If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, healthy, and packed with flavors that dance on your taste buds, then this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is your new go-to! It combines tender, succulent shrimp with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or wanting to impress friends with a dazzling, nutrient-rich plate, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully satisfying, and hits all the right notes between fresh veggies and protein-driven goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Luckily, the ingredients for this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe are straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one plays a crucial role: from the crunch of fresh broccoli to the lusciousness of sesame oil and the punch of freshly grated ginger, these elements come together to make something truly remarkable.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for that perfect tender bite.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil to start your stir-fry without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a warm, nutty aroma that enhances the overall dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds sharpness and depth to the sauté.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a lively, zesty kick that brightens up the recipe.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness without being overwhelming.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Introduces savory umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that cuts through richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Brings just the right hint of sweetness to balance flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little gentle heat to wake up the palate.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish adding crunch and a mild onion flavor.
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving: The perfect base to soak up all the wonderful sauce.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli
Start by heating the vegetable oil and sesame oil together in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain their snap. This step is key because it preserves the bright green color and that fresh crunch that’s so satisfying.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This brief cooking releases their incredible aroma and infuses the oil, setting a flavorful stage for the shrimp and sauce to come.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Push the broccoli towards the edges of the skillet to make space in the center. Place the shrimp in the middle and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn a gorgeous rosy pink and become opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked and ready to mingle with the sauce.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce blend over the shrimp and broccoli, stirring well to evenly coat everything. This combination brings the sweet, salty, and savory elements all together in harmony.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes as the sauce thickens to a silky, glossy finish. This thickened sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp and vegetables, making each bite a flavorful joy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stir-fry from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve it hot over your choice of fluffy white or hearty brown rice, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is quick to make.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions at the end not only provides a burst of fresh flavor but also adds a nice crunch. Feel free to toss in some toasted sesame seeds or even a handful of chopped cilantro to elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe works wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to keep it wholesome. If you want to add even more veggie variety, steamed snap peas or a simple cucumber salad on the side pairs beautifully and keeps the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your stir fry on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also spoon it over crunchy lettuce cups for a handheld treat, perfect for casual gatherings or an easy weeknight supper that feels a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a handy option for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and keep them for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until everything is warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery or the broccoli mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper sautéing.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can use hoisin sauce or a blend of soy sauce mixed with a bit of fish sauce as alternatives. They provide a similar umami depth to complement the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or use a suitable alternative.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even baby corn add extra color, texture, and nutrition to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your preferred spice level or omit entirely if you want to keep it mild and family-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, all coming together in a speedy, nourishing meal. I encourage you to try it on your next cooking day—it not only impresses with simplicity and taste but also becomes one of those dishes you’ll reach for again and again, a true crowd-pleaser and a reliable classic in your kitchen.
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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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry combining tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this healthy dish is served over hot rice and can be customized with extra veggies or spice level.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oils and cook broccoli: Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook shrimp: Push the broccoli to the sides and add the shrimp to the center of the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Prepare sauce and combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and broccoli, stirring well to combine.
- Thicken sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve the stir fry hot over cooked white or brown rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the stir fry.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
