Easy & Delicious Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry: Your Ultimate 25-Minute Weeknight Meal Solution
Craving a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further! This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry recipe is your new go-to, ready to delight your taste buds in less than 25 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and healthy, without sacrificing on taste or spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Will Become Your New Favorite
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that shrimp and broccoli stir fry is among the easiest and most rewarding dishes to whip up at home. Forget expensive takeout; this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen in minimal time. The secret lies in our simple yet incredibly potent sauce, designed to elevate every ingredient it touches.
Crafted with a balanced blend of savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, aromatic sesame oil, pungent minced ginger, and a touch of sweet brown sugar, this sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that coats the succulent shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli perfectly. It’s a versatile sauce that’s not just delicious, but also forms a rich, glossy glaze ideal for spooning generously over fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles.
The beauty of this stir-fry isn’t just its speed or taste, but also its incredible adaptability. Once you master this core stir-fry sauce, a world of culinary possibilities opens up. You can easily apply it to other proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu, and pair it with a variety of grains or pasta. If you already have these essential ingredients in your pantry, you’re well on your way to creating other takeout-inspired favorites, such as teriyaki shrimp or even sweet and sour chicken. It’s truly a win-win situation, providing healthy, flavorful meals with maximum convenience.
Beyond the taste, this dish offers significant nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and iodine, all crucial for a healthy metabolism and thyroid function. Broccoli, a powerhouse vegetable, provides ample fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants, contributing to improved digestion, immune support, and overall well-being. By combining these two star ingredients, you’re not just making a quick dinner; you’re creating a wholesome, nutrient-dense meal for your family.
Essential Ingredients for Your Stir Fry
To recreate this fantastic dish, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staples. While the full list with precise measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a breakdown of the key components:
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive deeper into some of the main ingredients and how to make the best choices or smart substitutions for your stir-fry:
- SHRIMP – You’ll need about 1 pound of raw jumbo shrimp. For the best flavor and texture, ensure they are peeled, deveined, and have the tails removed. While convenient, I strongly advise against using precooked shrimp for this recipe, as they tend to become rubbery and bland when reheated or stir-fried. Raw shrimp will absorb the sauce’s flavors much better and cook to a perfect tender-crisp. Look for shrimp that are firm and translucent, with a mild, fresh smell.
- BROCCOLI – Two crowns of fresh broccoli should yield approximately 2 cups of florets. Aim for bright green, firm florets. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen broccoli can be used; just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding it to the wok. Excess moisture can steam the dish instead of stir-frying it, preventing that desirable crisp-tender texture.
- STIR-FRY SAUCE ESSENTIALS:
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of Asian stir-fries. Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce based on your preference. For a gluten-free option, Tamari is an excellent substitute.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a crucial tangy acidity that brightens the entire dish. Do not confuse it with rice wine, which has a different flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is preferred for its deep, nutty aroma, which is integral to the authentic stir-fry experience. A little goes a long way!
- Minced Ginger: Freshly minced ginger provides a warm, spicy, and incredibly aromatic kick. Pre-minced ginger in a jar can work in a pinch but fresh is always superior for flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy notes, adding a touch of sweetness and helping the sauce caramelize beautifully. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different nuanced sweetness.
- Cornstarch: This is key to creating a thick, glossy sauce. Mixed with water to form a “slurry,” it prevents lumps and ensures smooth thickening. Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative.
- AROMATICS:
- Olive Oil: Used for stir-frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil are also good neutral-flavored, high-heat cooking oil alternatives.
- Minced Garlic & Chopped Onion: Fresh garlic and onion provide the aromatic foundation for our stir-fry, building layers of flavor from the very beginning.
How to Make Flavorful Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to guide you visually through making this recipe. For a complete printable version, including all measurements and instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and a quarter cup of water. Whisk until completely smooth and lump-free. This slurry is essential for thickening your sauce.
- Whip Up the Signature Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and brown sugar. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until it starts to gently simmer. Once simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously whisking. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly and achieves a beautiful, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for proper stir-frying. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté for another 2 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent.
- Cook the Vegetables and Shrimp: Add the broccoli florets to the wok and toss to coat them in the oil and aromatics. Then, add the raw shrimp, tossing them gently to ensure they are also coated. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. The shrimp will quickly turn opaque and curl into a C-shape, indicating they are cooked through. The broccoli should be tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Combine with Sauce: Finally, pour the pre-thickened sauce from the saucepan over the shrimp and broccoli in the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are beautifully coated in the rich, glossy sauce and thoroughly heated through. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Don’t Crowd the Wok: For best results and proper stir-frying (rather than steaming), cook in batches if your wok or skillet isn’t large enough to accommodate all ingredients in a single layer.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying relies on high heat and quick cooking. Ensure your wok is properly heated before adding ingredients.
