This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal! It’s packed with juicy shrimp and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that makes every bite delicious.
If you’re like me, you might find yourself eating more broccoli just to get to the shrimp! 😂 I love how fast this comes together—just a little prep, a quick cook, and dinner is served!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and hold up well in stir fries. If you’re looking for a substitution, you can use chicken or tofu instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. If you’re out of broccoli, try using sugar snap peas, bell peppers, or even asparagus for a different take.
Soy Sauce: This provides the base flavor. If you prefer gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
Oyster Sauce: It adds depth to the sauce. If you can’t find it or want a vegetarian option, use hoisin sauce instead or simply add extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Sesame Oil: This gives a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, a drizzle of olive oil can work, though it won’t have the same aroma.
How Do I Get the Broccoli Just Right?
Getting your broccoli perfectly crisp-tender is key to this stir-fry. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cutting the broccoli into even-sized florets to ensure they cook properly.
- When you stir-fry, keep the pan on medium-high heat for quick cooking. This helps the broccoli keep that bright green color.
- If you feel it might need a bit more cooking, adding a splash of water can create steam—covering the pan for a minute helps soften them without overcooking.
Trust me, a little cooking time makes a big difference in keeping the broccoli crunchy and fresh!
How Can I Make the Shrimp Juicy and Tender?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they turn rubbery if overcooked. Here’s my tip:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp, as this helps them sear quickly.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Work in batches if needed to allow for even cooking.
- Watch them closely. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done—this usually takes just 2-3 minutes.
Following these tips will give you succulent shrimp in your stir fry every time!
Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or sliced chili (optional, for heat)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauces
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and sesame oil (if using). In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set both bowls aside for later.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and crisp-tender. If they start to get too dry, add a little splash of water to help steam them for a minute.
5. Combine Shrimp and Broccoli
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the sauce mixture that you prepared earlier, stirring well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this is where the magic happens!
7. Final Taste Check
Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Make sure everything is well combined!
8. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your delicious shrimp and broccoli stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your quick and healthy meal!
FAQ for Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them first. The best way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?
If you don’t have broccoli, you can use snap peas, bell peppers, asparagus, or even bok choy! Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetable you choose to ensure they stay crisp and vibrant.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some vegetables might require a little longer to become tender.
