If you’re craving a vibrant dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and color, the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. This quick and easy recipe combines succulent shrimp with crisp broccoli and sweet red peppers, all enveloped in a glossy, savory sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. With every bite, you get that perfect harmony of tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and that irresistible balance of salty, sweet, and just a hint of spice. Trust me, this dish brings a fresh, satisfying twist to weeknight dinners that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe means gathering a handful of simple ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the sweetness of red bell peppers to the zing of fresh garlic and ginger, every component adds a layer of deliciousness, making this dish pop with flavor and color.
- Large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for convenience and a tender bite.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Provide crunch, vibrant green color, and a healthy boost.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a splash of red to brighten the plate.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Perfect for stir-frying and getting that nice sear.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated, optional): Adds a gentle warmth and zing that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every other flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): The salty backbone of the stir-fry sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds umami richness if you want extra depth.
- Hoisin sauce or honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of sweetness balancing the savory.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious coating.
- Water (¼ cup): Makes the sauce silky and allows the cornstarch to work.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings a toasty aroma and a final flavor boost.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a gentle hint of heat.
How to Make Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin or honey, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This careful blending ensures the sauce has the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors, while the cornstarch gives it that irresistible thickened texture.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and red bell pepper slices, stir-frying them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. This process locks in their color and crunch. Once done, remove and set them aside so they stay bright and fresh.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and carefully arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—a sign they’re perfectly cooked. Right after, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils without burning.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp, then pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to coat each ingredient evenly. Continue cooking and stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens warmly around the shrimp and veggies. Get ready for a mouthwatering combo that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top or chop some fresh scallions to add a little pop of color and a mild oniony crunch. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice can brighten all the flavors, giving the dish an unexpected zing that wakes up your palate.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a comforting meal, or pile it high on noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully and keeps everything light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, plate the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe inside crispy wonton cups or stuff it into lettuce leaves for easy, hand-held bites. You can also bulk up the dish by mixing in some cashews or chopped peanuts to add crunch and a nutty dimension that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days. Keep the stir fry separate from any rice or noodles if possible, so you can reheat without losing texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe, but keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp and broccoli might soften a bit upon thawing. Use airtight freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and avoid turning the broccoli mushy. A quick toss in a hot skillet is the best way to recapture that fresh stir-fried texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from watering down the stir fry sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce and omit oyster sauce or use a gluten-free alternative. This makes the Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Honey is a great substitute that brings the needed sweetness, or you can try a little brown sugar plus a dash of soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
How do I make the stir fry less spicy?
Simply leave out the crushed red pepper flakes. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the other savory and sweet sauce ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or even sliced zucchini work beautifully—and can add even more color and nutrients to your Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is one of those unbeatable dishes that combines healthy ingredients with effortless cooking and knockout flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite weeknight hero!
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Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and healthy Asian-inspired main course featuring tender shrimp and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory stir fry sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 20 minutes and can be served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or honey, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger if using, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and thicken: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the shrimp. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the ingredients and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the shrimp and vegetables.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can swap in snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms instead of broccoli and bell pepper for variety.
- To save time, use a frozen stir-fry vegetable mix.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
