The Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice combines the best of both worlds succulent seafood and savory beef into one mouthwatering dish. Sautéed with garlic, soy, hoisin, and oyster sauce, this fried rice delivers a punch of flavor with every bite. The tender steak pairs beautifully with the sweet shrimp, while the aromatic jasmine rice binds it all together in umami perfection.
This quick stir-fry is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or even casual entertaining. The contrast between the crispy-edged rice, velvety scrambled eggs, and juicy proteins gives this dish depth and comfort. Whether you serve it in a bowl or on a hot plate, it’s a vibrant fusion of taste and texture that brings restaurant-quality satisfaction straight to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 lb steak, thinly sliced
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2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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Add the remaining sesame oil, then sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
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Stir in the peas and carrots and cook until tender.
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Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble until fully cooked.
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Add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with vegetables and eggs.
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Return the shrimp and steak to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a mouthwatering celebration of textures and flavors, combining the rich savoriness of seared beef with the sweet succulence of tender shrimp. This surf-and-turf dish takes the classic Asian fried rice recipe and gives it a bold, protein-packed upgrade. With aromatic garlic, vibrant vegetables, fluffy jasmine rice, and a perfect medley of soy-based sauces, this one-pan wonder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Often associated with restaurant-style hibachi cooking, Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice brings that same level of flair and indulgence to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and elevated dining an easy-to-make, deeply satisfying recipe that’s great for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
What makes this dish truly irresistible is the harmony of its elements. You have tender slices of seared steak, which bring rich umami notes to the dish, contrasted by juicy, lightly browned shrimp that add a delicate sweetness. Together, they infuse the rice with flavor while maintaining their unique identities.
The dish is cooked using sesame oil for depth, garlic and onions for aromatic undertones, and classic Asian condiments like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin for that signature sweet-savory finish. The vegetables usually peas, carrots, and green onions add color, texture, and a nutritional boost.
Another great reason to love this dish is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand. Whether you want to add scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, or substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice, it’s endlessly customizable.
Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights
Despite its gourmet feel, Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is incredibly quick to make. It uses day-old rice, which helps achieve that ideal slightly crispy texture, and it comes together in one skillet or wok cutting down on dishes and cleanup. If you’re the type of home cook who wants maximum reward for minimal effort, this recipe is your perfect match.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this meal scales easily. You can double it for leftovers or meal prep, and it reheats beautifully for a satisfying second-day lunch.
Origins and Inspirations Behind the Dish
Fried rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese, Thai, and Japanese. Traditionally, it was a way to use up leftover rice and scraps of meat and vegetables, transforming simple ingredients into something delicious and practical.
The surf-and-turf twist adding both seafood and red meat is a more modern, Western-influenced variation that brings restaurant-style luxury to home cooking. Hibachi restaurants popularized steak and shrimp combinations, especially in teppanyaki-style presentations where proteins are cooked on an iron griddle in front of guests.
This dish draws on both the cultural heritage of fried rice and the theatrical flair of surf-and-turf dining, creating a satisfying fusion that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Health and Nutrition Benefits
Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice isn’t just delicious it can also be nutritious when made with mindful ingredient choices. Shrimp is low in calories and rich in lean protein, selenium, and vitamin B12. Steak provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting energy levels and muscle maintenance.
The vegetables contribute fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Opting for jasmine rice or even brown rice gives the dish a satisfying base with a soft and slightly sticky texture. By using sesame oil and controlling your soy sauce content, you can make this recipe relatively low in saturated fat and sodium compared to takeout alternatives.
Want to go even healthier? Swap out white rice for cauliflower rice, use leaner cuts of steak like sirloin, and include additional vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice turns out restaurant-worthy, here are a few key tips to avoid common pitfalls:
- Using fresh rice instead of cold, day-old rice: Fresh rice is too moist and clumpy, which can lead to a soggy dish. Chilled, day-old rice separates beautifully and allows for proper frying.
- Overcooking the shrimp and steak: Both proteins cook quickly. Sear the steak just until browned and cook the shrimp only until pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them rubbery and tough.
- Not prepping ingredients ahead: Stir-frying moves fast, so it’s important to have all your ingredients chopped and sauces ready before you start cooking.
- Skipping the high heat: A good fried rice needs high heat to achieve that slightly crisp texture and deep, seared flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Use a large skillet or wok and avoid crowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few complementary sides or drinks:
- Appetizers: Try pairing with spring rolls, egg drop soup, or edamame.
- Drinks: A crisp, cold beer or sparkling water with lime pairs well. For wine lovers, go with a light Riesling or chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
- Garnishes: A drizzle of sriracha, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds extra depth.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, you can serve this alongside a platter of teriyaki chicken skewers or miso-glazed vegetables for a beautiful, multi-course Asian-inspired spread.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, consider these fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
- Hawaiian Twist: Toss in diced pineapple for a tropical sweet-salty combo.
- Teriyaki Flavor: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki glaze for a sweeter profile.
- Egg Fried Rice Base: Incorporate scrambled eggs into the rice for extra richness.
- Extra Veggies: Include snow peas, mushrooms, corn, or baby spinach for more fiber and flavor.
Why This Dish Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
Few dishes check as many boxes as Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice. It’s fast, flavorful, filling, and flexible. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or whip up a fast meal with leftovers, this recipe delivers. It’s a satisfying, umami-rich dish that appeals to both meat lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients just a hot skillet, a few pantry staples, and quality proteins. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste by giving new life to leftover rice and vegetables.
Conclusion: A Stir-Fry That Stands Out
Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice is more than just another fried rice recipe it’s an exciting blend of surf and turf, flavor and texture, convenience and indulgence. It draws from global culinary traditions to create something that feels both familiar and special. With just 30 minutes and a few fresh ingredients, you can transform your dinner table into a sizzling hibachi-style feast.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to do with leftover rice or looking for a new favorite stir-fry, give this dish a try. It might just become your go-to comfort food.
Let the wok sizzle. The flavors dance. And dinner? Absolutely unforgettable.