If you have ever craved a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavors, then this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. It’s a perfect harmony of tender shrimp and crisp broccoli, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce that hits just the right balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or want a delicious meal that feels restaurant-quality, this recipe is a wonderful go-to that comes together quickly and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh, vibrant broccoli to the succulent shrimp, and the carefully mixed sauces, you’ll see why each component is essential in making this dish truly shine.
- Shrimp (1 pound large, peeled and deveined): This is the star protein, offering a tender, slightly sweet flavor that cooks quickly to perfection.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Adds a vibrant green color and crunch that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant base that makes the dish incredibly aromatic.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a zesty warmth that livens up every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Offers salty umami goodness with less sodium, helping to balance flavors beautifully.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce for a richer taste.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Water (1/3 cup): Blends the sauce ingredients and prevents it from becoming too salty or thick.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Offers a toasty finish that’s unmistakably delicious in Asian-style cooking.
- Black pepper (to taste): Provides a subtle spicy kick to balance the flavors.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. This mixture will create a luscious, thick sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and broccoli later on.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, cooking them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside – this quick sear locks in juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender but still maintain a satisfying crunch. This step keeps the broccoli fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their wonderful aroma into the pan and infusing the dish with that classic Asian-inspired punch.
Step 5: Combine Everything with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour in your prepared sauce. Keep stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and evenly coat every morsel of shrimp and broccoli. Taste and add black pepper as needed for a final touch.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a delightful crunch and fresh color contrast. You can also add thinly sliced red chili if you want a little heat to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you’re keeping it low-carb, serving it over cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that still soaks up the sauce deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your broccoli shrimp stir fry in crispy wonton cups or lettuce wraps. This adds texture and offers a visually stunning way to enjoy the dish, turning it into an impressive appetizer or finger food at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches during your busy week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately as the broccoli can become mushy after thawing. Freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then quickly reheat with fresh broccoli for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to keep everything nice and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking to avoid steaming instead of stir-frying.
Is this dish spicy?
The basic Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce during cooking for a spicy kick.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to swap out broccoli for snap peas, bell peppers, or baby bok choy to change up the flavor and texture while keeping it deliciously healthy.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch or add a splash more water as needed while cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce you choose does not contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it delivers on freshness, speed, and satisfying flavors all in one pan. It’s the type of meal that feels special yet simple, making it perfect for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how effortlessly it becomes a staple in your cooking rotation, bringing vibrant, healthy goodness to your table every time.
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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-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy Asian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It features tender shrimp sautéed with vibrant broccoli and a savory-sweet sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey, thickened with cornstarch and infused with garlic and ginger for a delicious, balanced meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Cooking Oil and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend and the cornstarch to dissolve fully.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Broccoli and Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Cook the broccoli for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir constantly, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats both the shrimp and broccoli. Adjust seasoning by adding black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor and heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic and ginger step.
- For added tang, consider a splash of rice vinegar in the sauce.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to maintain a tender texture.
