Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is one of those dishes that just makes sense. I’m Edward Hale, a chef raised in the heat of Texas kitchens where we learned to cook with fire, flavor, and respect for the ingredient. I grew up watching my grandmother make beautiful food from the simplest things. Later, I trained in real kitchens, opened my own place, and kept my focus on honest meals with bold flavor.
This recipe brings together everything I love. It’s quick, it’s balanced, and it tastes like something worth making twice a week. With firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express style, you’ve got sirloin, shrimp, crisp veggies, and a buttery garlic chili sauce that locks in the heat. It’s one pan, strong flavor, and real satisfaction.
Table of Contents
What is Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express?
– The basics of the dish
Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is a stir fry that brings the heat and keeps the flavor clean. It features sliced sirloin steak, large shrimp, sweet bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and onions, all cooked hot and quick in a skillet or wok. The real star is the garlic chili sauce. It’s spicy, buttery, and just sharp enough to bring everything together without overpowering it.
The key to this dish is balance. The steak gives you depth, the shrimp adds a clean sweetness, and the vegetables add texture and color. This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t need extra shine. The ingredients do the work. It’s bold, fast, and deeply satisfying.
– Why it works
This version of firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express works because it’s built on strong fundamentals. The ingredients are simple, the cooking is quick, and the flavors are layered. You can prep it in minutes and serve it hot with rice, noodles, or even on its own.
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Easy Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express Copycat – Can taste it
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A bold stir fry with juicy steak, tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a spicy garlic chili sauce. Quick to cook, full of flavor, and better than takeout.
Ingredients
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon black pepper
½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 Pound sirloin steak
½ Pound shrimp
1 potato
2 Teaspoons cornstarch
6 Ounces sugar snap peas
2 bell peppers
1 yellow onion
5 green onions
oil
For the Sauce:
¼ Cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons mirin
2 Tablespoons chili sauce
¼ Cup unsalted butter
3 Cloves garlic
1 Teaspoon ginger paste
1 shallot
1 Tablespoon sriracha
1 Teaspoon cornstarch
1 Teaspoon rice vinegar
1 Pinch black pepper
Instructions
Start by heating your wok over high heat until it’s nice and hot.
Add all the sauce ingredients to a small mixing bowl and give them a good stir to bring the flavors together. Give it a gentle stir. It’s perfectly fine if the butter looks a little lumpy at this stage. It will melt and blend into the sauce while cooking.
In another small bowl or ramekin, mix together salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Divide the mixture into two portions. Use one portion for seasoning the shrimp and the other for the steak to keep flavors balanced and clean.
Add the shrimp to a bowl and toss with its portion of seasoning until evenly coated.
Season both sides of the steak with the remaining mixture, then cut the steak into one-inch pieces.
Transfer the steak to a clean bowl, toss in the potatoes, then dust the mix with cornstarch to help everything crisp up beautifully when cooked. Toss well to make sure the steak and potatoes are fully coated.
Begin your Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express recipe by heating a tablespoon of oil in a hot wok. Swirl the oil around so it evenly coats the bottom, setting the stage for a perfect sear.
Add the steak and diced potatoes, then stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Cook until the steak begins to brown and the potatoes take on a golden, crispy edge. Once they’re seared, remove them from the wok and set aside.
Toss in the sugar snap peas, bell peppers, and sliced onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften while still keeping a bit of crunch.
Now, pour the firecracker sauce into the wok and lower the heat to medium. Stir gently and often as it simmers and thickens. This is what gives your Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express copycat its signature flavor.
Push the vegetables up along the sides of the wok, leaving space in the center. Add the shrimp to the open spot so they can cook directly in the sauce. Let them cook for one minute, flip them, and give them another 30 seconds or until pink and tender.
Return the steak and potatoes to the wok. Stir everything together so the bold sauce coats every bite. Place a lid on the wok and let everything rest for 5 minutes off the heat. This gives the flavors time to settle and soak into every bite. This allows the flavors in your Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express creation to fully come together.
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Heat your wok well for a quick sear.
Cut steak into even pieces for juicy, even cooking.
Stir the sauce to keep it smooth and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Proteins
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 260kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
Ingredient Breakdown of Firecracker Steak and Shrimp Panda Express
– Steak and shrimp that hit right
For firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express, use sirloin sliced thin. It sears fast and stays juicy. Large shrimp work best. Dry them well so they cook clean, not soggy. That contrast of beef and seafood gives the dish real balance.
– Crisp, honest vegetables
Keep it classic with red bell pepper, yellow onion, and fresh snap peas for a colorful, balanced stir-fry. They add crunch and sweetness. Keep them fresh. You want bite, not mush. Garlic, ginger, and shallots build the flavor base. Skip them, and you lose the soul of the dish.
– Sauce with backbone
The sauce in firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is simple. Soy, chili paste, vinegar, a little butter, and cornstarch. It should coat, not drown. Taste and adjust. That’s the real move.
How to Make Firecracker Steak and Shrimp at Home
– Get everything ready first
When making firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express, don’t rush the prep. This dish moves quick once the heat hits. Cut the steak evenly so it cooks fast without drying out. Dry your shrimp well so they sear instead of steaming. Chop your vegetables and mix the sauce before you start. Once the wok gets hot, there’s no time to measure.
– Cook in layers, not all at once
Start with the steak and potatoes. Give them space in the pan so they brown. Once they’ve got color, pull them out. Next, add your vegetables. Keep them moving. Aim for a tender bite with just enough crunch to keep their shape and texture intact.
Slide the veggies aside, pour in the sauce, and lower the heat. Let it thicken gently. Now add your shrimp. Flip once. As soon as they curl and turn pink, bring the steak back in. Stir everything to coat.
– Let it rest, then serve
Turn off the heat. Let it sit a minute to soak up flavor. Add green onions on top and plate it hot.
Nutrition and Dietary Tips
– What’s inside the bowl
A good plate of firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express has real balance. You’ve got lean protein from the steak and shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a sauce that adds flavor without weighing the dish down. A single serving can hit around 260 calories depending on your portion. Most of that comes from the meat and sauce.
You’re also getting fiber from the snap peas and bell peppers, plus vitamins like C and A. The sauce brings sodium, so taste before adding salt. You want flavor, not a salt bomb.
– Easy swaps for your diet
If you’re watching gluten, switch to tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Need it dairy-free? Swap in margarine or avocado oil instead of butter for a smooth, rich finish with a lighter twist. If you’re cutting back on carbs, skip the potatoes and try serving it over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
Panda Express’s firecracker steak and shrimp is the kind of dish that speaks to anyone who loves bold flavor, hearty ingredients, and no shortcuts in taste. Just a few smart changes can fit almost any dietary goal.
Substitutions and Variations
– Swap the steak, keep the flavor
You don’t have to stick to sirloin to enjoy firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express at home. Boneless chicken thighs work great. They stay juicy and take on sauce beautifully. If you want something leaner, chicken breast will do the trick, just don’t overcook it. Tofu is another solid option. Press it dry, cut it firm, and sear until golden before adding it to the pan.
– Try new vegetables
No snap peas? Use broccoli or zucchini. Red bell pepper can be swapped with carrots or green beans. This recipe doesn’t depend on one exact combo. What matters is texture and freshness. Keep it colorful, keep it crisp.
– Adjust the heat
If spicy isn’t your thing, ease up on the sriracha or skip the chili flakes. Want it hotter? Add a splash of hot oil or fresh Thai chilies. The beauty of firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is how easily you can adjust it to your taste.
Need another satisfying dinner idea? Take a look at this roast beef sandwich recipe for something stacked and hearty.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
– Simple pairings that work
Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is bold, so it needs balance on the plate. Serve it with jasmine rice or plain noodles. That’s enough to catch the sauce and carry the flavor.
Keep your portions clean. Let the steak, shrimp, and vegetables stay the focus. A quick slice of green onion on top adds brightness and bite.
– Crunch and contrast
If you want texture, add a small side. Try egg rolls, dumplings, or a cucumber salad. Something cool and crisp helps offset the heat.
Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express plays nice with others, but it’s strong enough to stand alone.
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Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
– How to store it without losing quality
After cooking firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express, let it cool at room temp before sealing it up. Use a good container that locks in moisture. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just don’t mix it with rice too early. That sauce deserves its own space.
– Reheating the right way
Skip the microwave if you can. It tends to overcook the shrimp. Reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir until it’s hot and glossy again. Keep it moving so nothing sticks.
– Meal prep that works
This dish holds flavor well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Cook once, portion into meal prep containers, and store the rice or noodles separately. Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express actually tastes better the next day when the sauce sets in.
Expert Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
– Start with real heat
When cooking firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express, don’t be shy with the heat. The pan should be hot before anything touches it. A cold pan gives you steam, not sear. Choose a high smoke point oil like avocado or canola, and keep everything in motion to get that perfect stir-fry sear.
– Cut with care
How you slice your steak matters. Go against the grain and make sure each piece is about the same size. Shrimp should be large and dry. If anything’s too wet or uneven, the cooking won’t be clean.
– Sauce at the right moment
Add the sauce after your vegetables have softened just a bit. Don’t rush it. You want it to coat, not drown. Stir gently and let it tighten just enough to cling to every bite.
– Finish off the heat
Once it’s all together, give it a minute in the pan, but off the heat. That pause lets flavors lock in and textures stay sharp.
Need the full step-by-step recipe? Use this link to the firecracker steak and shrimp guide for exact timing and portions.
Conclusion
Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is one of those meals that brings everything together. It’s fast, full of flavor, and built on solid cooking. You’ve got quality meat, fresh vegetables, and a sauce that brings real depth. When each part is done right, the whole dish just works.
What I like most about this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can change the heat, adjust the vegetables, or swap the protein, but the core idea stays strong. Sear hot. Sauce with care. Finish with balance.
This isn’t just another stir fry. It’s a plate that delivers big flavor in less time than you’d expect. Once you make it, it becomes part of your regular rotation, something you can count on when you want bold, satisfying food without the extra fuss.
Firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is bold, fast, and full of real flavor. With good ingredients and solid technique, it delivers every single time. The recipe is flexible, easy to adapt, and hard to mess up. Once you make it, it sticks. This is weeknight food that feels like more, without asking for much effort or extra time.
Want another high dish that delivers? This teres major steak recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are used in firecracker shrimp?
The base usually includes shrimp, red bell peppers, onion, and a spicy chili-based sauce. In this version of firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express, we add sirloin steak and snap peas, then finish it with a sauce made from soy, garlic, sriracha, and a touch of butter.
What goes into firecracker steak and shrimp?
You’ll need thin-sliced steak, large shrimp, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and a sauce with heat and depth. Our firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express copycat uses a balanced blend of salt, spice, and savory notes for a clean finish.
What kind of peppers are in the dish?
Red bell peppers are the default. They add sweetness and color. If you want more kick, you can add sliced chili peppers, but don’t let them drown out the other flavors. Keep the balance tight in firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express.
Is it a healthy option?
If you’re cooking it at home, yes. You can control the oil, reduce sodium, and choose your protein portions. Homemade firecracker steak and shrimp Panda Express is far cleaner than most takeout versions.
