Description
Stir-fried shrimp and broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings the best of Asian-inspired cooking to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of protein-packed shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something healthy yet satisfying.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences, spice levels, or dietary needs. Plus, stir-frying preserves the vibrant colors and nutrients of the ingredients while adding a delightful smoky aroma.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
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1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 cups broccoli florets
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for added color and flavor)
For the Sauce:
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
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1/4 cup water
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1 teaspoon honey (or brown sugar for a slightly sweeter flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnishing (Optional):
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1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
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2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure all ingredients are prepped. Peel and devein the shrimp, slice the vegetables, and mince the garlic and ginger. Stir-frying is a fast process, so having everything ready beforehand ensures smooth cooking.
2. Blanch the Broccoli
To keep the broccoli bright green and slightly tender, blanch it before stir-frying:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil.
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Add the broccoli florets and cook for 30–45 seconds.
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Immediately drain and transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain its crunch.
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Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, honey (or sugar), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. This sauce will bring all the flavors together with a slightly thickened, glossy texture.
4. Cook the Shrimp
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as shrimp become rubbery if left too long.
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Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
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In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
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Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the blanched broccoli and sliced red bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Combine Everything
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Return the cooked shrimp to the pan.
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Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the shrimp and broccoli.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish for extra flavor.
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Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Notes
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For the best stir-fry, use a carbon steel wok or a large skillet with a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly.
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Using toasted sesame oil at the end adds a rich, nutty flavor. Avoid cooking with sesame oil, as it has a low smoke point.
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If you prefer extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg