Remember the first time you smelled garlic hitting hot oil? That sizzle that makes your mouth water before you even see the pan? This steak and shrimp stir fry brings back all those good kitchen memories – the kind where dinner comes together fast but tastes like you planned it for hours. It’s trending everywhere lately, and honestly? I get why.
Picture tender beef strips mingling with plump shrimp in a garlicky, savory sauce that coats every bite. Add crisp vegetables, fresh ginger, and that just-right balance of salty and sweet, and you’ve got a healthy meal for two that feels gourmet with minimal effort. It’s takeout vibesjust cleaner, brighter, and totally satisfying.
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of stir fry combinations, chasing that elusive perfect balance. This recipe walks the line between comfort food and clean eatingdeep, rich flavor without the heaviness. And when you add just a hint of cardamom? Total game-changer. Try it once, and plain stir fry just won’t cut it anymore.
Why This Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Will Become Your Go-To
There’s something magical about the way steak and shrimp play together in a hot pan – the beef brings rich, savory depth while the shrimp adds subtle sweetness and a tender texture. This combo makes a regular weeknight dinner feel like date nightno extra effort required.
Even better, it meets your healthy meals for two high protein goals without sacrificing flavor. You get complete protein from two sources, plus colorful vegetables for fiber, antioxidants, and freshness. It’s crave-worthy and energizing all in one pan.
- Ready in 35 minutes: Ideal for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but fast
- High protein powerhouse: Close to 50g of protein per serving to keep you full longer
- Use what you have: Mix and match veggies based on what’s in your fridge
- One skillet magic: Minimal cleanup with just one pan
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
The key to great stir fry is simple: quality ingredients, cut properly, cooked quickly. Flank steak is the ideal cut hereit’s lean, flavorful, and stays tender when sliced thin across the grain. That slicing method is crucial for tenderness.
Choose shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save prep time. The cornstarch in the marinade does double dutyhelping the sauce cling and lightly tenderizing the proteins. And don’t skip the aromatics: fresh ginger and minced garlic build that deep, unmistakable stir fry flavor.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Quick Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Flank Steak | Ideal texture for quick cooking and flavor absorption | Sirloin or skirt steak |
| Fresh Ginger | Brings warmth and sharpness | 1 tsp ground ginger |
| Cornstarch | Adds gloss and locks in moisture | Arrowroot powder |
| Bell Pepper | Bright color and crunch | Snap peas or zucchini |
Step-by-Step: How It All Comes Together
The trick to stir fry success? Prep everything in advance. Once the heat is on, the cooking goes fast. This steak and shrimp stir fry takes less than 10 minutes of active cooking, but only if your mise en place is solid.
Start with the marinade so the proteins soak in flavor while you slice vegetables. After 15–20 minutes, the soy sauce and cornstarch will have worked their magic. Crank the heat, and cook your steak in a single, undisturbed layer to get that beautiful sear. Shrimp go in next (they’re done when just opaque), followed by the veggies so they stay vibrant and crisp.
| Step | Time | Temperature | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinate | 15-20 min | Room temp | Gives flavor and tenderness |
| Cook Steak | 2-3 min | High heat | Spread in a single layer and leave undisturbed |
| Cook Shrimp | 2-3 min | High heat | Remove immediately when pink |
| Stir Fry Veggies | 3-4 min | High heat | Sauté quickly to retain crunch |
The Art of the Perfect Sear
Don’t rush itsearing is about patience. Steak needs a couple uninterrupted minutes to develop that caramelized crust. Stir it too soon and you’ll miss out. Shrimp are your visual timeronce they turn opaque with a curled pink shape, they’re done.
Troubleshooting Common Stir Fry Mishaps
Even confident home cooks can run into stir fry hiccups. These are the most common snags I’ve seenand how to avoid them:
- Soggy vegetables? Heat too low or cooking too long; use medium to high heat to keep colors and texture
- Tough steak? Likely sliced with the grain. Always cut thinly against the muscle fibers.
- Rubbery shrimp? Overcooked! Pull them from the pan as soon as they’re opaque and slightly curled
- Watery sauce? Dry your ingredients well before cooking. Moisture = steam, not sear.
Pro Tip: Rather than adding extra oil, deglaze with a splash of water or broth toward the end to loosen any flavorful bits stuck on the pan. It keeps things light while enhancing the sauce.
