Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles is a savory, protein-packed, Asian-inspired dish that brings together the rich, umami flavors of tender beef, succulent shrimp, and hearty rice noodles. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity: a one-pan stir-fry that combines marinated steak, quick-seared shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a silky, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a weeknight dinner winner that’s bold enough to impress at dinner parties.

This noodle bowl takes cues from classic Asian stir-fry techniques while delivering a surf-and-turf experience in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fast 30-minute meal or a satisfying dinner with depth and texture, this recipe checks every box.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – With just a few steps and minimal prep, dinner is ready in under 35 minutes.
• Versatile – Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Deep flavors, glossy sauce, and the perfect noodle texture elevate this dish.
• Balanced – The blend of tender steak, juicy shrimp, chewy noodles, and crunchy vegetables delivers complete satisfaction.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for reheating, making it ideal for lunch the next day.

Preparation Phase

Success in stir-frying starts with preparation. Stir-frying happens quickly over high heat, so having all your ingredients ready and within reach before turning on the stove is crucial. Slice your steak thinly across the grain, clean and devein the shrimp, and chop all vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Soak or cook your rice noodles as directed on the package and drain thoroughly.

Preparation Tip: Keep proteins, vegetables, sauce, and noodles in separate bowls for seamless cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

To execute Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles perfectly, these tools are essential:

• Wok or Large Skillet – Ideal for even heat distribution and quick cooking
• Sharp Knife – For precise slicing of steak and vegetables
• Mixing Bowls – For marinating, mixing sauce, and holding prepped ingredients
• Cutting Board – Use separate boards for meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination
• Spatula or Tongs – For tossing ingredients evenly without breaking the noodles

Importance of Each Tool

Using a wok allows for proper searing and caramelization, thanks to its high sides and efficient heat flow. A sharp knife ensures your steak slices remain tender. Tongs give you control over flipping proteins, while a wide spatula helps toss noodles without them sticking or clumping.

Preparation Tips for Success

• Freeze the steak for 15 minutes before slicing to make thinner cuts easier.
• Use high smoke point oil like avocado or peanut oil to avoid burning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear steak and shrimp in batches if needed.
• Stir-fry quickly and keep everything moving in the pan.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need, divided into categories for easy shopping and prep.

For the Noodles & Protein

• ½ lb wide dried rice noodles (prepared according to package)
• ½ lb steak, thinly sliced across the grain
• 8–10 shrimp, deveined and tails removed

Steak Marinade

• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Vegetables (about 1.5 cups total)

• Shaved Brussels sprouts
• Sliced onions
• Bell peppers (any color)
• Julienned carrots
• Kale or spinach
• Broccoli florets

Choose any combination of the above based on seasonality or preference.

Sauce

• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Optional: chili crisp or red pepper flakes (for heat)

Garnish

• Green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Additional chili oil, if desired

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Steak
   In a bowl, combine sliced steak with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and adds depth of flavor.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Sear the Steak
   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 1 minute per side. Do not overcrowd. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
   Add more oil to the wok if needed. Toss in the chopped vegetables. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp
   Add shrimp to the vegetables. Stir-fry until pink and curled into a C-shape, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything
   Return steak to the pan. Add drained noodles and the sauce. Toss quickly and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Stir in green onions. Remove from heat and serve hot. Add chili crisp or flakes for heat if desired.

Variation Tip: Substitute tofu for a vegetarian version or use udon noodles for a chewier texture.

Serving Suggestions for Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles is best served hot, straight from the wok. The noodles absorb flavor as they sit, so the sooner it’s plated, the more vibrant the taste. This dish stands well on its own as a full meal, but there are ways to elevate your presentation and enhance the dining experience.

Serve the noodles in shallow bowls to highlight the glossy sauce and vibrant vegetables. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or a light drizzle of chili crisp for heat and visual appeal. A wedge of lime on the side adds brightness and contrast, especially if your sauce leans rich or salty.

Occasions to Serve:

• Casual family dinners
• Meal-prep lunches
• Weekend gatherings
• Fast yet impressive date-night meals

Beverage Pairings:

• Green tea for a light, refreshing complement
• Light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Crisp Asian lagers to balance spice and richness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Achieving the perfect steak and shrimp stir-fry comes down to precision and timing. These are some of the most common missteps home cooks make—and how to avoid them.

1. Overcooking the Steak or Shrimp

Thinly sliced steak cooks in under two minutes. Shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking either protein can make them dry or rubbery.

Solution:
Cook proteins separately and remove them from heat as soon as they’re done. Add them back only at the final toss.

2. Soggy or Sticky Noodles

Noodles that aren’t drained or rinsed well can clump together and become mushy when stir-fried.

Solution:
Cook noodles just until tender, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a little oil before adding to the wok.

3. Not Prepping Ingredients Before Cooking

Stir-frying happens quickly. If ingredients aren’t ready, it’s easy to burn or overcook what’s in the pan.

