If you’re on the hunt for a lightning-quick, flavor-packed dinner that looks as good as it tastes, Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is about to leap into your weeknight favorites. This colorful, nutrient-rich dish combines juicy shrimp with tender-crisp broccoli, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce that clings to every bite. Not only is it ready in a flash, but it’s also endlessly adaptable—meaning you can satisfy everyone at the table with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love with the bold flavors and irresistible textures of this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is that it comes together with a handful of staples, each one bringing something essential to the party. Simple yet vibrant, these ingredients layer on flavor, texture, and that all-important pop of freshness.
- Shrimp: Opt for large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for a juicy bite and perfect texture that cooks fast and soaks up all the flavors.
- Broccoli Florets: These not only add gorgeous color but also a satisfying crunch and loads of nutrients.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed to stir-fry without overpowering the dish’s flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the stir fry a deeply aromatic base—don’t skimp!
- Fresh Ginger: Just a teaspoon of grated ginger brightens everything up with a warm, zesty kick.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings that signature umami punch without making the dish too salty.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a complex, slightly sweet depth and gloss to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: This is what thickens the sauce so it coats every piece perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: For extra richness and body—choose low-sodium if possible.
- Honey: Just a touch creates wonderful balance and enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a subtle heat, sprinkle these in to taste.
- Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning to perfection—the final simple touch.
- Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions: Tossed on top, these make your stir fry look restaurant-worthy and add a lovely layer of flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Up the Signature Sauce
Start by combining the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, honey, and (if you’re feeling bold) a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth and glossy. This sauce is what gives Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry its irresistible sheen and depth, so take your time to blend it well, then set it aside where you can grab it quickly when the time comes.
Step 2: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Grab your largest skillet or wok and heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll see the broccoli turn a dazzling green and become tender-crisp—you want it cooked but still snappy. Scoop the broccoli out onto a plate so it doesn’t overcook while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Pour the remaining oil into the now-empty pan and add the shrimp in a single layer. Stir-fry for just 2 to 3 minutes, watching as they start to curl and turn pink. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay plump and juicy. Sprinkle over the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir for another 30 seconds. The fragrance at this stage is pure magic!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the vibrant broccoli to your skillet or wok, and give everything a good toss. Now, pour in your prepped sauce and stir so it coats every ingredient evenly. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens up and the shrimp turn opaque and glossy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. That’s it—Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is ready for its grand entrance!
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry
Garnishes
Right before digging in, shower your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry with sesame seeds and a generous sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. Not only do these make the dish pop on the plate, but they also add a toasty and slightly sharp finish that contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic heaped over fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up every spoonful of that glossy sauce. Noodles work just as well—think lo mein or even rice noodles for something a bit different. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, spoon it over cauliflower rice for a lighter, veggie-packed dinner that still satisfies.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry into a real centerpiece by serving it in a large sharing bowl, family-style. Or, for a playful twist, portion it out into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal. If you’re entertaining, try topping each serving with a lime wedge or a little drizzle of chili oil to impress guests with that extra pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 2 days—beyond that, the shrimp can become a bit rubbery.
Freezing
Although you can technically freeze this stir fry, the texture of shrimp and broccoli does change once thawed. For best results, freeze only if absolutely necessary, and understand that the veggies may become softer upon reheating. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before warming through.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works—simply cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring halfway through so everything gets piping hot but not overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures the shrimp cook evenly and don’t water down your stir fry sauce.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a dash of brown sugar. Both options provide rich, sweet-salty depth but will give the dish a slightly different character.
Is there a gluten-free version of this stir fry?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. This way, you’ll keep all the great flavors without the gluten.
What other veggies can I use?
This stir fry is endlessly flexible. Try tossing in snap peas, thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even baby corn for extra color and crunch. Just stir-fry each veggie for a minute or two until crisp-tender.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes and turn from translucent to opaque pink quickly. Watch closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re just barely cooked through—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce in the final steps.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry enough for those dinners when you want something crave-worthy without fuss. It’s fast, flexible, colorful, and packed with flavors you’ll love bite after bite. Give it a try for your next quick weeknight meal—I bet it’ll become a regular at your table!
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Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, honey, and red pepper flakes until smooth; set aside.
- Stir Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp; remove from skillet. Add remaining oil to skillet and stir-fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes until just turning pink. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return broccoli to skillet, pour in sauce mixture, and toss to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and shrimp are opaque. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- You can substitute snow peas or bell peppers for part of the broccoli for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 830 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
