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Wok seared steak and shrimp – Panda Express copycat is a bold, flavor-packed stir fry that brings takeout vibes straight to your kitchen. This easy homemade version features juicy sirloin, tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce with a hint of heat. The combination of sweet peppers, onions and snap peas gives it color and crunch, while the buttery chili sauce ties everything together. It’s the perfect quick dinner when you want those big Panda Express flavors without leaving home.
This wok seared steak and shrimp – Panda Express copycat recipe is a savory, spicy stir fry with steak, shrimp and veggies in a rich flavored chili and garlic sauce.
You might also enjoy Chinese chicken salad, black pepper chicken and some of these Panda Express copycat recipes.
Why You’ll Love It
Packed with flavor: Every bite is coated in a spicy, buttery garlic sauce.
Great texture mix: Combines juicy steak, tender shrimp and crisp vegetables.
One-pan meal: All cooked in the wok for quick prep and cleanup.
Better than takeout: Fresh, flavorful and made just the way you like it.
Customizable: Easy to adjust spice level or swap in different proteins and veggies.
Gluten-free: There’s no gluten in this recipe. You can also swap the butter for coconut oil, margarine or similar for a dairy-free dish.
Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes add bold flavor and gentle heat.
Sirloin steak: Juicy, lean steak cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Shrimp: Adds a tender, briny contrast to the steak.
Potato: Peeled and diced for a hearty addition.
Cornstarch: Used to coat the steak and potatoes for better searing and to thicken the sauce.
Vegetables: Sugar snap peas, red bell peppers and yellow onion bring color, crunch and sweetness.
Green onions: Fresh garnish to brighten the finished dish.
Soy sauce, mirin and rice vinegar: Combine for a salty-sweet-tangy sauce base.
Chili sauce and sriracha: Add depth and spicy heat.
Unsalted butter: Softened, it melts into the sauce for rich texture.
Aromatics: Garlic, ginger paste and shallot layer in flavor and aroma.
How to Make Wok Seared Shrimp and Steak
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the sauce: Stir together all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Season the meat: Mix the dry seasoning and apply to shrimp and steak.
Coat and prep steak: Toss steak and potatoes with cornstarch.
Cook the steak and potatoes: Stir fry in hot oil until browned, then remove.
Stir fry the veggies: Add snap peas, peppers and onions to the wok.
Simmer the sauce: Pour in the sauce and cook until thickened.
Cook the shrimp: Simmer shrimp in the center of the wok, flipping once.
Finish the dish: Add steak back in and stir everything to combine.
Substitutions and Variations
Steak: Sliced chicken breast or thighs work great in place of the steak, or you could use pork instead, or even tofu.
Try different veggies: Broccoli, zucchini or mushrooms are all good swaps.
Make it milder: Reduce or skip the sriracha and red pepper flakes if you don’t want a firecracker steak and shrimp dish. You can always serve it at the table for those who want more heat.
Serving Suggestions
With rice or noodles: Pair your wok seared steak and shrimp with hibachi fried rice, plain rice or hibachi noodles.
With something crunchy: I love crab cake egg rolls with this dish.
With another Asian dish: Anything from Thai basil pork to 5-spice Chinese stir fry works.
How to Store Chinese Steak and Shrimp
Store: Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm it back up in a wok or skillet, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
Top Tips
Preheat your wok: A hot wok is key for good searing and fast cooking.
Cut steak evenly: Uniform pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
Stir the sauce often: This prevents sticking and ensures it thickens evenly.
Steak Bites and Shrimp Stir Fry FAQs
Yes, you will find the veggies in this Panda Express copycat recipe to be interchangeable. Feel free to swap the russet potato for sweet potato. Other vegetables which can go in there along with, or instead of, the others, include zucchini, broccoli, garden peas, carrots, and mushrooms. So, feel free to mix and match.
The exact cooking time for shrimp depends on the heat as well as their size. Fortunately there’s a great way to tell whether they’re done. In fact there are two ways. First of all they will change from gray to pink. Second they will change their shape. If they are curled in a C-shape they’re done. If they’re curled in an O-shape they’re overdone and will probably be rubbery! So keep an eye on them and, if in doubt, take one out of the wok and cut it in half to see if the middle is still cold and glossy or if it’s cooked through.
Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
You can prep all the ingredients in advance, but for best texture, cook everything just before serving.
Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp Recipe
Wok Seared Steak and Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- ½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Pound sirloin steak, Angus or similar
- ½ Pound shrimp, large
- 1 potato, russet, peeled and diced
- 2 Teaspoons cornstarch
- 6 Ounces sugar snap peas
- 2 bell peppers, red, roughly chopped
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 5 green onions, garnish
- oil, canola or similar
For the Sauce
- ¼ Cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons mirin
- 2 Tablespoons chili sauce, red
- ¼ Cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 Tablespoon sriracha
- 1 Teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 Teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 Pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a wok over high heat.
- Combine all ingredients for the sauce in a small mixing bowl. Lightly stir. The butter will melt into the sauce as it cooks so it is ok for it to be slightly lumpy.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to a small bowl or ramekin and stir to combine. Separate into 2 bowls. One for the steak, one for the shrimp.
- Add shrimp to a bowl and toss with seasoning.
- Season steak on both sides with the seasoning, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Add to a separate bowl and combine with potatoes. Toss steak and potatoes with cornstarch.
- Add a tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the steak and potatoes and stir fry for 3 minutes. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Next, add the sugar snap peas, bell peppers, and onions to the wok. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the sauce to the wok and lower the heat to medium setting. Stir often as it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Push most of the ingredients up the sides of the wok and add the shrimp in the cleared space. Let them cook in the simmering sauce for 1 minute, then flip shrimp over and cook for 30 more seconds. Turn off the heat.
- Add the steak back to the wok and stir to combine. Cover and let set for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with green onions.
Notes
Cut steak evenly: Uniform pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
Stir the sauce often: This prevents sticking and ensures it thickens evenly.
Nutrition
Wok seared steak and shrimp – Panda Express copycat is a fast, flavorful dinner that brings restaurant-style stir fry to your home kitchen. The combination of seared steak, tender shrimp and crisp veggies in a bold, spicy garlic sauce makes this Asian surf n turf dish a weeknight winner. Serve it on its own or with rice for a filling, crave-worthy meal that’s sure to please. Once you make this at home, takeout may never taste the same again.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This Panda Express copycat is amazing! Beef and shrimp stir-fry with perfect flavors—so satisfying!
I’m loving these—they turned out delicious!
This was fun to cook. I can’t wait to make it again.
Whipped up this recipe, and it was pure culinary magic!
This might be my new favorite shrimp dish. YUM!!
This recipe was phenomenal! Can’t wait to make it again!
I which I could post a picture. This recipe was great! My dish came out beautifully!!! My family and I was very pleased. Thanks
So good to hear! 🙂
I am dying to this this one out!