Solution:
Practice mise en place: have every component prepped and within arm’s reach before turning on the stove.

4. Using the Wrong Pan

A small or flat pan won’t distribute heat evenly or allow ingredients to sear.

Solution:
Use a carbon steel wok or a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet that retains high heat and offers space for tossing.

How to Perfect the Recipe Every Time

Consistency in this dish comes from a few key habits.

• Use high heat for searing and stir-frying. Medium-high to high is ideal.
• Work in batches if your pan is small. Crowding leads to steaming, not browning.
• Toss ingredients continuously while cooking to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Taste the sauce before adding. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or heat to suit your palate.
• Rest the steak for 2–3 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Bonus Tip: Add the sauce only once everything is in the pan to avoid premature thickening or burning.

Best Side Dishes for Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

While this stir-fry is a full meal on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can round out your table. Here are eight options that enhance the flavors without overpowering them.

1. Steamed or Pan-Fried Dumplings

Lightly crisped dumplings filled with pork or vegetables pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the noodles. Serve with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.

2. Asian Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy, and mildly sweet, this salad helps balance the warmth of the stir-fry. Toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.

3. Kimchi

Fermented and spicy, kimchi adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the noodles. Its probiotics also aid digestion.

4. Crispy Spring Rolls

Vegetable or shrimp spring rolls add crisp texture. Serve with sweet chili or hoisin dipping sauce.

5. Miso Soup

A light, savory soup with tofu and seaweed that cleanses the palate. It’s warm, comforting, and doesn’t compete with bolder flavors.

6. Edamame with Sea Salt

Simple yet satisfying. Boiled edamame tossed with flaky sea salt offers a healthy side with a nutty bite.

7. Pickled Vegetables

Quick-pickled carrots, daikon, or red onions cut through the umami with acidity and brightness.

8. Garlic Green Beans

Stir-fried green beans with garlic and sesame oil echo the flavors in the noodle dish and add a vegetal crunch.

Expert Recipe Tips and Variations

Perfecting Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles requires both precision and flexibility. Below are tested tips and creative ideas to make this dish your own, whether you’re looking for a classic stir-fry or a unique spin.

Use Fresh Aromatics

Fresh garlic and ginger can dramatically enhance the base flavor. If using fresh, sauté them briefly in oil before adding vegetables for maximum impact.

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

For tender results, choose well-marbled cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin. Slice thinly against the grain to preserve texture.

Marinate for Flavor and Texture

A 20-minute marinade with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Don’t skip this step.

Customize Your Vegetables

Stir-fried noodles are ideal for using up seasonal or leftover produce. Bok choy, snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn work well.

Switch Up the Noodles

If rice noodles aren’t available, try lo mein, soba, or udon. Each provides a different texture but absorbs the sauce effectively.

Boost the Heat

If you prefer a spicier profile, add chili garlic sauce, gochujang, or crushed red pepper flakes directly into the sauce mixture.

Add a Crunch Element

Top the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a textural contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and reheating ensure the dish retains its flavor and texture even days after preparation.

How to Store

Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
• Store sauce separately if making a double batch

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat.

1. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the noodles.
2. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
3. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause shrimp to overcook and noodles to become rubbery.

Note: This dish is not freezer-friendly. The noodles lose texture after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other noodles in this recipe?

Yes. Soba, lo mein, or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. Adjust cooking time based on the noodle type and ensure they’re not overcooked before stir-frying.

How do I keep noodles from getting soggy?

Do not overcook the noodles initially. Rinse them under cold water and toss lightly in oil to prevent sticking before adding to the stir-fry.

Is steak and shrimp a good combination?

Absolutely. The rich, savory flavor of beef complements the sweetness and tenderness of shrimp, creating a balanced surf-and-turf experience.

What sauces go well with shrimp and steak?

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil are great foundational flavors. You can also explore black bean sauce or teriyaki for variety.

What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Use oils with high smoke points such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil, which can burn at high heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free rice noodles. Ensure your oyster sauce is also labeled gluten-free.

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can marinate the steak, chop vegetables, and prepare the sauce ahead of time. However, for best results, cook everything fresh right before serving.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken it when heated. If it’s too thin, cook a little longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

How should I slice steak for stir-fry?

Slice thinly across the grain. Freezing the steak for 15–20 minutes makes thin slicing easier.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Store portions in individual containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles is a flexible, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines bold seasoning, quality proteins, and crisp vegetables into a single wok. With the right technique and ingredients, you can recreate restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen in under 35 minutes.

Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or adapt it to your own tastes, this dish offers a delicious way to explore Asian-inspired cooking without overwhelming prep or complexity.

Experiment with ingredients, adjust spice levels, and try new side pairings. The foundation of tender steak, juicy shrimp, and stir-fried noodles remains endlessly adaptable. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to this reliable, crowd-pleasing favorite.