If you are craving a delightful dish that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with vibrant colors, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that comes together in just under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight supper that feels both comforting and fresh, bringing a beautiful balance of textures and bright flavors to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned stir-fry lover or trying this combo for the first time, this recipe is bound to become a fast favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe calls for simple but incredibly important ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the freshness of the broccoli to the punch of soy sauce and garlic, every item helps build a well-rounded flavor and texture that’s irresistible.
- Medium shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp give you tender, flavorful bites that cook quickly.
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): They add crunch, vibrant green color, and a healthy bite.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): This neutral oil is perfect for high heat and keeps your stir-fry from sticking.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Adds pungent, aromatic depth that wakes up the taste buds.
- Minced ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and a slight zest that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides a salty umami base essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives a rich, slightly sweet layer that lifts the dish.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect cling to shrimp and broccoli.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Used to dissolve the cornstarch and achieve the ideal sauce consistency.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma and finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to balance flavors just right.
- Cooked rice: Perfect to serve alongside and soak up every drop of that flavorful sauce.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This mixture will become the glossy, flavorful coating that ties everything together, so take a moment to stir it until the cornstarch dissolves completely for a smooth sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step instantly fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and forms the foundational flavor for the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they just start turning pink. Shrimp cook fast, so keep a close eye; you want them tender, not rubbery. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep them from overcooking.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Using the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and toss them around for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal here is a bright green color and a tender-crisp texture that will provide a lovely contrast to the shrimp’s softness.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Broccoli
Return the shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir vigorously so each piece is coated in that luscious, savory glaze, blending flavors seamlessly.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Season
Let the sauce cook and thicken over medium heat for another 2 to 3 minutes while you keep stirring gently. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil on top and season with salt and pepper as needed. The sesame oil adds a luxurious finish that makes this dish truly special.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve your delightful shrimp and broccoli stir fry piping hot over cooked rice. This helps soak up the delicious sauce and makes each bite wonderfully satisfying.
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your meal, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. These simple garnishes add texture, color, and an extra burst of flavor that impresses every time.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it alongside simple noodle dishes or a light Asian-inspired salad to round out your dinner with fresh greens and a contrasting crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp and broccoli stir fry inside lettuce wraps or atop quinoa for a nutrient-packed variation. You could also pack it in a bento box for an exciting, portable lunch that keeps well and tastes fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Gather your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and broccoli retain their taste well, though the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly after time.
Freezing
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When freezing, avoid adding rice as it does not freeze well alongside the stir-fry.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture. Stir occasionally for even warming, and beware of overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
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 avoid excess water in your stir-fry, which can dilute the flavors.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can try hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce with a bit of honey for sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this dish spicy?
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies during cooking if you like a bit of heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the shrimp for tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or a soy-based sauce to keep the rich flavors intact.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
To maintain that perfect crisp-tender texture, avoid overcooking, and make sure to cook the broccoli just long enough to become bright green and tender. High heat and a quick stir-fry are key.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a home-cooked dish that is both nourishing and bursting with fresh flavors, and this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe hits the mark beautifully. It’s a quick, reliable way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen with minimal fuss. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and treat yourself to this delightful stir-fry that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
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Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and fresh broccoli in a savory soy-oyster sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it’s cooked in a wok or skillet with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, served over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn pink.
- Set shrimp aside: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- Combine shrimp and broccoli: Return the shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and broccoli. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
- Finish with seasoning: Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variation.
- Adjust the soy sauce to your preferred saltiness.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice for best results.
