Meet your new dinnertime obsession: Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry. This dish is the kind of vibrant, fresh, and flavor-packed meal that makes weeknights exciting and effortlessly easy! It’s all about juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a craveable, glossy sauce that comes together in minutes. Whether you crave something colorful and healthy, or you need a crowd-pleaser to satisfy everyone around your table, Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry checks all the boxes. Let’s get into the delicious details that make this dish a true standout!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a combination of just a few pantry staples and crisp, fresh ingredients transforms into something so bold and delicious. Each element in this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry brings its own texture, taste, and irresistible pop of color—making every bite a pleasure from start to finish.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, they cook quickly and stay juicy, soaking up all that savory sauce.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): These provide hearty crunch and a gorgeous green hue, perfectly balancing the dish.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Ideal for stir-frying at high heat without overwhelming flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that makes the dish shine.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Bright, peppery warmth enhances both the shrimp and the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers deep umami notes with just enough saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a touch of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances out the savory with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A finishing drizzle for rich, nutty aroma and flavor.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): This simple slurry ensures your sauce is silky and coats every bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick, if you like a bit of heat.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Add a burst of color and extra crunch to finish things off beautifully.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
Step 1: Mix Up the Magic Sauce
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and your cornstarch-water slurry. This is the backbone of your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry: glossy, salty-sweet, and ready to cling to every bite for maximum yumminess. Set it aside so the ingredients can meld while you get cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp to Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes on each side, watching them turn deliciously pink and just cooked through. Don’t overcook—tender shrimp make all the difference! Remove the shrimp and set aside so they stay juicy and don’t overdo it in the next steps.
Step 3: Broccoli & Aromatics Get Their Turn
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it—you want all those shrimp flavors), toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds to bloom their aromas, then add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, splashing in a little water if needed to help steam and soften the broccoli just enough. You’re aiming for that perfect balance: vibrant green and still a little crisp.
Step 4: Sauce It Up and Finish With a Sizzle
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, pour in your pre-mixed sauce, and toss everything together. As the sauce meets the heat, it’ll thicken and gloss over every piece of shrimp and broccoli. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, until everything’s beautifully coated and irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Devour!
Spoon your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry over fluffy steamed rice or slurp-worthy noodles. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you want that little extra wow factor. You’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
Garnishes
Finish with a flourish! Scatter freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds over your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry right before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color and texture, but they also elevate the overall aroma, making each bite even more enticing.
Side Dishes
This dish is the main event, but it loves delicious company. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, rice noodles, or even quinoa for a wholesome base. A simple cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies are wonderful, refreshing contrasts to the warm sauciness of the stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy bite. Or, pile it into meal-prep containers over brown rice or cauliflower rice to create vibrant, ready-to-go lunches all week. If you’re entertaining, decant the stir fry into a big platter and let everyone dig in family-style for a relaxed, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry are a gift for tomorrow’s lunch! Let any extras cool to room temperature before tightly covering or sealing in an airtight container. It’ll happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping those flavors bright and satisfying.
Freezing
While shrimp and broccoli can lose some texture after freezing and thawing, you can freeze this stir fry in a pinch. Portion the stir fry into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight to prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to keep everything moist and evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking, so they sear beautifully without extra water.
What other vegetables can I add?
This recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms all work wonderfully and add even more color and crunch to your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and be sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a gluten-free friendly meal.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu instead of shrimp?
Of course. Sliced chicken breast or extra-firm tofu, cubed, are both excellent swaps. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
How spicy is this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry?
The dish is mild by default, but if you love some heat, just up the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste, or drizzle with a bit of sriracha when serving.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly tough to beat the combination of speedy prep, vibrant flavors, and satisfying crunch in this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry. I hope you give it a try—the result is every bit as delicious as it is gorgeous, and it might just become your favorite go-to weeknight recipe!
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Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink, then set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Sauté garlic and ginger, add broccoli, stir-fry, then return shrimp to the skillet.
- Combine: Pour in the sauce, stir until thickened and coats the shrimp and broccoli.
- Serve: Serve over rice or noodles, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for a quicker option—just add it in the final minute to warm through.
- Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
