Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

Steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles bring together the best of both worlds—tender, marinated steak and juicy shrimp tossed with hearty rice noodles in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. This dish is a surf-and-turf fusion favorite, made with simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables, all cooked quickly in a hot skillet or wok. The result is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of textures and flavors: chewy rice noodles, crisp-tender vegetables, savory beef, succulent shrimp, and a stir-fry glaze that coats everything perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a healthier takeout alternative or a show-stopping homemade noodle dish, this recipe delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines surf and turf in one dish
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein
• Packed with umami from soy, oyster sauce, and broth
• A complete meal in one pan

This steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles recipe is versatile, hearty, and deeply satisfying, offering a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs. It’s also an ideal option for anyone looking to impress guests with minimal effort.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Stir-fries come together fast, so preparation is essential. Before you start cooking, have everything sliced, marinated, and mixed so the cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Wok or Skillet: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and proper tossing of ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the steak and mixing the sauce.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping steak and tossing noodles.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and meat evenly.

Importance of Each Tool

A wok distributes heat more evenly and allows you to stir-fry without overcrowding. A sharp chef’s knife ensures uniform slices, which helps everything cook at the same rate. Mixing bowls streamline prep work, and tongs or a spatula make flipping and stirring easier.

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Preparation Tips

• Marinate the Steak Early: This enhances flavor and keeps it tender when seared over high heat.
• Prep All Ingredients First: Chop vegetables, mix sauce, and soak noodles before turning on the stove.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook proteins in batches for proper browning.
• Use High Heat: Stir-fries should be cooked fast and hot for the best texture.

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Ingredients

For the Noodles & Protein

• 1/2 lb wide dried rice noodles (prepared according to package instructions)
• 1/2 lb steak, thinly sliced
• 8–10 shrimp, deveined and tails removed

Steak Marinade

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

Vegetables

• 1.5 cups assorted chopped vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts, onions, bell peppers, carrots, kale, broccoli florets)
• 2 tablespoons oil (plus more as needed)

Sauce

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

Garnish

• Green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Steak:
   In a bowl, combine steak slices with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In another bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Cook the Steak:
   Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the steak slices for about 1 minute per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the chopped vegetables for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
   Add shrimp to the vegetables and stir-fry until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
   Return the steak to the pan. Add the soaked and drained rice noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss well until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Stir in green onions, remove from heat, and serve hot. Add chili crisp or red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.

How to Serve Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles Like a Pro

Once your steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles are off the heat, it’s time to plate them in a way that brings out their full appeal. Presentation matters, especially with stir-fry dishes that are colorful, aromatic, and loaded with texture.

Plating Tips

• Use wide, shallow bowls to let the noodles and toppings shine.
• Tuck the shrimp and steak slices slightly on top for visual contrast.
• Sprinkle sliced green onions or a dash of sesame seeds for added color and freshness.
• Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

Optional Garnishes

• Lime wedges for brightness
• Crushed peanuts for crunch
• A drizzle of sesame oil or chili oil for richness and heat

These garnishes don’t just elevate flavor—they also enhance the look and feel of the meal. It turns a simple stir-fry into a restaurant-quality dish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with simple recipes, small errors can affect flavor and texture. Here are the most common pitfalls when cooking steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles, along with how to avoid them.

1. Overcooking the Steak or Shrimp

Steak and shrimp both cook quickly. Overcooking leads to tough, dry steak and rubbery shrimp. Always use high heat and short cooking times—1 minute per side for steak, and just until the shrimp turns pink and curls into a “C”.

2. Overcrowding the Pan

Too many ingredients in the pan at once cause steaming instead of searing. This results in soggy vegetables and chewy meat. Cook in batches if necessary.

3. Using Cold Ingredients

Cold noodles or vegetables can drop the pan’s temperature. Always bring refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before cooking to ensure a fast, even stir-fry.

4. Skipping the Marination

The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the steak. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re short on time. A 20-minute marinade can make a big difference.

5. Not Mixing the Sauce Thoroughly

Cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom of the bowl. Whisk the sauce again just before pouring it into the pan to avoid clumps and ensure the sauce thickens properly.

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Perfecting Your Stir-Fried Noodles

To make the best version of steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles, these finishing tips can help you dial in both flavor and texture.

Let the Sauce Simmer Briefly

Once the sauce hits the hot pan, let it simmer for 30–60 seconds. This allows the cornstarch to thicken and creates that glossy coating that clings to the noodles.

Toss Evenly

Use tongs or a wide spatula to toss the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Every piece of meat, noodle, and vegetable should be coated with the sauce.

Taste Before Serving

Every soy sauce and broth brand varies in saltiness. Taste your noodles before serving and adjust with more soy sauce, sugar, or lime juice as needed.

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Best Side Dishes for Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles

While this dish is satisfying on its own, a side can round out the meal or help serve a crowd. Here are eight side dish options that pair beautifully with steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles.

1. Asian Cucumber Salad

Crisp, tangy, and refreshing, cucumber salad adds contrast to the rich stir-fry. Dress with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar.

2. Garlic Edamame

Quick and packed with protein, garlic sautéed edamame makes a great finger-food starter.

3. Miso Soup

A light and savory soup that opens the palate without overpowering the main dish.

4. Pickled Radish or Kimchi

Fermented sides bring acidity and complexity to the meal. A small serving of kimchi cuts through the richness of the sauce.

5. Scallion Pancakes

Crispy and chewy, scallion pancakes offer a carb-on-carb experience that’s perfect for hungry eaters.

6. Sesame Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce complements the vegetable mix in the noodles.

7. Spring Rolls

Whether fresh or fried, spring rolls bring texture and variety. Dip them in soy sauce or sweet chili for an extra kick.

8. Jasmine Rice

While this dish includes noodles, plain jasmine rice is a great backup side if serving a group. It can absorb extra sauce and extend the meal.

Expert Tips to Make It Even Better

Small adjustments can elevate steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles from good to outstanding. These tips focus on precision, flavor layering, and maximizing texture.

Slice the Steak Against the Grain

Always cut steak thinly and against the grain. This breaks down muscle fibers and ensures each bite is tender, especially after high-heat cooking.

Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger

While ground ginger works in a pinch, freshly grated ginger and minced garlic offer much deeper flavor. Sauté them briefly in oil before adding vegetables for an aromatic base.

Soak Rice Noodles Just Right

Rice noodles only need to be soaked until they are pliable, not soft. Over-soaking results in sticky, overcooked noodles. Follow package instructions and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

Preheat Your Wok or Skillet

Heat the pan before adding oil. This prevents sticking and allows proteins to sear properly. A hot pan is key to creating that signature stir-fry texture.

Finish With Acid

A small squeeze of lime juice or splash of rice vinegar right before serving helps balance the richness of the sauce and brighten the dish.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles are best served fresh, but they store well if handled correctly.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy noodles.
• If planning to store long term, consider separating the noodles from the protein and vegetables to reheat more evenly.

How to Reheat Without Ruining Texture

Best Method: Skillet

• Add a small amount of oil or water to a nonstick pan.
• Reheat over medium heat, tossing frequently, until everything is warmed through.
• This method revives the texture better than the microwave.

Quick Option: Microwave

• Microwave in a loosely covered bowl at 50–70% power in 30-second intervals.
• Stir between intervals to avoid hot spots.
• Avoid over-microwaving, which can make shrimp rubbery and noodles mushy.

Can You Freeze This Dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze the dish as a whole due to the rice noodles, which often become gummy after thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked steak, shrimp, and sauce separately, then reheat and toss with freshly soaked noodles when ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles ahead of time?

Yes, but stir-fry is best when served fresh. If making ahead, prep the components—slice and marinate the steak, chop vegetables, mix the sauce, and soak noodles right before cooking. Cooked leftovers are still good for up to 3 days when stored properly.

What kind of steak works best for stir-fry?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are great options. They’re flavorful and tender when sliced thinly and cooked quickly over high heat.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect searing and sauce consistency.

How do I prevent stir-fry noodles from sticking together?

Rinse soaked noodles with cold water and toss them in a small amount of oil before cooking. This helps them stay separate when tossed in the pan.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not entirely. Soy sauce and oyster sauce typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes. Scramble an egg in the hot pan before adding the vegetables for extra richness and protein. Make sure to cook it fully before continuing with the rest of the steps.

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Conclusion

Steak and shrimp stir-fried noodles offer a perfect balance of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and weeknight convenience. With juicy steak, tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and chewy rice noodles all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish checks every box for a well-rounded, flavorful meal.

It’s versatile enough to adapt with different proteins or vegetables and simple enough to cook even on a busy evening. By following a few key techniques—like proper marination, hot pan cooking, and balanced seasoning—you’ll consistently create a stir-fry that rivals your favorite takeout.

Whether served on its own or paired with a light side, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.