Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a lightning-fast, flavor-packed dinner that never fails to impress, Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry deserves a spot in your regular rotation. This dish is the very definition of weeknight-friendly: plump, tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli come together in a glossy, garlicky sauce that practically begs for a big helping of rice or noodles. It’s a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors, proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the all-in-one kind of meal that’ll quickly become a go-to favorite—plus, you can have it on the table in about 20 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients to make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry sing. Each one lends its own special flavor, color, or texture, making every bite irresistible. Don’t underestimate the magic they create together when tossed in a hot wok!
- Large shrimp: These become juicy and delicately sweet when quickly stir-fried; use peeled and deveined for super easy prep.
- Broccoli florets: Their bright green hue and subtle crunch make them the perfect partner for shrimp, while soaking up all that tasty sauce.
- Vegetable oil: This neutral oil ensures high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of aromatic, savory depth that’s absolutely essential.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings gentle heat and zing, keeping the dish lively and bright.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: It’s the umami backbone of the sauce, without making the dish too salty.
- Oyster sauce: This glossy sauce is the secret to achieving that classic, slightly sweet “stir-fry” flavor.
- Honey: Just a hint rounds out the savory notes and balances the soy and oyster sauces beautifully.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This simple slurry is the trick for a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every ingredient.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, add as much (or as little) spice as you like.
- Green onions: These make a fresh, colorful garnish and add a mild onion bite at the end.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjust these at the very end to make sure everything tastes just right.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
Start this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry by whisking together your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and the cornstarch slurry. Combining them ahead of time means you’ll be able to add that irresistible sauce quickly later on, right when the stir-fry is sizzling. This ensures your sauce thickens perfectly for that signature glossy finish!
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Heat up half the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli florets and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re bright green and just starting to get tender. You want them to retain their crunch and fresh color—they’ll finish cooking once everything’s combined, so don’t overdo it. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your hot skillet. Now, in go the shrimp! Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, flipping once to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery—just as they turn glossy and curled, they’re good to go.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Heat
Next, sprinkle in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give it a quick stir-fry for about 30 seconds—just enough to wake up the aromatics without burning them. The kitchen will smell so enticing at this point, you’ll have everyone peeking in to ask when dinner’s ready.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Stir everything together for another minute or two, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly so it coats every piece of shrimp and broccoli. As soon as the sauce is glossy and everything’s piping hot, you’re finished!
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Garnishes
Top your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry with a sprinkle of green onions just before serving—this little touch adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. If you love extra crunch, try scattered sesame seeds or a quick squeeze of lime for a burst of brightness.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry feels just right over fluffy steamed rice, and it’s just as delightful paired with brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite noodles for a heartier meal. Want to keep things light? A side of cucumber salad or quick-pickled carrots adds crunch and contrast to the savory main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in individual bowls, topped with a flourish of green onions and a wedge of lime. Or, for a fun twist at family dinner, spoon the stir-fry into crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held, interactive meal that’s both playful and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days, so you can enjoy those savory, garlicky flavors for lunch the next day—sometimes it tastes even better once the sauce has had a chance to sink in!
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that both shrimp and broccoli tend to soften after thawing, so the texture won’t be quite as punchy as fresh. For best results, freeze Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in individual portions and reheat gently straight from frozen to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Reheating
When you’re ready to warm things up, simply reheat Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until hot, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp will become tough if overheated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear beautifully and avoid excess water in your stir-fry.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce or avoiding shellfish, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of extra soy sauce with a splash of Worcestershire and a pinch of sugar for a similar sweet-savory flavor profile.
How do I make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry gluten-free?
It’s easy—simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your oyster sauce is a certified gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, red bell peppers, or carrots make tasty additions and add even more color and crunch to your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
What protein can I use instead of shrimp?
If shrimp isn’t your thing, substitute with bite-sized pieces of chicken, firm tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Simply adjust the cooking time based on your choice of protein to ensure everything cooks through nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a pan of sizzling Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry to bring a little excitement to your dinner table. It’s bold, fresh, and so simple—just the way homemade meals should be. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and fall in love with its vibrant flavors and quick cook time. Happy stir-frying!
Print
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This Asian-inspired dish is packed with tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, cook broccoli until tender, then set aside. Cook shrimp in remaining oil, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Return broccoli to the pan, pour in the sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if preferred.
- Adjust spice level to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg