Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice

If you’re craving a dinner that feels indulgent but still doable on a weeknight, Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice delivers every time. This dish brings together juicy, seared steak, tender shrimp coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, and warm, fragrant yellow rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet comforting enough to enjoy at home, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors
• Combines surf and turf in one satisfying plate
• Hearty, filling, and great for dinner or meal prep
• Made with simple ingredients and one main skillet
• Feels special without being complicated

Ingredients

For the Steak & Shrimp

• Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled and deveined): Cooks quickly and absorbs the honey garlic sauce beautifully
• Steak (1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye, bite-sized): Juicy, tender, and rich, providing hearty protein
• Olive oil (2 tbsp, divided): Used for searing and building flavor
• Honey (2 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and creates a glossy sauce
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings salty umami depth to balance the honey
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and bold, the backbone of the sauce
• Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle smokiness to the steak
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Enhances all the flavors

For the Vegetables

• Onion (1 small, chopped): Sweetens and softens when sautéed
• Green bell pepper (1/2, chopped): Adds color, crunch, and freshness
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps char and soften the vegetables
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning to let the veggies shine

For the Yellow Rice

• Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Light and fluffy, perfect as a base
• Chicken or vegetable broth (1 3/4 cups): Infuses the rice with savory flavor
• Turmeric powder (1/2 tsp): Gives the rice its golden color and earthy note
• Cumin powder (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and subtle spice
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps toast the rice and build flavor
• Salt (to taste): Brings everything together

How to Make Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice

Cook the Yellow Rice

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rice, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt, toasting for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sear the Steak

Season the steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over high heat. Add the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good crust. Remove the steak and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp and Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Add the minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce, tossing the shrimp to coat. Let the sauce bubble and caramelize for about 1 minute, keeping an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked steak and vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated and glossy.

Assemble the Dish

Spoon the yellow rice onto plates as the base. Top with the honey garlic steak, shrimp, and vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for maximum flavor.

Tips for Success

• Pat the steak and shrimp dry before cooking for better browning
• Cook steak and shrimp separately to avoid overcooking
• Use high heat for steak to get a nice sear
• Adjust the honey-to-soy ratio if you prefer it sweeter or more savory

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce to the honey garlic sauce
• Garlic Butter Twist: Finish with a small knob of butter for extra richness
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the steak and shrimp over cauliflower rice instead of yellow rice
• Veggie-Loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas to the skillet

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal, but strip steak also works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the rice and chop ingredients ahead, but cook steak and shrimp fresh for best texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced, but you can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a more savory dish.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice is the kind of meal that feels comforting, bold, and satisfying all at once. With its sticky sauce, tender proteins, and golden rice, it’s perfect for an easy dinner that still feels special. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy every flavorful bite of this easy homemade surf-and-turf favorite.

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