When you’re racing against the clock but still craving something both vibrant and satisfying, this stir-fried shrimp and broccoli recipe steps up like a trusty weeknight hero. Succulent shrimp meet bright green broccoli florets in a sizzling wok, all enveloped in a garlicky, ginger-infused sauce that dances on your taste buds. With just 15 minutes of prep and a swift 10-minute cook time, this dish proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for speed. At just 320 calories per serving, it’s light enough for a healthy lunch yet hearty enough to power you through a busy evening.
There’s something almost therapeutic about the rhythmic chop of broccoli stalks and the fragrant swirl of sesame oil heating in the pan. As a self-proclaimed home cook with an appetite for Asian cuisine, I love how this beginner-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Whether you’re a seasoned stir-fry aficionado or a total newbie wielding your very first wok, this colorful medley of shrimp, broccoli, and savory sauce is bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—toss in bell peppers or snap peas to match your mood or pantry stash.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN STIR-FRIED SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI
Before we fire up the stove, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this quick and delicious stir-fry. Each component brings its own unique character, working in harmony to deliver a balanced, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Large shrimp
These peeled and deveined morsels cook in mere minutes, offering a sweet, briny bite that pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Their tender texture truly makes this a standout dish.
- Broccoli florets
Vibrant and nutrient-packed, broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and fresh earthiness. Stir-frying keeps it bright green and just tender, striking the perfect balance between crisp and tender.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral oil with a high smoke point ensures even cooking without imparting unwanted flavors. It’s the reliable base for achieving that classic stir-fry sear.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic punch, delivering warmth and depth in every stir.
- Fresh ginger
Grated ginger brings a zesty, slightly peppery aroma that cuts through the richness of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Soy sauce
This savory backbone contributes essential umami, providing that mouthwatering savory depth we all crave in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Oyster sauce
With its slightly sweet, seafood-forward tang, oyster sauce elevates the stir-fry with an extra layer of complexity.
- Cornstarch
Acting as a natural thickener, cornstarch helps the sauce cling to each shrimp and broccoli floret, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
- Chicken broth
This liquid base lightens the sauce and carries flavors throughout the pan, creating a silky, cohesive coating.
- Sesame oil
A final drizzle of sesame oil imparts a nutty finish and rich aroma, rounding out the savory notes beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings that sharpen and balance the dish, ensuring no element overwhelms another.
- Cooked rice
Fluffy rice serves as the ideal canvas, soaking up the sauce and transforming every forkful into a complete, comforting meal.
HOW TO MAKE STIR-FRIED SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI
Ready to bring everything together? This section walks you through each step, from prepping your ingredients to the final toss in the wok. With clear techniques and timing, you’ll be enjoying this savory garlic-ginger stir-fry in no time.
1. Prepare the shrimp by washing them thoroughly under cold water and then patting them dry with paper towels. Ensuring the shrimp are completely dry helps them sear perfectly without steaming.
2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Set this flavor-packed sauce aside to let the cornstarch activate.
3. 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, or until they turn vibrant green and are just tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
5. Increase the heat to high and add the shrimp. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, flipping them so they cook evenly and turn pink and opaque.
6. Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture. Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each shrimp and floret evenly.
7. Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it a final toss. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for that perfect balance.
8. Serve immediately over hot, cooked rice, ensuring each portion gets an equal share of shrimp and broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR STIR-FRIED SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to presenting this tasty stir-fry, thoughtful garnishes and side pairings can turn a simple meal into a memorable experience. Whether you’re plating for family dinner or impressing guests, these ideas add flair, texture, and extra flavor.
- Serve over a bed of steaming jasmine or brown rice, letting the grains soak up every drop of the savory sauce for a comforting base that complements the shrimp and broccoli.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions to add a pop of color and a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender stir-fry.
- Accompany with a small bowl of hot chili oil or red pepper flakes on the side, so spice lovers can dial up the heat to their preference, making each bite customizable.
- Pair this stir-fry with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and a hint of sugar to introduce a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory flavors.
HOW TO STORE STIR-FRIED SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI
Storing your leftovers properly means you can enjoy this dish again without sacrificing quality. Follow these tips to maintain that fresh-off-the-wok taste, even when reheating.
- Refrigerate promptly: Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This preserves the crunchy texture of the broccoli and the plumpness of the shrimp.
- Separate sauce: If you anticipate storing it for more than one day, keep the sauce and the solids in separate containers. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and maintains a more vibrant texture.
- Gentle reheating: Reheat over low to medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. This helps revive the sauce’s consistency without overcooking the shrimp or broccoli.
- Freezing guidelines: Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently, as freezing can slightly alter the broccoli’s crispness.
CONCLUSION
This stir-fried shrimp and broccoli recipe has taken us on a quick, flavor-packed journey from simple ingredients to a satisfying plate. We’ve explored how succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli come together under the influence of savory soy and oyster sauces, uplifted by aromatic garlic and ginger. With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this beginner-friendly dish brings restaurant-quality flair to your kitchen without any intimidation. It’s healthy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable—add colorful bell peppers, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to make it uniquely yours. Feel free to print and save this article for future dinner plans, and browse through the FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions about techniques, substitutions, or troubleshooting tips.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Your comments, questions, and feedback help me keep these pages as useful and engaging as possible. Did you add your own personal twist? Was the sauce just the right balance of sweet and savory, or did you bump up the heat to make it your own? Drop a note below—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone cooking stir-fries for the very first time, your experiences and suggestions are always welcome.
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli
Description
This vibrant stir-fry is packed with tender shrimp and bright broccoli, all coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunch treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the shrimp by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
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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 are vibrant green and just tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Increase the heat to high and add the shrimp. Stir-fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
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Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the soy sauce mixture. Stir everything together, letting the sauce coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly.
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Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve immediately over cooked rice, ensuring each portion has an equal share of shrimp and broccoli.
Note
- For added flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Use freshly grated ginger for the best aroma and taste.
- Feel free to add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sliced chili.
- Make sure the broccoli is not overcooked; it should remain slightly crunchy.
