If you are craving a vibrant, quick, and utterly satisfying meal, this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute winner. With juicy shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce, this dish brings together freshness, bold flavors, and the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress a dinner guest with minimal effort, this recipe delivers on all fronts and will become a staple in your kitchen in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one adds something special, whether it’s a punch of flavor, a crunchy bite, or a touch of color that makes every forkful exciting.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp give a sweet, tender protein base that cooks quickly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for stir-frying to achieve that light char.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Crisp and green, broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a little bite that wakes up the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Bright and zesty, ginger balances richness with a refreshing warmth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Classic umami seasoning that builds the savory backbone of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly sweet complexity that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings a gentle sweetness for harmony and balance.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Light acidity that cuts through richness and brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just enough to give a toasty, nutty finish without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who want a little heat.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish): Fresh and crisp, perfect for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasty seeds add a pleasant crunch and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens, combining sweet, savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes to perfectly coat your shrimp and broccoli later on.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking seals in their juiciness. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for tender-crisp broccoli that still has a bit of snap to it—this contrast is essential to the dish’s texture.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about one minute until the aromas fill your kitchen. They add a vibrant aromatic base that enhances the flavor experience of this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well to coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly, letting the sauce thicken slightly over the next 2-3 minutes while the dish finishes cooking. This step melds all the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These garnishes add an eye-catching finish and extra layers of flavor that contrast delightfully with the saucy shrimp and broccoli.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa makes for a complete and comforting meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried noodles or a simple Asian cucumber salad for added freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in crispy wonton cups or over coconut rice to introduce subtle sweetness. Plating it family-style in a big, colorful bowl encourages sharing and makes the meal feel more festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking your Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to enjoy as a quick lunch or second dinner.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp dishes can sometimes affect texture, but if needed, this stir-fry can be frozen for up to one month. Make sure to freeze it in a tightly sealed container or bag to preserve freshness, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly without overcooking the shrimp. You can add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the stir-fry’s texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative or hoisin sauce to keep it flavorful.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth without overwhelming the flavors. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Low-sodium soy sauce mixed with a touch of mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce can work well as a substitute if you don’t have oyster sauce on hand.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the broccoli, mince the garlic and ginger, and mix the sauce ahead of time to speed up the cooking process when you’re ready to stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
This Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is a beautiful example of how quick, simple ingredients can come together to create a dish full of flavor and texture that satisfies every craving. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many households. So go ahead, dive in and make this vibrant, comforting meal your own – it’s waiting to become your new go-to recipe!
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Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender shrimp and crisp broccoli florets, tossed in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, honey, and ginger. This vibrant dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Oil for Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside to let the flavors combine.
- Heat oil and cook shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender-crisp but still retain crunch.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with broccoli. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce mixture over the shrimp and broccoli. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For spicier heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variation.
- If oyster sauce is not available, a combination of hoisin sauce and soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.
- Ensure shrimp is fully defrosted if using frozen for even cooking.
