Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry Recipe

This Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry is my secret weapon for nights when I crave something vibrant, filling, and irresistibly flavorful—all while staying on the healthy side and not spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a stunning celebration of juicy shrimp, ultra-tender steak, and crisp veggies tossed together in a glossy, garlicky sauce. If you love a lightning-fast, festive dinner with restaurant-quality flair, this recipe has your weeknight dinner covered!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a dish that tastes this impressive, you’ll be amazed by how short and simple the ingredient list is. Each element in this Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry brings its own pop of color, texture, or flavor—making every stir-fried forkful a delight!

• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and juicy, shrimp add a sweet and briny pop—be sure to buy them already cleaned to save even more time.
• Flank or Flat Iron Steak (1 lb, sliced): Slicing the steak thin ensures every piece cooks fast and soaks up the marinade for ultra-tender, savory bites.
• Red Onion (½, sliced): Adds sweetness and beautiful color to balance the robust sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Brings just a hint of sweetness along with irresistible crunch and a vibrant pop.
• Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Their crisp green texture holds up beautifully in a hot pan and makes the dish hearty.
• Snow Peas (1 cup): Tossed in at the end, these give a fresh, sweet snap and a burst of green.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup + 2 tbsp): Creates the savory backbone—use low-sodium if you’d like to control the saltiness.
• Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, minced): Packs a zingy, aromatic punch that’s essential for authentic stir fry flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, chopped): Adds savory depth and irresistible aroma as it cooks.
• Sugar (1½ tbsp total): A touch of sweetness to balance the salt and heat, divided between sauce and deglaze.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Just a drizzle infuses rich, nutty fragrance you’ll smell instantly.
• Beef Broth (¼ cup): For deglazing the pan and boosting savory flavor.
• Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Not just pretty—add subtle crunch and that final takeout-inspired touch.

Variations

The beauty of a Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry is that you can totally make it your own—whether you’re working with a nearly-empty fridge or customizing for dietary needs. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix it up and put your own spin on this classic stir fry!

• Chicken Stir Fry: Swap out the shrimp and steak for bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use cubes of firm tofu or tempeh in place of the shrimp and steak; swap in veggie broth and plenty of mushrooms for a plant-based power bowl.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into your sauce for some heat.
• Veggie Swap: Use what’s in season or what you love—try snap peas, baby corn, carrots, or even zucchini for a fun twist.

How to Make Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by combining soy sauce, minced ginger, chopped garlic, sugar, and a splash of sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the mixture smells mouthwatering. This little sauce is about to pack your steak with so much flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place your thinly sliced steak in a large zip-top bag or container. Pour the marinade over, give everything a good toss, and let it rest while you prep your vegetables. This quick marinade makes the beef ridiculously tender and flavorful, even in just 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Steak

Heat a large cast iron skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated steak along with all its flavorful juices. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, just until the beef is browned but still moist and tender. Scoop the steak out and set aside, but keep the delicious liquid in the pan for your veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the red onion, bell pepper, and broccoli directly into that hot, saucy skillet. Stir-fry on medium-high for 5–7 minutes, letting the veggies absorb the marinade and soften slightly while still holding their texture. The aroma alone will get everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 5: Deglaze with Broth Mixture

In a fresh small bowl, whisk together beef broth, a touch more soy sauce, and sugar. Pour this into the sizzling skillet at about the 4–5 minute mark when things get sticky, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. This helps steam-cook the veggies and creates a glossy sauce to coat everything.

Step 6: Add Snow Peas and Shrimp

Once the veggies are looking bright and almost tender, toss in the snow peas—these just need a quick minute or two to stay snappy. Add your shrimp and stir gently; they’ll turn pink and firm up in about 2–3 minutes. Be sure not to overcook so the shrimp stay juicy.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Return your cooked steak to the skillet and give everything a quick stir so all the flavors marry. As soon as everything is glossy, hot, and smelling amazing, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve your Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry piping hot!

How to Serve Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is classic and adds nutty crunch, while a handful of chopped fresh scallions gives a burst of color and delicate onion flavor. For a hit of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime or a scattering of chopped cilantro can really wake up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry absolutely shines over a bed of fluffy steamed rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Or, try it with rice noodles or soba noodles for a savory, slurpable meal that soaks up every drop of that glossy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner-party-worthy presentation, pile the stir fry in a big, shallow platter and top generously with garnishes for a “wow” factor. Or, portion out individual noodle bowls and let everyone add their own toppings and a drizzle of chili oil. Even lettuce cups make for a fun, interactive taco-style twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this stir fry are truly a gift—just pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and the veggies stay surprisingly crisp!

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch for later, let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture; note the veggies will soften, but the flavors stay bold.

Reheating

For the freshest results, reheat your Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry in a hot skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. You can also microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed skillet supper, this Quick and Easy Shrimp and Steak Stir Fry is seriously begging to be added to your dinner rotation. Give it a try—I have a feeling it’ll become your favorite way to enjoy surf and turf with a colorful, veggie-forward twist!

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