If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly combines the richness of land and sea, you’re in for a treat with this Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed meal where tender, juicy steak meets succulent shrimp, all tossed together with fresh veggies and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sauce. This recipe is not just satisfying but also a colorful celebration of textures and tastes that come together in about 25 minutes—making it ideal for a go-to weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each component carefully selected to deliver deep umami, freshness, and balance. From the hearty steak and shrimp to the crisp bell peppers and wilted greens, every ingredient adds its own charm to the dish’s texture and flavor profile.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles: These provide the perfect chewy and slippery base to soak up the sauce.
- 8 oz steak (sirloin or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds a sweet, briny contrast to the beef.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant color and a subtle crunch.
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy: Offers a fresh, leafy balance.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant foundation to the stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds a zesty kick and warmth.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers salty, umami depth.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Provides savory richness and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances flavors with gentle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided): Enhances the dish with a nutty aroma.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Finish with a fresh, mild onion crunch.
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for stir-frying): Essential for a good sear and stir-fry crispiness.
- 2 tablespoons water (optional): Helps loosen up the sauce to coat the noodles beautifully.
How to Make Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Begin by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking. Cooking the noodles ahead is a small step that ensures they stay perfectly chewy and ready to soak up the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced steak, searing it for 1 to 2 minutes per side to lock in those savory juices and create a caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the steak and set it aside—trust me, this quick sear sets the stage for incredible flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, quickly cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks super fast, so keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook and become rubbery. Remove the shrimp and set aside alongside the steak.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the remaining cooking oil to the pan and toss in the thinly sliced bell pepper, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the peppers start to soften. Then, add the baby spinach or bok choy and stir until just wilted, keeping those greens vibrant and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine Surf & Turf with Noodles
Now, bring the steak and shrimp back into the pan. Add the cooked noodles along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in up to 2 tablespoons of water to loosen it so everything gets beautifully coated. Toss all the ingredients together well and heat through to marry the flavors.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the stir-fry for that irresistible nutty aroma. Scatter chopped green onions on top to add a burst of freshness and a little crunch. Serve your stunning Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe immediately while it’s hot and bubbly.
How to Serve Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish even further, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a few red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. A wedge of lime on the side can add a zesty brightness that perfectly complements the savory and sweet notes in the stir-fry.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands brilliantly on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or garlic roasted asparagus. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette also brightens the meal and provides a refreshing crunch contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish family-style in a large vibrant bowl garnished with plenty of fresh herbs makes for a visually stunning and inviting meal. For a special touch, try wrapping the stir-fry in large lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld option that adds extra freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier second-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the shrimp and noodles may change slightly after thawing. For best quality, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain a good texture, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of sesame oil if things seem dry. Avoid microwaving to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the noodles from losing their bite.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are ideal for their texture, you can substitute with udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices because they’re tender and flavorful. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate them well or slice them super thin.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the steak and shrimp for firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms to keep the hearty texture and umami flavors vibrant.
Is it possible to prep parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and cool the noodles, slice the vegetables, and even marinate the steak a few hours ahead, making the final stir-fry quick and stress-free.
How spicy is this dish?
As written, the recipe is mild and well balanced. If you enjoy a kick, consider adding chili flakes, fresh chili slices, or sriracha for a spicy layer that complements the savory-sweet sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together some of the best flavors and textures from both sea and land. It’s approachable, quick, and loaded with vibrant color and richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. I really encourage you to try it out—you’ll see how effortlessly this dish can become a new favorite in your meal rotation!
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Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry with Steak and Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Surf & Turf Noodle Stir-Fry combines tender steak and succulent shrimp with colorful vegetables and flavorful sauces for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish features lo mein noodles tossed with a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, perfect for a weeknight meal that impresses.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 8 oz steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles, cooked and rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauces & Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for loosening sauce)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Sear Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced steak and sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining cooking oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the sliced bell peppers, minced garlic, and ginger for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Then add the baby spinach or bok choy and continue stir-frying until wilted.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the seared steak and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked lo mein noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water if the mixture seems dry. Toss everything together thoroughly and heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Give it a final toss and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during the vegetable stir-fry step.
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with rice noodles or spaghetti if preferred.
- Ensure not to overcook the steak and shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check the oyster sauce ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
