If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both quick and satisfying, this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture tender shrimp mingling with crisp broccoli and colorful veggies, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce that’s packed with just the right balance of ginger and garlic. It’s an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a nourishing meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable dishes, and that’s exactly what this recipe proves. Each component here is chosen to bring brightness, crunch, and depth of flavor to your plate, balancing perfectly for a delightful stir fry experience.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these juicy morsels are the star protein that cooks in just minutes.
- Broccoli florets: For that satisfying crunch and a boost of green goodness that makes the dish pop visually and nutritionally.
- Bell pepper: Sliced red or yellow peppers add sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
- Carrot: Julienned for a subtle sweetness and a crisp texture that complements the other veggies.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse the dish with aromatic punch.
- Soy sauce: Delivers deep, salty umami that’s essential to authentic stir fry flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle richness and complexity.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect clingy glaze.
- Vegetable oil: Used for quick, high-heat cooking to keep ingredients tender-crisp.
- Ginger: Grated for a bright, zesty kick that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, rounding out the flavors just right.
- Cooked rice or noodles: To serve as a comforting base and soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to remove any residue, then pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. This step ensures they sear nicely instead of steaming in the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Perfect Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple yet flavorful concoction will marry the shrimp and veggies beautifully with a silky, glossy coating.
Step 3: Heat the Wok or Skillet
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. A hot pan is the secret to getting that slightly charred, smoky flavor that makes stir fry so addictive.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until they turn a gorgeous pink and curl up. Remove them from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, toss in the minced garlic, broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still maintain their crisp bite.
Step 6: Marry Ingredients and Add Sauce
Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour your sauce mixture over everything. Stir well to evenly coat the shrimp and vegetables in that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
Continue to cook and toss the ingredients for another 2 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken and cling to every bite, creating a dish bursting with flavor and irresistible texture.
Step 8: Final Check and Serve
Make sure the shrimp are fully cooked through, and the vegetables are tender yet crisp. Then, remove the pan from heat and plate your stir fry over a bed of warm rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil adds an exciting kick without overpowering the delicate shrimp and veggies.
Side Dishes
This stir fry stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with jasmine rice or chow mein noodles amplifies its comforting appeal. A fresh cucumber salad or simple miso soup can add light sides that balance the rich, savory stir fry perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, toss this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe into lettuce cups for a hand-held treat or serve it atop cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Using colorful bowls and garnishes can make even a weeknight meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp and veggies hold up nicely, making it easy to grab a wholesome meal when you’re short on time.
Freezing
Though seafood dishes freeze better when cooked gently, you can freeze this stir fry if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that fresh stir-fried texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make shrimp rubbery and vegetables soggy.
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 that can steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, hoisin sauce or a splash of fish sauce mixed with a bit of sugar can work nicely to mimic its sweet, salty depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
By using gluten-free soy sauce and verifying your oyster sauce is gluten-free, this dish can easily be made suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are great additions that add more variety and texture to the stir fry without overpowering the main flavors.
How do I make this dish spicier?
For some heat, toss in fresh sliced chili peppers while stir-frying or finish with a drizzle of chili garlic sauce to kick things up a notch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a total winner that balances wholesome ingredients with big flavors and quick prep. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it hits all the right notes — fresh, savory, colorful, and oh-so satisfying. So grab your skillet and dive into this delicious adventure tonight!
Print
Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and delicious recipe combining succulent shrimp with vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it comes together in just over 15 minutes and can be served with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly using a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better cooking results.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set the mixture aside.
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic, broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
- Toss and thicken sauce: Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
- Check for doneness: Ensure the shrimp are fully cooked and the vegetables retain some crispness for optimal texture and flavor.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while stir-frying.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and omitting oyster sauce or using a gluten-free alternative.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added as desired, such as snap peas or mushrooms.