Creative Variations and Serving Ideas
This recipe is one of those healthy diet dinner recipes that adapts to your cravings and pantry. Mix up the vegetables based on the seasonlike broccoli rabe in winter or sugar snap peas in spring. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds nuttiness if you want to finish strong.
Serve over steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner, or make it heartier with brown rice or soba noodles. Bonus: leftovers keep beautifully and may taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in a sealed container for easy reheating.
| Serving Style | Carbs per Serving | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Over Cauliflower Rice | 8g | Low-carb goals |
| With Brown Rice | 35g | Post-workout fuel |
| Over Zucchini Noodles | 6g | Light summer meals |
| As-is (no grain) | 12g | Pure protein focus |
Storage Tips and Meal Prep Magic
This stir fry is a meal prep gem that stands up to time. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen a bit overnight, making those next-day servings even more delicious. For best texture, reheat gently over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to freshen things up.
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
Pairing two proteinslike steak and shrimprequires finesse. Keep the heat high and cooking fast to avoid overcooking. Aromatics like garlic and ginger add complexity and tie the surf and turf elements together. Finish with an acidic splash (like rice vinegar or lime) to brighten and balance the umami-rich sauce.
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Perfecting My Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
This improved steak and shrimp stir fry came together over several rounds of tasting, testing, and adjusting. It turns out just a pinch of spice or an extra minute of sear can make all the difference. What emerged is a go-to stir fry packed with bold flavor, balanced textures, and that special touch that makes home cooking feel elevated.
FAQs ( Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Recipe )
What cut of steak works best for steak and shrimp stir fry?
Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work perfectly for this high protein meal dinner low carb recipe. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness. Flank steak is particularly popular because it absorbs marinades well and cooks quickly in the hot pan. Just make sure to not overcook it – medium-rare to medium is ideal for keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook steak and shrimp stir fry?
This quick steak and shrimp stir fry takes only 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for healthy meals for two high protein on busy weeknights. The key is having all your ingredients prepped beforehand since the actual cooking happens fast. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes, shrimp for 2-3 minutes, and vegetables for 3-4 minutes. The beauty of stir fry is that everything comes together in one pan super quickly!
Can I make steak and shrimp stir fry ahead of time?
While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time for easier weeknight cooking. Slice your steak and vegetables, clean your shrimp, and mix your sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The actual stir frying should be done just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and prevent overcooking the proteins.
What vegetables pair well with steak and shrimp stir fry?
Classic stir fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and onions work beautifully in this healthy diet dinner recipe. Mushrooms, zucchini, and baby corn also add great texture and flavor variety. Choose vegetables that cook at similar rates or add them to the pan in stages – harder vegetables like carrots first, then softer ones like bell peppers last. This creates a colorful, nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Is steak and shrimp stir fry healthy?
Absolutely! This steak and shrimp stir fry is packed with lean protein from both the beef and seafood, making it an excellent healthy dinner for weight losing goals. It’s naturally low in carbs when served without rice and loaded with vitamins from the fresh vegetables. The cooking method uses minimal oil, and you can control the sodium by choosing low-sodium soy sauce. Plus, the combination of protein and fiber helps keep you full and satisfied longer than many other dinner options.
Your New Go-To Date Night Dinner
This steak and shrimp stir fry checks every box: it’s fast, full of flavor, and packed with protein. You get tender beef, juicy shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and all the bold flavor of your favorite takeoutwithout the guilt. Garlic and ginger make everything smell irresistible while creating that unforgettable base flavor.
Feel free to customize with what’s in season or what needs to be used up in the fridge. I love adding snap peas for sweetness or mushrooms for depth. A splash of rice vinegar or citrus juice at the end lifts everything. If you’re meal prepping, this dish stores great for a few days in the fridge. It’s one of the easiest healthy meals for two high protein recipes you’ll put on repeat.
I’d love to see your versiondo you add crushed chili flakes for heat? Soy-free swap? Share your twist with me. These little variations are where the creativity happens and dinner becomes something truly yours.
PrintSTEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY
A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender steak and juicy shrimp, packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: American
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 Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the sliced flank steak and shrimp, mixing well to coat. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- COOK THE STEAK Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Cook Steak: Add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- COOK THE SHRIMP Add More Oil: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Cook Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the steak.
- STIR FRY THE VEGETABLES Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- COMBINE AND SERVE Return Meat: Add the cooked steak and shrimp back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another minute to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
