If you’re craving a dish that’s both vibrant and packed with flavor, you’re going to absolutely love this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed in a savory, slightly spicy sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends who appreciate simple, clean Asian-inspired flavors, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and that irresistible umami kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe shine. Each item brings something special to the plate, whether it’s freshness, texture, or depth of flavor, yet all are accessible and easy to prepare.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best bite and juiciness in the dish.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Provides crunch and a lovely green color that brightens the stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to give you a great sear on shrimp and broccoli.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch that’s essential in stir-fry dishes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Introduces a warm, zesty note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Gives the dish its savory, salty backbone without being overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Infuses a subtle sweetness and rich umami taste that completely transforms the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: This slurry thickens the sauce beautifully to coat every piece perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty finish that’s unmistakably delicious in Asian cooking.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick of heat that you can adjust to your liking for an exciting flavor twist.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Fresh green color and mild onion flavor that provides the final touch.
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving: The perfect base that soaks up all the tasty sauce and makes this meal satisfying.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add your peeled shrimp. They only need about 2 to 3 minutes per side to turn pink and opaque—making sure you don’t overcook is crucial to keep them tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to remain tender-crisp—still vibrant green with just enough bite to contrast with the shrimp’s softness. This quick stir-fry method keeps the broccoli from becoming soggy, preserving its fresh flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the broccoli. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is where your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible—the garlic and ginger release essential oils that bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this savory mixture over the shrimp and broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly with that rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Give your cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the pan. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce start to thicken beautifully, clinging to every morsel of shrimp and broccoli.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish
Turn off the heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry. This final step gives a wonderful toasted aroma and enhances the complexity of the sauce. Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top and get ready to serve your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe hot, over freshly cooked rice.
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
While the green onions add fresh, mild bite and color, you can also try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for extra brightness. These small touches not only enhance appearance but bring in layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or hearty brown rice, letting the sauce soak in perfectly. For a low-carb alternative, serve it over cauliflower rice. Adding a side of pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian-inspired salad will balance the warmth of the stir-fry with refreshing crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for finger-friendly bites. Another idea is plating it over noodles or even inside a warm tortilla for a quick fusion wrap. No matter how you serve it, the bold flavors will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the broccoli can turn mushy and lose its vibrant texture upon thawing. The shrimp tends to become rubbery after freezing as well, so it’s best to enjoy this stir-fry fresh.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the leftover stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. This will help achieve the perfect sear and prevent excess water from steaming your stir-fry.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To kick up the heat in your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chilies. Adjust carefully to your heat preference.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little fish sauce for a similar umami flavor. Keep in mind these alternatives might slightly change the taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or use a suitable substitute.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn are great additions that complement the shrimp and broccoli well, adding more color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with this bright, nourishing Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. The balance of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and that luscious sauce makes every bite a delight. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant favorite made right at home.
Print
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it’s served hot over rice and garnished with fresh green onions for an extra burst of taste and color.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Others
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the broccoli: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring they don’t burn.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. In a small bowl, mix low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the shrimp and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle with sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over cooked white or brown rice.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
- For extra crunch and color, add sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the broccoli stir-fry step.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