- Prep Everything Ahead: Stir-fries cook very quickly. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go (mise en place) before you even turn on the stove. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking process.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Water chestnuts, bell peppers (red, yellow, orange), carrots, bok choy, asparagus, baby corn, mushrooms, snow peas, and snap peas are all fantastic additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots earlier, and softer ones like spinach towards the end.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to your sauce or directly into the wok with the garlic.
- Crispier Broccoli: For an extra crisp texture, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat very dry. Alternatively, roast the broccoli in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until tender-crisp before adding to the stir fry at the end.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is excellent for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch and portion it into airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can toss in your favorite stir-fry vegetables when adding the onion or alongside the broccoli, depending on their cooking time. Excellent options include sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), water chestnuts for crunch, thinly sliced carrots, tender bok choy, crisp asparagus, sweet baby corn, earthy mushrooms, or vibrant snap peas. Just be mindful of cooking times; denser vegetables may need a minute or two head start.
It is perfectly fine to use frozen shrimp, as most shrimp are sold frozen to maintain freshness. However, you must thaw them completely before cooking. For a quick thaw, transfer the frozen shrimp to a large resealable bag, squeeze out any excess air, and submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water for about 10-20 minutes. Avoid using hot water, as it can partially cook the shrimp. Once thawed, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from steaming your stir-fry, then proceed with the recipe.
Shrimp cooks very quickly, making it easy to overcook. Perfectly cooked shrimp will curl into a “C” shape and turn opaque with vibrant pink and red hues. The flesh will look firm and no longer translucent. Overcooked shrimp, on the other hand, tend to form a tighter “O” shape, appear whitish-grey, and have a rubbery, tough texture. Keep a close eye on them; they usually only need 3-4 minutes of stir-frying.
Store any leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
This stir-fry is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include fluffy white rice (Jasmine or Basmati are great), brown rice for a healthier whole-grain option, or a simple bowl of noodles (lo mein, ramen, or even thin spaghetti). For a lighter meal, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Stir Fry
Once your shrimp and broccoli stir fry is perfectly coated in its glossy sauce, it’s time to serve! Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and a touch of visual appeal. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro can also add a burst of freshness. This dish is fantastic served piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite Asian-style noodles. For a lower-carb option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed greens. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can add an extra zing that brightens all the flavors.
More Quick & Flavorful Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you loved this quick and easy shrimp and broccoli stir-fry, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our Asian-inspired recipes that bring takeout flavors right to your home. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious options:
- Hibachi Shrimp: Experience the magic of a Japanese steakhouse at home with this flavorful and fun recipe.
- Kung Pao Shrimp: A spicy and savory classic, perfect for those who love a kick in their stir-fry.
- Sweet and Sour Shrimp: A delightful balance of sweet and tangy, a family-friendly favorite.
- Quick Shrimp Stir Fry: Another versatile stir-fry recipe, great for using up various vegetables you have on hand.
- Homemade Fried Rice: The ultimate side dish or a meal in itself, perfect for pairing with any of these shrimp dishes.
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Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups broccoli florets about 2 crowns
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
Things You’ll Need
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Saucepan
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Whisk
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Wok or large heavy bottomed skillet
Before You Begin
- It’s totally okay to use frozen shrimp for this recipe as most shrimp come frozen, however, you will need to thaw it first. To thaw them quickly, transfer the shrimp to a large ziptop bag and squeeze out the air. Submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water (do not use hot water) for around 10-20 minutes. Pat the shrimp dry and continue with the recipe.
- I would not recommend precooked shrimp for this recipe, as it can easily become rubbery and overcooked during stir-frying. For the best flavor and texture, always start with raw shrimp.
- Two crowns of fresh broccoli should yield around 2 cups of broccoli florets. If using frozen broccoli, allow it to thaw completely and pat it very dry before beginning to prevent excess moisture from steaming the dish.
Instructions
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In a small bowl, make a smooth slurry from the cornstarch and water. This prevents lumps in your sauce.
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In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger and brown sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry and continue whisking until the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy. Set aside.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a wok or large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped onion and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
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Add broccoli florets to the wok and toss to coat. Then, add the raw shrimp, tossing gently to coat them as well. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. The broccoli should be tender-crisp.
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Pour in the thickened sauce from the saucepan over the shrimp and broccoli. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is thoroughly coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & FAQs for Success
- We love a generous amount of sauce, especially when serving over rice! If you prefer less sauce, you can remove some of the finished sauce or halve the sauce ingredients before cooking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
- For optimal texture, always use raw shrimp and thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking. Precooked shrimp often becomes rubbery when stir-fried.
- Don’t overcrowd your wok or skillet. If cooking a large batch, stir-fry in two smaller batches to ensure proper searing and even cooking, rather than steaming.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.