Description

Some recipes just feel like home—and this Steak & Shrimp Stir-Fried Noodles dish is exactly that kind of comforting classic. It brings together tender strips of steak, juicy shrimp, and noodles tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every strand. It’s the kind of dish you’d expect to find sizzling in a bustling kitchen, filled with laughter and clinking chopsticks, and the smell of garlic and sesame filling the air.

I remember the first time I had a dish like this—it was a cold evening, and we had a small family get-together after not seeing each other for months. My aunt whipped this up using leftover steak from the night before and some frozen shrimp she always kept on hand for quick meals. She added soy sauce, garlic, a hint of sesame, and some noodles she had tucked away in the pantry. It was fast, but it tasted like she’d spent hours on it. That became a tradition of sorts—every time we got together, someone made a stir-fried noodle dish, each one a little different, but always satisfying.

This particular version blends the richness of seared steak with the light, briny bite of shrimp, all tossed in a perfectly balanced stir-fry sauce that’s equal parts savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with umami. It’s a crowd-pleaser and an absolute go-to for weeknights when you want something special but quick.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz noodles (lo mein, egg noodles, or any stir-fry noodles of your choice)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 lb steak, thinly sliced (flank or sirloin works great)

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)

2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Toss them with a splash of sesame oil to keep them from clumping together—plus, it adds a nice depth of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced steak. Sear it quickly on both sides—just until browned and tender. This only takes a couple of minutes. Remove the steak and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In the same pan, toss in your shrimp. They cook fast—about 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and start to curl. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside with the steak.

Step 4: Aromatics & Sauce

Lower the heat slightly, then add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing well to create a rich, glossy base.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the steak and shrimp. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle in the black pepper, sesame seeds, chili flakes (if using), and green onions. Stir-fry everything for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately while it’s hot and glossy. It’s perfect on its own or with a side of steamed veggies or an egg roll.

Notes

You can easily double this recipe for a larger group or prep the ingredients ahead of time for a super quick weeknight dinner. It also makes excellent leftovers—just reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles.