Sizzling Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My weeknight dinner game changed forever when I discovered this delectable stir-fried shrimp and broccoli that combines crisp vegetables with succulent seafood.

Weeknight cooking can feel like a chore, but not with this quick and vibrant dish.

Fresh broccoli florets crackle alongside plump shrimp in a sizzling wok, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Seasonings dance together, blending umami and zest into each perfectly cooked morsel.

Protein-packed and nutritious, this meal comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes dramatically better.

Crunchy green florets and tender pink shrimp promise a delightful contrast in every single bite.

You won’t believe how simple it is to create restaurant-quality magic in just minutes.

Fun Variations on Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace shrimp with extra-firm tofu, cubed and pressed to remove moisture. Pan-fry tofu until golden for a protein-packed alternative.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal. Maintain same cooking technique with shrimp and broccoli.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha or chili oil to boost heat. Include red pepper flakes and double the fresh chili for those who love intense spiciness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. Verify cornstarch is certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.

What Goes Well with Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli

Select a crisp, zesty Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the dish’s richness with bright citrus notes and refreshing acidity.

Mix a light ginger-lemon spritzer to enhance the stir-fry’s Asian-inspired flavors and provide a palate-cleansing effect.

Serve fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce and provide a soft, neutral base that balances the shrimp and broccoli’s bold flavors.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add crunch and a fresh, nutty dimension to the stir-fry.

How to Keep Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 days maximum. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that shrimp texture might change slightly upon thawing.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir gently to prevent breaking shrimp and ensure even heating. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated.

FAQs

• What makes this stir-fry quick and easy?

The recipe requires minimal preparation and cooks in under 15 minutes. Blanching broccoli beforehand ensures it stays crisp and bright green, while stir-frying shrimp takes just 2-3 minutes.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can replace shrimp with chicken or tofu. If you don’t have oyster sauce, use hoisin or additional soy sauce. For chili, use red pepper flakes or skip if you prefer less heat.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully during the 2-3 minute stir-fry time. They should look opaque and have a slight C-shape.

Why Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Are So Satisfying

• Boost Quick Nutrition: Pack a powerful protein punch with succulent shrimp and fiber-rich broccoli in one delicious dish.
• Master Simple Stir-Frying: Learn an easy Asian-inspired cooking technique that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or choosing between rice and noodle bases to match personal taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cooking cleanup with a single pan method that delivers maximum flavor without complicated kitchen equipment or extensive washing up.

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the stir-fry.

• Broccoli: Bright green vegetable that adds nutritious crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• Garlic, Ginger, Chili: Fragrant ingredients that create a bold and spicy flavor base for the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Balanced combination of salty, sweet, and tangy liquids that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Water or Broth: Helps to create a smooth and silky sauce consistency.

• Cornstarch: Helps to create a glossy and slightly thickened sauce texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that adjust and enhance the final flavor of the dish.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and provides a subtle nutty and fresh flavor accent.

How to Make Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Get your shrimp ready by rinsing and patting them dry. Break the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.

Finely chop the garlic, grate the fresh ginger, and slice the chili pepper if you want some extra kick.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and become slightly tender. Quickly drain and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sliced chili

Stir-fry these for 30 seconds until they release their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Sear the Seafood

Add the shrimp to the hot pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a beautiful pink color and are almost completely cooked.

Step 5: Create Flavor Magic

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Water

Gently fold in the blanched broccoli, ensuring everything gets coated in the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Thicken and Perfect the Sauce

Add the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, slightly thickened coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over fluffy rice or tender noodles for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Helpful Tips for Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli

• Ensure broccoli stays vibrant green and crisp-tender by not overcooking during blanching, using ice water to stop the cooking process immediately after boiling.
• Watch for pink color and slight curl in shrimp, which indicates perfect cooking – avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
• Adjust sauce ingredients gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious blend of salty, tangy, and umami flavors without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
• Use high heat and constant stirring to achieve that authentic stir-fry sear and prevent ingredients from sticking or burning during cooking.

Stir-Fried Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli elevates weeknight dinners with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Crisp broccoli and succulent shrimp dance together in a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse and pat shrimp dry, transforming broccoli into delicate florets. Mince garlic, grate fresh ginger, and slice chili for vibrant flavor infusion.
2. Plunge broccoli into rapidly boiling water for precisely 2 minutes, achieving a brilliant emerald hue and crisp-tender texture. Quickly drain and reserve.
3. Ignite a large wok or skillet with vegetable oil over fierce medium-high heat. Unleash aromatics – garlic, ginger, and optional chili – dancing for 30 seconds until releasing intoxicating fragrance.
4. Introduce shrimp into the sizzling landscape, stirring dynamically for 2-3 minutes until transforming to a rosy pink and nearly completing their culinary journey.
5. Cascade soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and liquid base into the pan. Integrate blanched broccoli, ensuring harmonious coating.
6. Stream cornstarch mixture into the bubbling sauce, continuously agitating for 1-2 minutes until achieving a glossy, slightly thickened consistency. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Extinguish heat, crown with toasted sesame seeds and verdant green onion slivers. Immediately present atop steamed rice or tender noodles for an explosive flavor experience.

Notes

• Quickly pat shrimp dry to prevent excess water that can make stir-frying difficult and reduce sauce’s thickness.
• Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant color, crisp texture, and lock in nutrients while partially cooking before final stir-fry.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve perfect wok-style sear on shrimp without making them rubbery.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili quantity or using different pepper varieties like jalapeño or serrano for personalized spiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg