If you are looking for a quick, vibrant, and satisfying meal, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli in a luscious sauce packed with savory, sweet, and tangy notes that make every bite a delight. Whether you are cooking for yourself on a busy weeknight or treating friends to a home-cooked favorite, this recipe delivers nourishing comfort with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures, from the snap of fresh broccoli to the tender pop of perfectly cooked shrimp. The sauce ingredients blend together to create that crave-worthy gloss and bold taste you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
- Large peeled and deveined shrimp: Pick fresh or frozen, thawed shrimp for juicy, protein-packed bites.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Use vibrant green florets to add crunch and nutrition.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps everything cook evenly without overpowering flavors.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the stir-fry.
- Grated ginger: Brings a subtle zesty brightness that awakens the palate.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty backbone essential for authentic Asian-inspired dishes.
- Oyster sauce: Adds richness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle acidity that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to cling deliciously to shrimp and vegetables.
- Brown sugar: Offers a mild sweetness to round out the taste.
- Sesame oil: Just a few drops impart a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Sliced green onions: For freshness and a gentle oniony crunch as a finishing touch.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring a subtle heat that you can adjust to your liking.
- Cooked white or jasmine rice: The perfect base to soak up every bit of the flavorful stir-fry sauce.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, and just a few drops of sesame oil in a small bowl. This magical mixture will thicken as it cooks and coat the shrimp and broccoli with a glossy, flavorful glaze you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl up nicely, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the pan to avoid overcooking, which keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Sauté Broccoli with Aromatics
If the pan needs it, add a little more oil, then toss in the broccoli florets along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these until the broccoli turns a bright green and softens just slightly, preserving a bit of bite and crunch — this contrast is essential for the best texture.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir continuously over the heat until the sauce thickens and fully coats the shrimp and broccoli. This step brings all the flavors together beautifully in a shiny, irresistible finish.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a burst of color and a little kick. Now your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh sliced green onions and red pepper flakes add that final pop of flavor and vibrancy that make this dish look just as good as it tastes. Toasted sesame seeds are another great option for adding crunch and enhancing the nutty notes.
Side Dishes
Serving this stir-fry over freshly steamed white or jasmine rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly, making every spoonful balanced and satisfying. If you want to add variety, steamed noodles or cauliflower rice both make great companions for a gluten-free or lower-carb experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a trendy twist, serve your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in individual lettuce wraps or over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh take. Another fun option is to plate it atop roasted sweet potatoes for a fusion of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the shrimp and broccoli covered in sauce helps preserve their moisture and flavor during storage.
Freezing
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, be aware that the broccoli might lose some crunch after thawing. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can revive the sauce and keep the shrimp tender. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely instead of steaming.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or even a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness, although the depth of flavor might be slightly different.
Is this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Always check the labels to be sure, especially if cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts add lovely crunch and color, making your stir-fry even more vibrant and nutritious.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a well-made stir-fry, and this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s quick, wholesome, and filled with layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and soon you might find it becoming your go-to weeknight favorite too!
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-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry made with fresh shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 sliced green onions
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- a few drops sesame oil
Others
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, and a few drops of sesame oil until smooth and well combined to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: If needed, add a bit more oil to the pan. Add the broccoli florets, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the broccoli turns bright green and begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the shrimp and broccoli, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and red pepper flakes over the stir-fry. Serve hot immediately over cooked white or jasmine rice.
Notes
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter, less salty flavor.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken for an easy variation.
- Ensure to use gluten-free soy and oyster sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free.
