Name: Firecracker Steak And Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: For The Steak And Shrimp:; 2 ribeye steaks (approximately 1 inch thick); 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For The Firecracker Marinade/Sauce:; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

So, if your soul yearns for a dish that packs a punch and brings the heat while delivering an array of complex, mouthwatering flavors, join me as we embark on this spicy journey. Let’s discover together the secrets to mastering the art of firecracker steak and shrimp, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary affair.

What Is Firecracker Steak And Shrimp?

Firecracker steak and shrimp is a flavorful dish that combines grilled or seared steak and shrimp with a bold, spicy-sweet “firecracker” sauce. It’s popular in American and Asian-fusion cuisine, often served in restaurants or made at home as a stir-fry, rice bowl, or even skewered version.

Ingredients:

For The Steak And Shrimp:

2 ribeye steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For The Firecracker Marinade/Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Firecracker Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and smoked paprika until well combined. This vibrant concoction will imbue your steak and shrimp with an irresistible zest.
Marinate the Steak and Shrimp: Reserve a quarter of the marinade for basting and drizzling before serving. Place the steaks and shrimp in separate resealable bags (or bowls), and pour the remaining marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Seal and refrigerate. Marinate the steak for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor); shrimp should marinate for no more than 30 minutes to prevent the acid from affecting the texture.
Prep Your Grill: Preheat your grill to high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This is the perfect time to let your steak rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling.

Grill The Steak And Shrimp:

For the steak, Remove it from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness, or until desired doneness. Remember, the high heat will give you a beautiful sear.
For the shrimp, Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior)—grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until opaque and cooked through.

Rest, Serve, and Enjoy: Let the steaks rest 5-10 minutes after grilling, then slice against the grain. Serve the sliced steak and shrimp drizzled with the reserved marinade and your sides.

Tips For Perfection:

Marinade Magic: Allow your steak to marinate for as long as possible, between 1 hour and overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor-infused and tender it will become.
High Heat, Less Time: High heat ensures a great sear and juicy interior for steak and shrimp. Keep a close eye on shrimp, as they cook quickly and can easily become rubbery if overdone.
Reserve Marinade: Keeping some marinade aside before adding raw meat or seafood for safe, flavorful finishing touches is crucial.
Rest Your Steak: This simple step redistributes the juices within the steak, ensuring every bite is succulent.

What To Serve With

Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled vegetables adds vibrant colors to your plate and balances out the dish’s spicy richness. Vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can be brushed lightly with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled until tender. This method enhances their natural sweetness, providing a perfect counterbalance to the hearty flavors of your main dish.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Rice provides a neutral yet inviting base for absorbing the robust flavors of the firecracker marinade. Infusing rice with lime zest and freshly chopped cilantro gives it a refreshing lift that complements the marinade’s zestiness. Cook your rice as usual, and stir in lime juice, zest, and cilantro before serving.
Sweet Corn Salad: A sweet corn salad, especially when made with fresh, crisp corn, provides a delightful sweetness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spicy and savory notes of your steak and shrimp. Combine fresh corn kernels, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, a splash of lime juice, and a hint of chili powder for an extra kick. This refreshingly light side dish adds a summery feel to your meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: With their inherent sweetness, sweet potatoes are a fantastic side that works wonderfully with your main dish’s smoky and spicy elements. Dice the sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika, and roast until caramelized. Their rich texture and sweet flavor profile are the perfect foil for the meaty, spicy firecracker steak and shrimp components.
Coleslaw with a Twist: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw can offer a cooling effect against the dish’s heat. Consider adding a twist by incorporating ingredients like mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness, which can help balance the spiciness. A vinegar-based dressing, as opposed to a mayo-based one, adds the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the steak and shrimp.
Garlic Buttered Baguettes: For those who love to sop up every last drop of sauce, a side of garlic-buttered baguettes can be the perfect accompaniment. Slice a baguette, spread with a generous amount of garlic butter, and toast until golden brown. Not only do these make for a delicious side, but they also add a textural crunch that contrasts the succulence of the steak and shrimp.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad dressed in vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, and a sprinkle of chili flakes makes a light and refreshing side dish. It’s an excellent palate cleanser that complements the fiery nature of the main dish without competing with its flavors.
Creamy Polenta: For comfort, creamy polenta is a fantastic base for the firecracker steak and shrimp. Its smooth, velvety texture contrasts nicely with the shrimp’s bite and the steak’s tenderness, and its mild flavor provides a nice backdrop that allows the bold flavors of the marinade to shine.

Health Benefits

High-Quality Protein Source: Both steak and shrimp are excellent sources of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscles, supporting healthy immune function, and promoting satiety, which can aid in weight management. Protein also plays a vital role in the production of hormones and enzymes.

Rich In Vitamins And Minerals:

Shrimp is rich in selenium, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and can support heart health. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and the production of DNA, and contains phosphorus, necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
Steak is a significant source of B vitamins, including B6 and B12, essential for energy production and proper brain function. It also provides zinc, which supports the immune system, and iron, which helps transport oxygen in the blood, which is crucial for energy levels.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats the body can’t make alone. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. They can also support brain health and are thought to reduce the risk of depression.
Potential for Antioxidant Intake: The spices and ingredients used in the marinade for firecracker steak and shrimp, such as garlic, chili, and other herbs, can add flavor and antioxidants to your meal. Antioxidants help protect your cells against free radicals, which can play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
Low in Carbohydrates: Firecracker steak and shrimp can be suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The main ingredients are low in carbohydrates, focusing the meal’s macronutrient content primarily on proteins and fats. Choosing low-carb vegetables as sides can keep the entire meal within low-carb guidelines.
Creatine and Taurine in Red Meat and Seafood: Steak is a natural source of creatine, which can improve muscle mass and performance in resistance training. Shrimp contains taurine, an amino acid important for heart and brain function and the proper functioning of muscles.

Final Thoughts

Firecracker Steak and Shrimp is not just a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its explosive flavors. It also provides a powerhouse of nutritional benefits when included in a balanced diet. This dynamic duo of surf and turf provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair alongside many vitamins and minerals that support everything from bone health to brain function. With the bonus of omega-3 fatty acids from shrimp and the antioxidant potential from the vibrant spices used in the marinade, this dish truly celebrates taste and health.

More Recipes: