Introduction
Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice is a hearty, one-pan meal that brings together tender steak, juicy shrimp, and fragrant fried rice — all in under 30 minutes. It uses day-old rice so the grains stay separate and slightly crispy, while vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-brown sugar sauce make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish at home. Serve it with a drizzle of yum-yum sauce for a rich finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make — ready in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced proteins — steak for richness and shrimp for a sweet seafood note.
- Easy cleanup — everything cooks in one skillet or wok.
- Flexible ingredients — use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- Great for meal prep — makes a filling lunch or dinner with leftovers.
Ingredients (Makes about 4 servings)
- Ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Day-old cooked rice (cold rice works best)
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Green onions, sliced
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- High-heat oil (like avocado or peanut)
- Yum-yum sauce, for serving (optional, but recommended)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine some soy sauce with brown sugar. Toss the steak pieces in this mixture so they’re coated.
- In another bowl, do the same with the shrimp. Let both sit for a few minutes while you prep the veggies.
- Sear the Steak
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add oil and swirl to coat.
- Place the steak pieces in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1 minute on each side, or until browned.
- Remove the steak and set it aside.
- Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp in one layer.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until the edges turn pink, then flip and cook another minute until fully cooked and curled into a “C” shape.
- Remove the shrimp to the plate with the steak.
- Sauté Veggies
- Add more oil if needed, then add the onions and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, just until fragrant.
- Cook the Eggs
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and let them sit briefly, then scramble until just set.
- Mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
- Fry the Rice
- Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
- Drizzle in the remaining soy sauce and brown sugar. Stir everything continuously for 2–3 minutes, letting the rice heat through and develop a little crispiness.
- Combine Everything
- Return the cooked steak and shrimp to the skillet.
- Add the green onions and toss gently for about 30 seconds, just until everything is warmed and well mixed.
- Serve
- Serve the fried rice hot, with a side of yum-yum sauce if you like.
- Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Use day-old rice — fresh rice can become mushy while frying.
- Make sure your pan is very hot when searing steak to get a good caramelized crust.
- Don’t crowd the pan when cooking, or the proteins won’t sear properly.
- Stir constantly once the rice is added to keep it from sticking and to evenly reheat.
- Taste the rice after adding soy sauce and sugar — you can adjust the balance to your liking.
Variations & Options
- Swap the steak: Use flank, sirloin, or even leftover roast beef.
- Add more vegetables: Peas, bell peppers, or broccoli would all work beautifully.
- For more heat: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace steak and shrimp with tofu or a plant-based meat.
- Change the sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or add a splash of sesame oil for extra depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
A: You can, but the texture won’t be as good. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate uncovered for a few hours before frying.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook and store the steak, shrimp, and rice separately. Reheat all together in a skillet when ready to eat.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of soy sauce or water.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice is a hearty, savory dish that feels both indulgent and homey. The combination of juicy steak, sweet shrimp, fluffy rice, and savory sauce makes it a satisfying meal that looks and tastes like restaurant-style, but with none of the hassle. Give it a try for your next dinner — it’s likely to become a regular in your rotation.