Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Craving something vibrant, healthy, and dinner-ready in under 30 minutes? This Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry checks off all the boxes! Juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a zingy garlic-ginger sauce come together in one sizzling pan for a weeknight meal everyone loves.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry are everyday pantry staples and a few fresh favorites. Each ingredient brings its own magic—think sweet, spicy, tangy, and lots of texture!

• Shrimp (medium, peeled and deveined): Tender, sweet shrimp cook incredibly fast and soak up all the sauce flavor—just be sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
• Broccoli (large head, cut into florets): The signature crunch and vibrant green color brighten up the whole dish, making every bite nutritious and satisfying.
• Scallions (thinly sliced): These mild green onions add a little zip and a pop of freshness both cooked in the stir fry and sprinkled on top.
• Olive Oil: Used in two stages, olive oil helps broccoli char and shrimp sear without sticking—healthy fat, big flavor!
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, it delivers essential salty-sweet umami.
• Rice Vinegar: Lends brightness and a little tang that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Balances the heat and acid with its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle gives this stir fry an unmistakable nutty aroma—don’t skip it!
• Sriracha: For that punchy, addictive heat—you can use as much or as little as you want.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it coats every morsel of shrimp and broccoli perfectly.
• Garlic (freshly grated): The aromatic heart and soul of the sauce, infusing it with bold flavor.
• Ginger (freshly grated): Bright, lively, and slightly peppery; fresh ginger sets apart any great stir fry.
• Lime (juiced): A fresh splash to finish the sauce, making everything taste even brighter.
• Salt and Pepper: For simply seasoning the shrimp and balancing all the flavors.
• Brown Rice (for serving): The ultimate base to soak up all that glorious sauce—feel free to swap for white rice or noodles if you prefer!

Variations

No two stir fries need to be alike! One of the best things about Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is how easily you can riff on it with what you have, your favorite flavors, or dietary swaps.

• Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra color and crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this stir fry wheat-free and still delicious.
• Swap the Protein: If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, thinly sliced chicken breast, tofu cubes, or even tempeh work beautifully.
• Make It Milder (or Spicier): Dial down the sriracha for a gentle meal, or toss in red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce for those who like a fiery kick!

How to Make Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Start by whisking together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl—soy sauce, rice vinegar, dark brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, fresh garlic and ginger, and a big squeeze of lime juice. You want everything fully combined so the cornstarch won’t clump later. Set this bowl aside; it’s about to become the backbone of your stir fry!

Step 2: Sear the Veggies

On high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil to your largest skillet or wok. Toss in the florets of broccoli and most of the sliced scallions (save a little for garnish!). Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli gets a vibrant green color and light char—this step adds so much flavor and keeps veggies crisp-tender.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Lower the heat slightly, then splash in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and give everything a big toss. The shrimp will turn opaque and pink, cooking through in just 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook—they’re done as soon as they curl and lose their translucency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything so the shrimp, broccoli, and scallions are coated. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce in about 2 minutes, leaving everything glossy and irresistible. Sprinkle over your reserved scallions. Serve immediately over bowls of warm, nutty brown rice.

How to Serve Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

This stir fry truly shines when topped with a final flourish. I love a generous sprinkle of sliced scallions for freshness, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of extra lime juice for zip. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny splash of sesame oil right before serving makes the aroma pop!

Side Dishes

Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is made to pile over bowls of hot, fluffy brown rice but don’t stop there—serve it over white rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or even tossed with noodles. For a full meal, add a side of spring rolls, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re aiming to impress, serve the stir fry family-style straight from a sizzling hot skillet or beautiful platter. For fun gatherings, try dividing the stir fry into individual rice bowls and let everyone add their own toppings—think crunchy peanuts, chili oil, or quick-pickled veggies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry keeps well in the fridge for up to three days—just let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. The flavors actually get deeper overnight, making lunch the next day a treat!

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of shrimp and broccoli may soften a bit after thawing. If you do freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and let thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth—this helps revive the sauce and prevents sticking. Stir gently just until hot; avoid microwaving for too long to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite, Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry might just steal your heart. Grab your skillet, round up these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and fun to make. Your tastebuds—and your dinner crew—will thank you!

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