3. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

  4. Remove from skillet and set aside with the steak.

Shrimp cook quickly, so I avoid overcooking them to maintain their juicy texture.

Stir Frying the Vegetables

With all that flavor already in the pan, it’s time to build the vegetable base.

  1. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet.

  2. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

  3. Add the sugar snap peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

I like keeping the vegetables slightly crunchy for texture and freshness.

Combining Everything

Now comes the magic moment where everything comes together.

  1. Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet.

  2. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce.

  3. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.

  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

The garlic herb butter combined with soy sauce creates a savory, umami-packed glaze that coats every bite.

Serving and Presentation

I serve this easy steak and shrimp recipe over a bed of warm cooked rice. The rice absorbs all the delicious pan juices, making every forkful flavorful.

For extra presentation:

  • Garnish with additional sesame seeds.

  • Add sliced green onions for color.

  • Serve immediately while hot.

This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.

Freezing

While steak freezes well, shrimp can become slightly rubbery after freezing. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This easy steak and shrimp recipe is my favorite way to enjoy a quick surf and turf dinner at home. It’s savory, satisfying, and packed with vibrant vegetables, making it both comforting and balanced. The combination of tender beef, juicy shrimp, and garlic herb flavor creates a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this steak and shrimp stir fry delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

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