Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

This mouthwatering Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is the ultimate surf and turf dinner that comes together in minutes (once your meat is marinated). With tender flank steak strips, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory Asian-inspired sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours at the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Double Protein Power: The combination of juicy steak and tender shrimp gives you the best of both worlds in every delicious bite.
• Quick Cooking Time: Once your steak has marinated, the actual cooking process takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the protein amounts, vegetables, or spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as ingredients build upon each other.
• Better Than Takeout: Save money and control exactly what goes into your meal with this homemade version that rivals any restaurant stir fry.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Flank Steak: This lean cut is perfect for stir-fries because it becomes tender when sliced thinly against the grain and absorbs marinade beautifully.
• Raw Shrimp: These cook quickly and add a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the beef. Always use raw shrimp rather than pre-cooked to ensure proper texture.
• Ready Rice: A time-saving convenience that delivers perfectly cooked rice without the wait. Jasmine rice adds a subtle aromatic quality.
• Coconut Aminos: Provides all the umami flavor of soy sauce with less sodium and no soy allergens. It’s the secret to the stir fry’s depth of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a surprising tangy element that balances the sweetness of the coconut aminos and brings complexity to the sauce.
• Stir-Fry Broccoli: Pre-packaged stir-fry vegetables save precious prep time while adding essential nutrients and a pleasing crunch.
• Green Onions: Deliver a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast as both an ingredient and garnish.
• Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon in the marinade provides an intensely nutty flavor that’s quintessential to Asian-inspired dishes.
• Lime Juice: The acidity helps tenderize the meat and brightens all the flavors in the dish.
• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses infuse the marinade with essential stir-fry flavors.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Veggie Variations: Swap the broccoli mix for snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or water chestnuts for different textures and flavors.
• Protein Swap: Not a fan of beef? Try boneless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin instead. You can also make it all shrimp or all steak if you prefer.
• Spice It Up: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Sauce Alternatives: No coconut aminos? Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (use slightly less as they’re saltier).
• Garnish Options: Try toasted cashews or peanuts for extra crunch, or fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal note.

How to Make Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Slice your flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Combine coconut aminos, sesame oil, lime juice, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a resealable bag. Add the steak, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This marinating time is crucial for tender, flavorful meat!

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of warm water to thaw. Change the water once or twice until shrimp are completely defrosted. Pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear for about 3 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer to a plate, leaving the flavorful juices in the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the thawed shrimp directly to the pan with the steak juices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.

Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

Microwave the broccoli mix in water until crisp-tender. Drain well. Add vegetables to the empty pan along with coconut aminos and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 2 minutes to allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Microwave the ready rice according to package directions. Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and sauce, stirring to combine. Return the steak and shrimp to the pan, add chopped green onions, and toss everything together until heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to plates or a serving platter and garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice Against the Grain: Always cut your flank steak perpendicular to the muscle fibers for maximum tenderness.
• Don’t Overcook: Both shrimp and steak can become tough when overcooked. The shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink, and the steak should still be slightly pink inside when removed from the pan.
• Hot Pan: Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the meat to achieve that perfect sear without steaming.
• Mise en Place: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking – this stir fry comes together quickly once you begin.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t wash the pan between cooking proteins – those leftover bits are flavor gold for your sauce.

How to Serve

This stir fry is practically a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving.

Side Options:

Serve with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar or some spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.

Drink Pairings:

This dish pairs beautifully with a light beer, jasmine tea, or a semi-dry Riesling wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the shrimp and vegetables may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, slightly undercook the vegetables so they don’t become mushy when reheated.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, to avoid overheating the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work well too. The key is slicing thinly against the grain and not overcooking. Tougher cuts like chuck would require longer marinating to become tender enough for stir-frying.

What if I don’t have time to marinate the steak for 4 hours?
While the full marinating time produces the most flavorful results, you can get by with as little as 30 minutes. To boost flavor with a shorter marinate time, add a tablespoon of baking soda to your marinade to help tenderize the meat more quickly.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of the packaged stir-fry mix?
Definitely! Fresh broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Just cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your vegetable choices.

Is there a substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use soy sauce or tamari instead. Start with about 25% less than the recipe calls for since they’re typically saltier, and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry combines the luxurious flavors of surf and turf in an approachable weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company. The beauty of stir-frying is in its simplicity and speed – once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll find yourself turning to it whenever you need an impressive meal without hours of effort. The marriage of tender marinated beef, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables in that irresistible sauce is truly unbeatable. Give it a try tonight – your family will be asking for seconds before you’ve even finished your first bite!

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