If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality dinner, this shrimp and broccoli stir fry is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a rich garlic soy sauce, this meal comes together in only 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
Unlike many takeout versions loaded with excess oil and sodium, this homemade recipe delivers fresh flavors while allowing you to control every ingredient. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, meal prep lunches, or an impressive family meal, this dish never disappoints.
The combination of succulent shrimp and vibrant broccoli creates the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and savory flavor. Best of all, the glossy stir fry sauce coats every bite beautifully, making it ideal over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless stir fry recipes, but this one stands out for several reasons.
- Ready in only 30 minutes
- Better than takeout
- Healthy and protein-rich
- Budget-friendly
- Easy cleanup
- Family-approved
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customizable
- Naturally colorful
- Beginner-friendly
Every bite delivers sweet shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a rich umami sauce that’s hard to resist.
For more easy stir fry recipes try our Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry, Garlic Broccoli and Chickpea Stir Fry, Chicken or Stir Fry with Vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Broccoli
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Honey
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Water
- Cornstarch
Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add broccoli.
- Cook for 3 minutes.
- Add two tablespoons water.
- Cover for 2 minutes.
- Remove broccoli from the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Add another drizzle of oil.
- Arrange shrimp in one layer.
- Cook 1½ minutes.
- Flip.
- Cook another minute.
- Do not overcook.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return broccoli to the skillet.
- Pour in the prepared sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Delicious Variations
One reason shrimp and broccoli stir fry remains so popular is its versatility.
Add More Vegetables
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Snap peas
- Carrots
- Baby corn
- Bok choy
- Zucchini
Make It Spicy
Add:
- Sriracha
- Chili garlic sauce
- Crushed red pepper
- Fresh chilies
Low-Carb shrimp and broccoli stir fry
Serve over:
- Cauliflower rice
- Zucchini noodles
- Cabbage noodles
Extra Protein
Mix shrimp with:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Tofu
- Scallops
Best Side Dishes
Pair your shrimp and broccoli stir fry with:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Jasmine Rice | Classic pairing |
| Brown Rice | Extra fiber |
| Fried Rice | Restaurant-style |
| Rice Noodles | Light and chewy |
| Lo Mein | Filling meal |
| Quinoa | Healthy option |
| Cauliflower Rice | Low-carb |
| Egg Rolls | Crispy appetizer |
| Spring Rolls | Fresh and crunchy |
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating
- Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- Avoid microwaving too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors for the best results.
- Overcooking shrimp
- Using frozen broccoli without draining
- Skipping the cornstarch
- Cooking over low heat
- Adding too much sauce
- Overcrowding the skillet
- Not preparing ingredients ahead of time
- Forgetting to taste the sauce before serving
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing Bowl
- Small whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds 680g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover the skillet, and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1½–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the broccoli to the skillet.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and broccoli.
- Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Let the stir fry rest for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Why is my shrimp rubbery?
Overcooking. Shrimp only need 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
How do I keep shrimp tender?
Cook only until pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough.
Should I peel the shrimp?
Yes. Remove the shells and tails for easier eating.
What oil is best for stir-fry?
Use high-smoke-point oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid extra virgin olive oil.
How do I thicken stir fry sauce?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is proof that homemade dinners can be quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious. In just 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a rich, glossy garlic soy sauce that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a healthier alternative to takeout, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal your whole family will love.
