Creamy, juicy, and packed with sweet-savory flavor, Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice is the kind of dinner that feels special but comes together in under an hour. Imagine tender steak bites and plump shrimp tossed in a sticky honey-garlic glaze, layered over fragrant turmeric-yellow rice — comfort food that looks restaurant-fancy but is kitchen-simple. Fun fact: combining surf and turf in one skillet is a weeknight shortcut chefs have loved for decades because it maximizes flavor without extra dishes. If you enjoy quick skillet dinners, you might also like this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes for another speedy steak fix. Try this recipe tonight and watch how fast it becomes a family favorite.
What is Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice?
What’s in a name? Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice tells you almost everything — but with a little sass. Why honey and garlic together? Because sweet and savory are best friends. Why steak and shrimp together? Because who doesn’t love a surf-and-turf celebration on a weeknight? Is it fancy dinner or cozy comfort? Both. You could joke that it’s called this because “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but honestly, it wins hearts across the table, gender aside. Give it a try and see which part — the sticky sauce, the tender steak, or the bright yellow rice — steals the show.
Why You’ll Love This
- Irresistible main highlight: The honey-garlic glaze caramelizes to a glossy coating that clings to juicy steak pieces and sweet shrimp, delivering bold, layered flavor in every bite.
- Cost-saving benefits: Making surf-and-turf at home uses modest amounts of steak and shrimp so you get restaurant vibes for far less. Stretch ingredients by serving over rice and add seasonal veggies for a full meal.
- Flavorful toppings and texture: Crispy-charred onions and peppers add crunch, while turmeric-scented yellow rice lends warmth and color — it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
If you liked the rich, beef-forward notes in this dish, you might enjoy the melty goodness of a Cheesesteak on Garlic Parmesan Bread for another bold-flavored dinner. Ready to make it? Let’s cook.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is straightforward, fast, and extremely satisfying. You’ll toast and simmer rice until fluffy, sear steak for a caramelized exterior, and briefly cook shrimp so it stays tender. The standout element is the sticky honey-garlic sauce that ties everything together. Prep time about 15 minutes. Cook time about 25 minutes. Total time approximately 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for rice, 1 tbsp for vegetables, 1 tbsp for steak)
- 2 tbsp honey, room temperature
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
Directions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rice, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Toast the rice for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown too much. Add the broth, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork; keep warm.
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and heat over high until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, letting a golden crust form. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove steak and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce to the skillet and toss the shrimp to coat in the sauce. Let the sauce reduce and caramelize for about 1 minute — keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Return the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything in the honey-garlic sauce until well combined and everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Plate the yellow rice as the base. Top with the steak, shrimp, and vegetables. Spoon any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish for extra flavor and shine.
What to Serve With
- Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli for a simple vegetable side.
- Warm pita or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
- Pickled cucumber or a quick slaw for a bright contrast.
- For drinks, serve with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy iced tea.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use room-temperature steak and shrimp to ensure even cooking. Cold proteins can steam rather than sear.
- Pat proteins dry before seasoning to get a better crust on the steak and quicker searing on the shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing steak — cook in batches if necessary so you get a golden-brown finish.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey to 1 tablespoon and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
- Swap turmeric for a pinch of saffron or a natural yellow food coloring if you want a deeper rice hue, but turmeric adds flavor and health benefits.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp — it should be pink and slightly firm, not rubbery.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep rice and protein together or separate for better texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked steak and shrimp with sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Rice freezes well too, but will be slightly softer after thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep shrimp from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes. Sirloin or ribeye work best for quick searing, but flank or skirt steak can also be used if sliced thinly across the grain for tenderness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the honey-garlic sauce gluten-free.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave can substitute for honey in a 1:1 ratio, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I cook the rice in a rice cooker?
Yes. Toast the rice with spices in a pan, then transfer to a rice cooker with broth and cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat and remove as soon as they turn pink and opaque — usually 2 minutes per side. They continue to cook slightly when mixed with hot steak and sauce.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. Store portions in meal prep containers and reheat as described. Keep a small container of extra sauce if you like more glaze when reheating.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice is a speedy, crowd-pleasing meal that balances sweet, savory, and vibrant flavors while staying simple enough for weeknights. It’s perfect for stretching a bit of steak and shrimp into a satisfying family dinner, and the turmeric rice adds a cheerful, fragrant base everyone will love. If you want to explore more honey-garlic flavor ideas, check out this Honey-Garlic Shrimp recipe for extra inspiration: Honey-Garlic Shrimp. Give this one a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the applause.
Honey Garlic Steak & Shrimp over Yellow Rice
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Meat
- 1/2 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided (1 tbsp for rice, 1 tbsp for vegetables, 1 tbsp for steak)
Sauces
- 2 tbsp honey, room temperature
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Spices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the rice, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Toast the rice for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown too much. Add the broth, increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork; keep warm.
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and slightly charred, stirring occasionally. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and heat over high until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, letting a golden crust form. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Remove steak and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add the shrimp to the same skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce to the skillet and toss the shrimp to coat in the sauce. Let the sauce reduce and caramelize for about 1 minute — keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Return the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything in the honey-garlic sauce until well combined and everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Plate the yellow rice as the base. Top with the steak, shrimp, and vegetables. Spoon any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish for extra flavor and shine.