I swear, every time I make steak and shrimp stir fry, I flash back to those sizzling mall food court samples on toothpicksback when sneakers lit up and perms were cool. This one’s been buzzing on Pinterest lately, and I get why. Big flavor, fast. No drama, just dinner.
This stir fry is pure magicjuicy steak, plump shrimp, a tangle of crisp veggies in a glossy garlic-soy sauce. You’ve probably got half the stuff already. Call it your new answer to “what’s for dinner?” on tired Tuesdays. Full details in the blog!
I grew up in a house where the pan was always sizzlingmy mom rocked the “whatever’s in the fridge” stir fry. Now I’ve tested a version that’s fresh, fast, and secretly smart. (Hint: it fits into all those healthy diet dinner recipes). I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love It
Fast and Flavorful: Ready in under 40 minutes, this steak and shrimp stir fry packs a savory punch without the wait.
Comfort with a Healthy Twist: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s one of those perfect healthy diet dinner recipes we all need midweek.
Simple Ingredients: No hunting down exotic items herejust everyday pantry staples and fresh produce you probably already have.
Versatile: Customize the veggies, adjust the spice, or double it upthis dish works for picky eaters and adventurous palettes alike.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This stir fry calls for a handful of fresh, hearty ingredients. Here’s the breakdown, plus tried-and-true swaps to keep it flexible:
Ingredient
Use It For
Swap Ideas
Flank Steak
Tender protein
Chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option
Shrimp
Sweet, juicy seafood
Scallops or extra steak
Soy Sauce
Rich umami base
Tamari or coconut aminos (gluten-free)
Broccoli, Bell Peppers, Carrot
Crisp, colorful veggies
Snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms
Note: Don’t skip the ginger and garlicthey’re the secret to that signature stir-fry flavor!
Step-by-Step: How It All Comes Together
This dish is beginner-friendly because it breaks down into simple steps. Here’s a quick guide to smooth sailing:
Marinate: Mix soy sauce and cornstarch, then coat your steak and shrimp. Let them soak up the flavor while you prep the veggies.
Cook the Steak: Heat a splash of oil and sizzle the steak slices until browned but juicy, then set them aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Same skillet! Pink, opaque shrimp takes just a few minutes. Set them with the steak to keep warm.
Sauté Veggies: Toss in your prepped veggies, stir around for a crisp-tender texture, then add garlic and ginger for a final aromatherapy moment.
Combine and Serve: Bring it all togetherthrow the steak and shrimp back into your skillet to mingle with the veggies. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Step
Timing
Marinate
15–20 minutes
Cook Steak
2–3 minutes
Cook Shrimp
2–3 minutes
Sauté Vegetables
4–5 minutes total
Pro Tip: Keep the heat high! That quick cook time is what gives you those gorgeous caramelized edges.
Serving and Storage Tips
This steak and shrimp stir fry is a superstar right off the skillet, but here’s how to make it work for you even after dinnertime:
Serving Ideas: Serve it solo for a low-carb dinner, or pair it with rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a comforting base.
Leftovers: Pack it for tomorrow’s lunchit reheats beautifully!
Storage
How-To
How Long
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Freeze in individual portions
Up to 2 months
Reheating Tip: Pop leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back their sizzle in minutes.
Tips and Tweaks for Next Time
This recipe is highly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own:
Want more veggies? Add mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas for extra crunch and that high veggie protein meal vibe.
No shrimp? Double the steak or try with grilled chicken for another high-protein twist.
Spice it up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper to turn up the heat.
Pro Tip: Pre-chop your veggies at the start of the weekit’s a simple hack that makes healthy steak lunch ideas like this one even faster to whip up!
Expert Insight: Balancing Flavors in Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
In a steak and shrimp stir fry, balancing the rich, savory flavors of beef with the delicate sweetness of shrimp is key. Using quick, high-heat cooking preserves texture and ensures both proteins remain tender, while carefully chosen aromatics and sauces create a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and complex.
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Lessons From My Long Road to Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
I must have cooked this steak and shrimp stir fry at least a dozen times before truly nailing the balance of flavors and timing. Between overcooked shrimp disasters and sauce mix-ups, it finally clickedand now it’s a weeknight favorite that feels both special and totally doable.
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.
Wrapping Up This Stir Fry Delight
There’s just something about this steak and shrimp stir fryfast to whip up, packed with flavor, and that perfect balance of tender steak and crispy veggies. You’ll love how it fits right into your weeknight rhythm without making the kitchen feel like a battleground.
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken, toss in extra snap peas, or sneak in more garlic (because why not?). Leftovers reheat like a charmpro tip I stole from a wiser-than-me lunch-packer. Keep it cozy, keep it simple.
Give it a try, then share your spin! Did this recipe spark family dinner chatter, or maybe a funny cooking oops? Pass it around, save it for your next busy night, and rememberhomemade doesn’t have to be perfect to be magic.
A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender steak and juicy shrimp, packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
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.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
