If you love bold flavors and hearty meals, this Surf & Turf Fried Rice Bowl is about to become your new favorite. Juicy, pan-seared steak bites, tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and savory fried rice all come together in one satisfying bowl. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for a special dinner — and best of all, it’s made mostly in one pan.
This recipe delivers restaurant-style taste at home with simple ingredients and easy steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with protein from steak and shrimp
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
- Customizable with different veggies or proteins
Recipe Background & Inspiration
Surf and turf is a classic combination of land and sea — usually steak and seafood — known for its rich, indulgent flavor contrast. This recipe turns that upscale concept into a casual, comforting rice bowl by pairing it with fried rice and vegetables.
Fried rice is ideal for busy cooks because it transforms leftovers into something exciting. Using cold, cooked rice helps achieve that slightly crispy, non-mushy texture that makes fried rice so satisfying.
Ingredients
Surf & Turf
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for warmth and color)
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cup diced carrots (or sweet potato cubes)
- ½ cup shelled edamame (or green peas)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice, cold (best for frying)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp butter (adds richness and flavor)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed (And What They Do)
- Large skillet or frying pan – This is the main cooking surface where everything happens. A wide pan helps ingredients cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Sharp knife – Essential for cutting steak into even cubes and chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
- Cutting board – Provides a stable, clean surface for prepping ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Used for stirring rice and veggies without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons – Help ensure balanced seasoning and consistent results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add broccoli, carrots, edamame, and a pinch of salt.
Sauté for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp (soft but still slightly crunchy).
Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Steak
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add steak cubes and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sear over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside.
Remove steak from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp directly to the hot pan.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and fully cooked.
Remove shrimp and set aside with the steak.
4. Make the Fried Rice
Lower heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan.
Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cold rice and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, breaking up clumps and letting it lightly crisp.
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat the rice.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Add the cooked vegetables back into the pan and gently mix with the rice.
Serve the fried rice in bowls and top with steak and shrimp.
Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use cold rice — freshly cooked rice can become mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking steak or shrimp; this helps them brown instead of steam.
- Cook shrimp last since they cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or sriracha.
- Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Chicken instead of shrimp: Use diced chicken breast or thighs.
- Vegetarian: Skip meat and add tofu or mushrooms.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Fresh cucumber salad
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Spring rolls or dumplings
- A light Asian-style slaw
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to shrimp texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, or microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition Benefits
- High in protein from steak and shrimp
- Contains fiber-rich vegetables
- Balanced mix of carbs, fats, and protein
- Can be adjusted for low-sodium or low-carb diets
Recipe Summary (Quick View)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 3–4
Learn More:
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Shrimp (Easy Surf & Turf Dinner)
- Egg Noodle Beef Stir Fry (Better Than Takeout, Ready in 20 Minutes)
- Simple Crispy Fried Chicken with Golden Potato Wedges & Fresh Salad
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