Introduction
🍴 Imagine transforming everyday ingredients into a mouth-watering, restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Our Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is a game-changer, combining the richness of steak, the succulence of shrimp, and the depth of spicy garlic in a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. On https://us.ratemyrecipes.com, we’re all about comfort food that brings people together, and this recipe embodies that spirit. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful dish! 🍲
Why This Works
🤩 This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and accessibility. The spicy kick from the garlic and chili flakes complements the tenderness of the steak and shrimp, while the soy sauce and olive oil add a savory depth. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly quick to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a fast dinner solution or an adventurous cook seeking to try something new, this Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is an excellent choice. 🍜
Key Ingredients
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for serving)
🍖 1.5 lbs steak (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
🐟 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🌶 1 tsp chili flakes
🌿 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow), sliced
🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms
🌸 2 tbsp soy sauce
🥖 1 tsp olive oil
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Start by preparing your ingredients. Slice the steak into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Peel and deveine the shrimp, and mince the garlic. Slice the bell peppers and mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the chili flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
5️⃣ Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
6️⃣ Return the cooked steak to the skillet and stir in the soy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the ingredients are well combined.
7️⃣ Serve the Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a pat of unsalted butter, if desired.
Handy Tips
👩🍳 To ensure the steak cooks evenly, slice it into thin strips and cook it in batches if necessary.
🍳 Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
👌 Don’t overcook the shrimp – they should be pink and tender, but still retain some firmness.
Heat Control
🔥 When cooking the steak and shrimp, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect level of doneness. Medium-high heat is ideal for searing the steak, while medium heat is better suited for cooking the shrimp and vegetables. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether.
Crunch Factor
🌮 The combination of crunchy bell peppers, tender steak, and succulent shrimp creates a delightful texture contrast in this recipe. To enhance the crunch factor, add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds, to the dish before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
🤫 To add an extra layer of flavor to the dish, marinate the steak and shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
👀 Use a skillet or wok with a non-stick surface to prevent the ingredients from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
📝 Keep a stash of pre-minced garlic and chili flakes in your pantry to save time during meal prep.
Storage Tips
📦 To store leftovers, allow the Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of soy sauce or water if necessary to restore the sauce.
Gift Packaging Ideas
🎁 While this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s also a great idea for a gift. Package the cooked Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry in a decorative container, such as a Chinese takeout box or a microwave-safe bowl, and add a packet of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Include a pair of chopsticks and a fortune cookie for a fun and unexpected touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Try these twists to add some excitement to the recipe:
🌟 Add some diced pineapple or mango to the skillet for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
🌟 Substitute the steak with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
🌟 Add some chopped fresh cilantro or basil to the dish for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
🌟 Use different types of protein, such as scallops or pork, to create a unique and exciting variation.
Troubleshooting
🤔 Common issues and fixes:
* Steak is overcooked: Cook the steak in batches and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired level of doneness.
* Shrimp is undercooked: Cook the shrimp for an additional minute or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
* Sauce is too thick: Add a splash of soy sauce or water to thin out the sauce.
* Vegetables are overcooked: Stir-fry the vegetables for a shorter amount of time or add them towards the end of cooking.
FAQ
🤔 Frequently asked questions:
* Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.
* Can I substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos? Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
* Can I add other ingredients, such as carrots or broccoli, to the stir-fry? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Is this recipe spicy? Yes, but you can reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Conclusion
👫 And that’s it! Our Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with us on https://us.ratemyrecipes.com. Happy cooking, and we look forward to seeing your delicious dishes! 🍴👍
Spicy Garlic Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry
A quick and delicious family meal featuring tender steak and succulent shrimp, stir-fried with garlic and a spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the steak and shrimp to the skillet. Add the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Tips
- For extra flavor, let the steak marinate for up to an hour.
- Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference.