Honey Garlic Steak Shrimp

This honey garlic steak and shrimp over yellow rice has become my go to recipe when I want to create something that looks and tastes restaurant quality but can be made in my own kitchen on a busy weeknight. The combination of tender beef and succulent shrimp glazed in a sticky sweet and savory sauce paired with aromatic turmeric scented rice creates a complete meal that never fails to impress. What started as an attempt to use up leftover steak has evolved into one of our most celebrated family dinners that makes even ordinary Tuesday nights feel special.

I first created this dish when my husband was craving surf and turf but our budget called for something more creative than the steakhouse version. Now our friends request this recipe every time we host dinner parties because they cannot believe how elegant it looks and tastes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb shrimp: peeled and deveined provides sweet oceanic flavor and quick cooking protein
• 1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak: cut into bite sized pieces offers rich beefy flavor and tender texture
• 2 tbsp olive oil: divided for searing and cooking without sticking
• 2 tbsp honey: creates the sticky glaze that coats everything beautifully
• 1 tbsp soy sauce: adds umami depth and balances the sweetness
• 3 cloves garlic: minced brings aromatic pungency that ties all flavors together
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: adds subtle warmth and beautiful color
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: to taste for proper seasoning
• 1 small onion: chopped provides aromatic sweetness and texture
• 1/2 green bell pepper: chopped adds color crunch and mild pepper flavor
• 1 cup long grain white rice: the foundation that absorbs all the wonderful flavors
• 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: creates flavorful rice instead of plain water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder: gives the rice its gorgeous golden color and earthy flavor
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder: adds warm spice complexity to the rice

When selecting shrimp choose ones that smell like the ocean not fishy and feel firm to the touch. For steak sirloin works wonderfully but ribeye adds extra richness if your budget allows. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference over pre minced so take the extra minute to mince your own.

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatic Yellow Rice:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add rice turmeric cumin and a generous pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice becomes fragrant and the spices coat every grain. This toasting step is crucial for developing deep flavor in the finished rice.

Cook Rice to Perfection:

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pan and bring to a rolling boil. Once boiling reduce heat to low cover tightly and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is completely absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes then fluff gently with a fork. The rice should be separate and golden throughout.

Sauté the Vegetables:

While rice cooks heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the hot oil. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened and develop slight charred edges. The onions should be translucent and peppers tender crisp. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sear the Steak Pieces:

Season steak pieces generously on all sides with salt pepper and smoked paprika. Increase skillet heat to high and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil begins to smoke add seasoned steak pieces in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized. The goal is a beautiful crust while keeping the interior medium rare. Remove steak and set aside with vegetables.

Cook Shrimp and Create Glaze:

Reduce skillet heat to medium and add shrimp to the same pan. Cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. Add minced garlic honey and soy sauce to the pan. Stir everything together and let the sauce bubble and caramelize for 1 minute until it becomes glossy and thick enough to coat the shrimp.

Combine Everything Together:

Return the seared steak and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the glazed shrimp. Toss everything gently until all components are well coated in the honey garlic sauce. The sauce should cling to every piece creating a beautiful glossy finish.

Plate and Serve Immediately:

Spoon warm yellow rice onto serving plates as the base. Top with the honey glazed steak shrimp and vegetables arranging them attractively over the rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Save

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Store leftover components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain the best texture and flavor. The rice keeps well and can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of broth. The steak and shrimp mixture reheats best in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to prevent overcooking the proteins. For meal prep portion everything into containers but keep the sauce on the side until ready to serve.

Creative Variations and Substitutions

Chicken thighs or firm tofu work beautifully in place of steak for different dietary needs. For pescatarians double the shrimp and skip the beef entirely. Different vegetables like snap peas bell peppers of other colors or zucchini add variety and color. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile or reduced for less sweet results. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy heat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer that won't compete with the bold flavors. A simple side salad with citrus vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the honey glaze. For special occasions garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for color and freshness. Warm naan or crusty bread works well for soaking up any extra sauce.

Save

Cultural Fusion Background

This recipe represents the beautiful fusion cooking that happens when different culinary traditions meet in modern American kitchens. The honey garlic combination draws from Chinese American stir fry traditions while the turmeric rice reflects Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Surf and turf combinations have roots in American steakhouse culture but this version makes the concept accessible for home cooks without special equipment or expensive cuts of meat.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

→ What’s the best cut of steak for this dish?

Sirloin or ribeye work well due to their tenderness and rich flavor, but flank steak can also be used when sliced thin.

→ Can I substitute the turmeric in the rice?

You can use saffron or omit it altogether for plain rice, but turmeric adds distinct color and aroma.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The base version isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to increase heat.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat rice and protein separately in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.

→ Is this dish meal-prep friendly?

Absolutely—store the rice and steak-shrimp mixture in separate containers for best texture and flavor retention.