Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry is a vibrant, delicious, and effortless dish that brings together the best of both worlds: juicy beef and succulent shrimp, all tossed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Pairing these proteins with fresh, colorful vegetables makes for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick weekend dinner. Whether you’re a fan of stir-fries or love the combination of surf and turf, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cook this dish in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for those who want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of beef, shrimp, and fresh vegetables offers a rich mix of proteins and vitamins, making it a complete, satisfying dish.
- Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Sauce: The star of this dish is the teriyaki sauce, which adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef, shrimp, and veggies.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out vegetables or proteins to suit your tastes, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry
For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz beef sirloin, thinly sliced (or any cut of beef you prefer)
- 8 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (for color and crunch)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (adds sweetness)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (rich in nutrients and color)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning)
- Cooked rice, for serving (the perfect base for the stir-fry)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade for convenience)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry
1. Marinate the Beef and Shrimp:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef sirloin and shrimp in a bowl. Pour teriyaki sauce over the protein, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let this marinate for 15-30 minutes to infuse the beef and shrimp with the rich flavors of the sauce. This step is quick but essential for achieving that deep teriyaki flavor.
2. Heat Oil in a Wok:
While the beef and shrimp are marinating, heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. The high heat will give the stir-fry a delicious, slightly charred finish.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef and Shrimp:
Once the wok is hot, add the marinated beef and shrimp. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, ensuring that the beef is browned and the shrimp turns pink and opaque. You want the beef to be cooked through but still tender, and the shrimp should be juicy and perfectly cooked. Remove them from the wok and set aside.
4. Add Vegetables:
In the same wok, add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want the vegetables to retain their crunch and vibrant color, so don’t overcook them.
5. Combine and Season:
Return the cooked beef and shrimp to the wok, adding them to the stir-fried vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve:
Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice. This creates the perfect base to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Why This Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry Works
- Flavor Harmony: The teriyaki sauce adds a beautiful balance of sweetness and saltiness, which pairs wonderfully with the savory beef and tender shrimp. The bell peppers and broccoli provide a crisp texture, creating a contrast that makes each bite exciting.
- Protein and Veggie Balance: Combining beef and shrimp gives you the best of both worlds. You get the rich flavor of beef with the light, sweet taste of shrimp, all while being complemented by healthy, crunchy vegetables.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the vegetables—add snap peas, carrots, or onions if you prefer! You can also use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different twist.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure a proper stir-fry, avoid overcrowding the wok. If you need to, cook the beef and shrimp in batches to allow for even cooking and a nice sear.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli add a lot of texture and flavor to the dish. Fresh shrimp and tender beef are also key to making the stir-fry feel special.
- Customize Your Protein: If you prefer all seafood, go ahead and use just shrimp. You can also substitute the beef for chicken or another protein of your choice.
Serving Suggestions
This Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry is perfect as a standalone meal with rice, but you can also serve it alongside other sides for a heartier feast. Here are a few ideas:
- Asian-Inspired Side Salad: Serve with a simple salad of cucumber, cabbage, and sesame dressing for extra freshness.
- Noodles: For a change, serve the stir-fry over lo mein noodles or udon noodles for a different texture.
- Steamed Dumplings: Pair with some steamed dumplings for a well-rounded Asian-inspired dinner.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess water in the stir-fry.
What if I don’t have a wok?
If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet or frying pan works just as well. Just make sure the pan is big enough to allow for even cooking and stir-frying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the beef, shrimp, and vegetables in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
This Teriyaki Surf and Turf Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of juicy beef, succulent shrimp, and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a deliciously sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Quick, customizable, and full of flavor, it’s everything you want in a stir-fry. Enjoy this meal over steamed rice, and don’t forget to savor every bite!