If you are craving a quick, vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition, this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is just the thing to brighten your dinner table. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and that perfect hint of sesame—every bite delivers a delightful balance of freshness and umami. This recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also brings together the colors and textures that make mealtime exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving guests, this dish is a guaranteed winner you’d want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each item plays a crucial role, from the succulent shrimp adding protein, to the crunchy broccoli offering that fresh green pop, to the flavorful sauces that bring everything together harmoniously.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choosing fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensures a sweet, tender bite every time.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli delivers color, crunch, and nutrition, making the dish vibrant and wholesome.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This neutral oil is perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant richness that enhances the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Ginger brings a zesty warmth that complements both shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce provides the salty, savory depth that’s essential to stir-fry dishes.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This adds a subtle sweetness and richness that elevates the sauce complexity.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to each bite.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth gives the sauce a gentle body and moisture without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the end infuses the dish with an irresistible nutty aroma.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasoning balances the flavors and personalizes the dish to your liking.
- Cooked rice for serving: Rice makes this meal hearty and is ideal for soaking up all the tasty sauce.
How to Make Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by washing your shrimp under cold water to remove any residue, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will sauté much better, ensuring they get that slightly crisp edge rather than steaming in the pan. This little prep step sets you up for succulent shrimp that are perfectly cooked every time.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is silky smooth without lumps. This sauce blend is the heart of your stir-fry, marrying salty, sweet, and savory notes while the cornstarch creates a luscious coating that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large wok or pan. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about three minutes. You want them bright green and just tender, retaining that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp. Once cooked, remove the broccoli and set it aside—don’t overcook here because it will continue to soften later.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring swiftly for 30 seconds or until their wonderful fragrance fills the kitchen. This brief sauté breathes life into your dish with a burst of bold, fresh flavors that make everything taste homemade and vibrant.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Turn the heat up to high and pour in the shrimp. Stir them continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, watching as they turn a gorgeous shade of pink. This is the moment where the shrimp develop just enough caramelization on the edges while staying tender and juicy inside—key to achieving that perfect texture everyone loves in stir-fried seafood.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Return the vibrant broccoli to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats the shrimp and broccoli. The thickened sauce will cling lovingly to each piece, tying all the flavors together like a warm, delicious hug in a bowl.
Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil and Seasoning
Drizzle the teaspoon of sesame oil over your stir-fry and toss well. Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed. This final touch of sesame oil adds a mouthwatering nutty aroma that rounds out the dish beautifully and makes it truly unforgettable.
Step 8: Serve Over Rice
Plate the stir-fried shrimp and broccoli over freshly cooked rice. The rice is there not just as a filler, but to soak up all the savory sauce. Be sure to distribute the shrimp and broccoli evenly so every bite bursts with flavor and texture. You’re now ready to dig in and enjoy a beautifully balanced home-cooked meal!
How to Serve Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe by sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top. These simple garnishes add visual appeal, texture, and a tiny flavor boost that takes your dish from everyday to special occasion in seconds.
Side Dishes
While fragrant steamed rice is the classic companion, you could also serve this dish alongside Asian-style noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A light cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup would make excellent refreshing sides that complement the rich, savory flavors of your shrimp and broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress friends and family, try serving your stir-fry in individual bowls garnished with lime wedges for a zesty kick. You could even stuff the stir-fry into warm lettuce cups for a fun handheld meal. Presentation with bright colors and thoughtful plating always makes the eating experience more enjoyable and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe keeps well for up to 2 days and tastes great cold or reheated. Just be mindful that broccoli may soften further after refrigeration but will still be delicious.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal due to the texture changes, especially with broccoli and shrimp. If you want to freeze, cool the stir-fry completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to minimize mushiness.
Reheating
For reheating, a quick toss in a hot pan or microwave will do the trick. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help maintain moisture. Be careful not to overheat or cook for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the broccoli from turning too soft.
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 get the best texture and flavor in your Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of sugar can be a decent alternative, although the flavor won’t be exactly the same. You might also find vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms at specialty stores.
Should I use fresh ginger or ground ginger?
Fresh ginger is best because it offers a bright, zesty spice that really wakes up the dish. Ground ginger is much more concentrated and less vibrant, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
Stir-fry the broccoli over high heat for a short time only, and remove it promptly once it is bright green and tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking, and remember it will continue cooking a bit after you add the sauce and shrimp back in.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, and double-check the labels on your broth. This way, the Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe remains safe for gluten-sensitive diets while still delighting your palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a quick, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and special, and this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe delivers exactly that. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s a wonderful way to bring bright colors, fresh ingredients, and bold tastes to your weeknight dinners. Once you make it, it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes, too!
Print
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli dish that combines tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Aromatics and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Serving
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Wash the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and sear well.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Set this aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until they turn a vibrant green and are just tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside to keep crisp.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Quickly stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Stir-fry the shrimp: Turn the heat to high and add the shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry them vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring they don’t overcook and become tough.
- Combine ingredients: Return the broccoli to the pan with the shrimp. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over everything and stir well to allow the sauce to evenly coat the shrimp and broccoli, thickening slightly as it heats.
- Finish with sesame oil and seasoning: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss well to combine. Adjust the flavor by seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fried shrimp and broccoli immediately over cooked rice, ensuring each portion includes a balanced amount of shrimp and broccoli for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen peeled and deveined shrimp can be used if thawed completely.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace shrimp with firm tofu and oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger based on your preference for heat and aroma.
- Cooking the broccoli just until tender-crisp retains its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili during the stir-fry step.
