If you love vibrant, quick, and wholesome meals that pack a punch of flavor without complicated steps, you are absolutely going to adore this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a delightful dance of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and colorful bell peppers, all coated in a rich, savory sauce that brings every bite to life. Perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you need a nourishing dish that feels like a treat, this stir fry strikes the perfect balance between healthful ingredients and satisfying flavor that warms the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen with care to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Whether it’s the crunch of fresh broccoli or the delicate sweetness of shrimp, every component plays a vital role.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, these provide the star protein, bringing a succulent seafood flavor and hearty bite.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh and crisp, broccoli adds a bright green pop and satisfying crunch.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a sweet and colorful contrast to the greens and the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for a good stir-fry, it helps with high-heat cooking and keeps everything from sticking.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a little bit of punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Offers a subtle warmth that brightens the sauce and pairs beautifully with garlic.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Provides salty umami that ties the dish together while keeping sodium in check.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds complexity with a hint of sweetness and seafood richness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce perfectly to coat every ingredient in luscious flavor.
- Chicken broth or water (½ cup): Creates a balanced sauce base without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional): A few drops at the end lend a toasty, nutty finish.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat for those who like a little spice.
- Cooked rice: The ideal way to soak up all the sauce and turn this stir fry into a satisfying meal.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth or water in a small bowl. This simple mixture will transform into a glossy, flavorful sauce that perfectly hugs every piece of shrimp and vegetable, providing that signature stir-fry taste.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. It’s important not to overcook them, as shrimp can easily become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
Into the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are crisp-tender but still vibrant and fresh.
Step 4: Combine and Coat with Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, pour in your prepared sauce, and toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are beautifully coated. Keep stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens perfectly and clings to each ingredient, creating that irresistible glossy finish.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you’re using sesame oil and red pepper flakes, drizzle and sprinkle them in now for that extra layer of aroma and subtle heat. Serve your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry hot over freshly cooked rice for the ultimate comforting and nutritious meal.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your dish with some fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds. These add a delightful crunch and vibrant color that make the presentation pop and offer little bursts of taste with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this stir fry with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for wholesome carbs. If you want to add more greens, a side of steamed bok choy or a light Asian cucumber salad would complement the flavors wonderfully without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in hollowed-out bell peppers or over a bed of quinoa for an unexpected texture. Wrapping the stir fry in lettuce leaves also makes for a fresh, handheld delight perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry tastes just as great the next day! Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next meal quick and delicious.
Freezing
While shrimp stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best texture and taste. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may soften, so it’s ideal for recipes where texture is less critical after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough or rubbery. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help keep everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can steam the dish instead of stir-frying it.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, a mix of hoisin sauce with a splash of soy sauce or even mushroom sauce can mimic the rich umami flavor it adds to the dish.
How do I make this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce while cooking the sauce for a spicier kick that still balances well with the other savory ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure the oyster sauce you choose is gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile—snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas are all excellent additions. Just add them according to their cooking times to keep everything crisp and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a personal favorite for so many reasons — it’s fast, flavorful, colorful, and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the way the tender shrimp and crisp veggies come alive in that glossy sauce. Once you master this recipe, it might just become your go-to weeknight meal too!
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Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A quick and healthy Asian-inspired Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry featuring tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and bell pepper tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Serving
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth or water until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then stir-fry the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender, retaining a slight crunch.
- Combine and finish cooking: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing everything to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.
- Add finishing touches and serve: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry if using, mix gently, and serve immediately hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Substitute snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms for variety in vegetables.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
