Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner option, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is the perfect choice. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, ensuring a satisfying meal that tastes just like takeout but is healthier and made entirely at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights.
2. Healthy: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and nutrient-rich broccoli.
3. Better than Takeout: Fresh ingredients and homemade sauce for a flavorful and healthier dish.
4. Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add more veggies, or swap shrimp for other proteins.
5. Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one pan or wok.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Clean the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, remove the shells and veins. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into even, bite-sized florets. This ensures they cook evenly.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.
4. Mince Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring bold flavors to the stir fry, so prepare these ingredients before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to help steam the broccoli.
3. Remove Broccoli: Transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add Oil to Pan: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sauce

1. Return Broccoli to the Pan: Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan with the shrimp.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Stir the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is mixed, then pour it over the shrimp and broccoli.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir everything together for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a splash of soy sauce for saltiness or more honey for sweetness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the stir fry with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
2. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Enjoy hot!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch closely. Once they turn pink and curl, they are done. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
2. Even Cooking for Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets so they cook uniformly. Add a splash of water while stir-frying to help soften them slightly.
3. Prep Everything First: Stir frying moves quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
4. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water. If it’s too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir it in.
5. Use a Wok: A wok works best for stir frying as it allows for even cooking and high heat, but a large skillet will also work.

Recipe Variations

1. Add More Vegetables:
   • Add carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for a more colorful and veggie-packed stir fry.
2. Spicy Version:
   • Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat.
3. Protein Swaps:
   • Replace shrimp with chicken, beef, tofu, or tempeh for a different protein option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Gluten-Free:
   • Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
5. Low-Carb Option:
   • Serve the stir fry with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice for a complete meal.
• Pair it with soba noodles or lo mein for a hearty twist.
• Add a side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad to complement the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with an irresistible sauce that strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. The quick cooking time preserves the texture of the shrimp and broccoli, ensuring a tender yet crisp result. By making this dish at home, you avoid added preservatives and excess oil often found in takeout, while still enjoying restaurant-quality flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely, pat them dry, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
Stir fry the broccoli quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of water can help steam the broccoli slightly without making it mushy.

3. Can I make this dish without soy sauce?
For a soy-free version, use coconut aminos as a substitute.

4. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or increase the soy sauce and honey slightly for a similar flavor.

Conclusion

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade stir-fry sauce, this dish is far better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Yield: 4

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner option, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is the perfect choice. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, ensuring a satisfying meal that tastes just like takeout but is healthier and made entirely at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Stir Fry:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• For the Stir Fry Sauce:
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green but still crisp.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and steam for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

4. Combine and Stir Fry

1. Return the broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and broccoli. Toss everything together, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and broccoli evenly.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the shrimp and broccoli stir fry to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. They should turn pink and opaque in just 2-3 minutes.
• Crisp Broccoli: For perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, stir fry first, then steam briefly with water to retain its bright color.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer more sauce, double the ingredients and adjust the thickness with additional cornstarch or water.