High-Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry

High-Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Meat Lover’s Dream with a Nutritional Punch

Are you craving a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious? This High-Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry offers the best of both worlds—a hearty, flavorful dish packed with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and a bright, savory sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or simply want a satisfying dinner, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Steak and shrimp might seem like an unusual combination, but here they complement each other beautifully. The rich, robust flavor of the steak balances perfectly with the sweet, delicate taste of shrimp. Stir-frying ensures both proteins stay tender and juicy, while the fresh veggies add crunch and nutrients. Plus, the vibrant sauce layered with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat makes every bite exciting and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s everything you need to create this protein-packed masterpiece. The ingredients are separated by their purpose to make prep easy and organized.

For the Steak and Shrimp:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 8 ounces (225 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for marinating)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a bowl.
  2. Place the thinly sliced flank steak into the marinade and toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes; for more flavor, extend up to 30 minutes.
  3. About 10 minutes before cooking, add the shrimp to the marinade and let them soak in those flavors.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add the marinated steak pieces in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned, then flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside (they will finish cooking later).
  6. In the same pan, add a little extra oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  7. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
  8. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, flipping once.
  9. Return the steak to the pan, then pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
  10. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the steak to finish cooking.
  11. Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference.
  12. Turn off the heat, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
  13. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a wholesome, protein-rich meal.

Recipe Information

  • Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 30-45 minutes
  • Servings: 2-3 people
  • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Tips & Variations

  • Slice steak against the grain: This ensures your steak stays tender and easy to chew.
  • Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly; remove them from heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque to avoid rubberiness.
  • Customize your veggies: Swap in snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or whatever you have on hand to keep the dish fresh and seasonal.
  • Marinate shrimp briefly: Shrimp soak up flavors quickly, so avoid marinating more than 30 minutes to prevent texture changes.
  • Keep it hot and fast: Use a very hot pan and keep ingredients moving while stir-frying to get that perfect sear without steaming.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
  • Make-ahead: You can prep and marinate the steak and shrimp a few hours ahead, keeping them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 48g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g

Conclusion

This High-Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry is the perfect meal for anyone juggling a busy schedule but not willing to compromise on taste or nutrition. It’s a colorful, flavorful dish that delivers on protein and vitamins, all while being relatively quick and simple to prepare.

Serve it over your favorite grain, and pair with a light Asian-inspired salad or steamed greens for a complete, balanced meal. Don’t forget to share your experience and any tweaks you made in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!

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