If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, let me introduce you to this amazing Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy tender shrimp paired with crisp broccoli and colorful veggies, all tossed in a savory sauce that hits just the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish comes together quickly and brings a delightfully fresh and wholesome taste to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet incredibly important for creating the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color in your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. Each component plays a unique role—whether it’s the crunch of the vegetables, the sweetness of the shrimp, or the depth provided by the sauces.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, offering a tender and slightly sweet bite that cooks quickly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch while packing in nutrients.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow): Brings bright color and a mild sweetness that balances the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Delivers a subtle earthy sweetness and a lovely orange hue to brighten the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth and a hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami richness and a salty kick that ties the dish together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the savoriness with a slightly sweet, deep flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious glaze coating all the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking and achieving that signature stir-fry sear.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a refreshing zing to brighten the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
- Cooked rice or noodles to serve: The comforting base that soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Fresh, dry shrimp will sear better and develop a lovely texture in your stir fry. While you’re at it, slice your bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and mince the garlic to keep everything ready to go once the heat is on.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. This simple yet flavorsome mixture will become the glossy coating that brings your stir fry to life. Setting it aside now means you’re one step closer to a fast and effortless dinner.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and curl up. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside—your veggies will get their turn next.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic, broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry the veggies for 3 to 5 minutes; you want them tender but still with a crunch. The garlic will release its aroma, melding beautifully with the sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the skillet with the veggies, then pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and sticky coats the ingredients like a perfect glaze. Give it a quick taste to confirm the seasoning—your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is almost ready to enjoy!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Take the skillet off the heat and plate your stir fry over warm, cooked rice or noodles. This step allows all those vibrant flavors to come together in a comforting, wholesome meal.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves on top. These small touches add brightness and texture, making every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
While the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe stands well on its own, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad can round out your meal beautifully. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice also complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, serve your stir fry in individual lettuce cups or over a bed of soba noodles chilled for a refreshing twist. You can even pack it into a bento box for a tasty lunch that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition or flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners the following day.
Freezing
Though shrimp can become a bit rubbery when frozen and thawed, you can freeze this stir fry if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe, use a stovetop skillet over medium heat for best texture, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving is convenient but may lead to softer vegetables and shrimp, so cover sparingly and heat on medium power in intervals if you choose this method.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent that nice sear.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce with a touch of sugar; these alternatives will still add a rich and slightly sweet depth to your stir fry.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add heat by tossing in red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce while cooking if you like a little kick.
Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini all make great substitutions or additions, allowing you to customize the dish to your preferences or what you have on hand.
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, this dish takes about 15 to 20 minutes once your ingredients are prepped, making it a fantastic option for a quick, nutritious meal any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyful about making this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, coming together in a dish that’s as simple as it is stunning. So go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again!
Print
Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp with crisp broccoli, vibrant bell peppers, and carrots, all tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it serves well over rice or noodles and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better sautéing.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside to be added later.
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque pink and begin to curl. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic, broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these vegetables for 3-5 minutes until they become tender yet retain a crisp texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture evenly.
- Toss Well: Stir everything vigorously to coat the shrimp and vegetables with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and adheres well.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp for optimum texture and flavor.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve your delicious broccoli shrimp stir fry immediately over hot cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for a meaty bite, but any size shrimp can work as long as they’re peeled and deveined.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce to taste if you prefer a saltier or milder flavor.
- Julienning the carrot ensures it cooks quickly and evenly with the other vegetables.
- For added heat, consider tossing in red pepper flakes or a sliced chili.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and checking oyster sauce ingredients.
