STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

A quick and flavorful STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant vegetables and a savory sauce that brings all the flavors together. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this stir fry is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With a total cooking time of just 15 minutes, you can whip this up in no time.
• Flavorful: The combination of steak, shrimp, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious blend of tastes and textures.
• Versatile Dish: Customize the vegetables or adjust the sauce to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and vitamins from the veggies, this dish is a nutritious option for any meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week without compromising on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for evenly cooking ingredients at high heat while maintaining their texture.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of steak and vegetables, allowing for quicker cooking and better presentation.

Ingredients

For the Protein

• 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 green onions (chopped)

To Taste

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Chop all vegetables so they are ready for cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, combine sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well until every piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Wok

Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil once it’s hot enough.

Step 4: Cook Steak

Add marinated flank steak to the wok. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Shrimp

In the same wok, add shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, garlic, and ginger into the wok with shrimp. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return cooked steak to the wok with vegetables and shrimp. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook together for an additional minute.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving hot over rice or noodles if desired.

Enjoy your delicious STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY!

How to Serve STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

This STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience and make the most out of its flavors.

Over Rice

• Serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce.

With Noodles

• Toss the stir fry with cooked rice noodles for a delightful twist that adds texture.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the stir fry mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy bite.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve it on top of mixed greens for a lighter option, drizzling with extra soy sauce for flavor.

As a Meal Prep Option

• Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week, keeping everything fresh and tasty.

How to Perfect STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

To achieve a fantastic STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY, follow these tips to elevate your dish to restaurant quality.

• Marinate your steak: A quick marinade in soy sauce enhances the beef’s flavor and tenderness.
• Use high heat: Cooking at high temperature helps achieve that perfect sear on both steak and shrimp.
• Prep ingredients beforehand: Have all vegetables chopped and shrimp peeled before cooking to speed up the process.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary; this prevents steaming and keeps everything crispy.
• Add vegetables at the right time: Start with harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli, adding softer ones like bell peppers later to maintain crunch.

Best Side Dishes for STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

Pairing side dishes with your STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY can complement its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice
   A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs, fried together for a hearty accompaniment.

2. Garlic Broccoli
   Steamed or sautéed broccoli tossed with garlic adds nutrition and flavor.

3. Spring Rolls
   Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a great appetizer or snack alongside this dish.

4. Asian Slaw
   A refreshing salad made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds crunchiness.

5. Quinoa Salad
   Light and nutritious quinoa mixed with vegetables creates a healthy side full of protein.

6. Cucumber Salad
   This cool salad with sliced cucumbers in vinegar provides contrast to the hot stir fry.

7. Steamed Dumplings
   Soft dumplings filled with veggies or chicken perfectly complement the main dish’s flavors.

8. Sesame Green Beans
   Stir-fried green beans coated in sesame oil offer a simple but flavorful addition to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the meat thickness: Slicing the flank steak too thick can lead to uneven cooking. Always slice against the grain and aim for thin strips for a tender result.
• Overcrowding the pan: Packing too many ingredients in one go can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect sear.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning your stir fry can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you use enough soy sauce and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Not prepping ingredients ahead of time: Stir frying is a quick process. Failing to have all vegetables chopped and ready can slow you down and affect cooking times.
• Skipping the cornstarch step: Not coating the meat with cornstarch may result in a less thickened sauce. This step helps create a nice glaze on your stir fry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best quality.

Freezing STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread stir fry on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY:

What vegetables work well in STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY?

You can use bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or even zucchini. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?

Yes! Chicken or beef can be excellent alternatives if you prefer not to use shrimp.

How do I ensure my steak is tender in STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY?

Make sure to slice against the grain and marinate it briefly before cooking to enhance tenderness.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or flour as thickening agents, but adjust quantities accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This STEAK AND SHRIMP STIR FRY is not only quick but also packed with vibrant flavors and textures. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or sauces!