Craving a surf-and-turf experience at home? Dive into the world of steak and shrimp stir-fry—a quick, flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables in a savory garlic-herb sauce.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients List
Creating a delicious steak and shrimp stir-fry requires a handful of fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering meal:
Main Ingredients
- 4 Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® Sauté Starter squares
- 1 pound skirt steak, flank steak, or other cut of beef, thinly sliced
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (yellow or sweet onion may be substituted)
- 1/2 yellow/golden bell pepper (red or orange would be excellent, too)
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas or snow peas (in pods)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools on hand will make preparing this steak and shrimp stir-fry a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying and ensuring even cooking of all ingredients.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing steak and vegetables with precision.
- Cutting Board: To safely prep your ingredients.
- Tongs or Spatula: For turning steak and shrimp without breaking them apart.
- Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure soy sauce and sesame seeds.
- Mixing Bowl: Optional, for holding prepped ingredients.
- Serving Bowls or Plates: For presenting your finished dish over rice.
With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to create a restaurant-quality steak and shrimp stir-fry right in your own kitchen.
Preparation Steps
Preparing your steak and shrimp stir-fry is all about timing and technique. Follow these steps to ensure each component is cooked to perfection and the flavors meld beautifully.
Prepping the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go:
- Slice the Steak:
Using a sharp chef’s knife, thinly slice the skirt or flank steak against the grain. This ensures tenderness in every bite. - Prepare the Shrimp:
If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with a paper towel for the best sear. - Chop the Vegetables:
Slice the red onion and bell pepper into thin strips. Rinse the sugar snap peas or snow peas and trim the ends if needed. - Measure the Sauces and Seeds:
Have your soy sauce and sesame seeds measured and ready for quick access during cooking.
Cooking the Steak and Shrimp
- Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® Sauté Starter squares and let them melt until they begin to bubble, releasing their aromatic flavors. - Sear the Steak:
Add the sliced beef to the hot skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side, just until browned but not fully cooked through. Push the steak to one side of the pan to make room for the shrimp. - Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove both the steak and shrimp from the pan and set aside, covered, to keep warm.
Building the Stir-Fry Base
- Deglaze with Soy Sauce:
Let the pan heat back up, then add the soy sauce. Whisk or stir for about 20–30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, sugar snap peas, and sesame seeds. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
Bringing It All Together
Now that your steak, shrimp, and vegetables are perfectly cooked, it’s time to combine everything for the final, flavorful finish.
Finishing the Stir-Fry
- Return Steak and Shrimp to the Pan:
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked steak and shrimp back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir gently to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated in the savory garlic-herb sauce. - Final Simmer:
Let the mixture cook together for another 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the steak and shrimp are heated through without overcooking. - Taste and Adjust:
Give your stir-fry a quick taste. If you’d like a bit more salt or umami, add a splash more soy sauce. For extra brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of chopped green onions can be added at this stage.
Serving and Presentation
Presentation can make your steak and shrimp stir-fry even more inviting. Here are some tips for serving:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Over Rice:
Spoon the hot steak and shrimp stir-fry over a bed of freshly cooked rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite delicious. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for crunch, or add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. - Optional Additions:
For a spicy kick, drizzle with sriracha or scatter thinly sliced chili peppers on top. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty finish.
With these final touches, your steak and shrimp stir-fry is ready to enjoy—perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal with friends and family.
Storage Instructions
Enjoying your steak and shrimp stir-fry fresh is always best, but if you have leftovers, proper storage will help maintain its flavor and texture.
How to Keep Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry Fresh
- Refrigeration:
Allow the stir-fry to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for the best results, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. - Freezing:
While the vegetables may lose some of their crispness, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to 1 month. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
steak and shrimp recipes
Ingredients
- 4 Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® Sauté Starter squares
- 1 pound skirt steak, flank steak, or other cut of beef, thinly sliced
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced (yellow or sweet onion may be substituted)
- 1/2 yellow/golden bell pepper (red or orange would be excellent, too)
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas or snow peas (in pods)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® Sauté Starter squares until they begin to bubble.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side, just until browned. Push the beef to one side of the pan.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the empty side of the skillet. Cook for 1 minute on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove both the beef and shrimp from the skillet and set aside, covered.
- Let the pan heat back up, then add the soy sauce. Whisk or stir for about 20–30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, sugar snap peas (or snow peas), and sesame seeds. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked beef and shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spoon the steak and shrimp stir-fry over cooked rice. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
Mastering this steak and shrimp stir-fry recipe brings restaurant-quality surf-and-turf right to your kitchen.
With its tender beef, juicy shrimp, and vibrant vegetables all coated in a savory garlic-herb sauce, this dish is both satisfying and versatile.
With proper storage, you can even enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to a delicious, homemade steak and shrimp stir-fry!