In the bustling world of busy weeknights and craving a delicious yet easy-to-make dinner, Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli stands out as a winning recipe. With its vibrant colors, savory flavors, and a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, this dish comes together in no time and promises to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will become one of your go-to meals for a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
To prepare this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. These amounts are ideal for serving 4 people.
Shrimp:
- 1 pound of medium to large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for cooking the shrimp)
Broccoli:
- 2 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (for added flavor)
Aromatics:
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced thinly)
- 2 tablespoons of green onions (sliced for garnish)
Optional (for spice and extra flavor):
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon of honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients prepared, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this irresistible Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli
Start by preparing the shrimp. If you haven’t done so already, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on for a more polished presentation (optional). Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve a better sear when cooking.
Next, prepare the broccoli. If you are using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. If you are using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw it—just make sure it is evenly separated so it cooks evenly during stir-frying. Set both the shrimp and broccoli aside for now.
Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until the cornstarch dissolves, ensuring that the sauce will thicken when cooked. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, and once it’s hot, toss in the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they will become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the aromatics for about 1 minute until fragrant. This will release all the beautiful flavors that will infuse the entire dish.
Next, add the broccoli florets into the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften while still retaining a slight crunch. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you might need an extra minute or two to cook it thoroughly.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Once the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness, return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the shrimp and broccoli, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken and coat the shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well-coated, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. If you’d like more saltiness, add a bit more soy sauce. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, drizzle in the honey or sprinkle a little sugar. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top to add freshness and color. Serve the Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conservation and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli keeps well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Store the dish in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent the dish from drying out.
It’s important to note that while the dish can be stored, shrimp doesn’t hold up as well in the freezer because it tends to lose its texture and flavor when frozen and thawed. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but leftovers should be consumed within a few days.
Variations
One of the best things about Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli is its versatility. Here are a few variations you can try to keep things interesting:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the shrimp for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative. Tofu will soak up the sauce beautifully and add a lovely texture to the dish.
- Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. These vegetables will complement the broccoli and create a more colorful dish.
- Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli: If you’re a fan of spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some fresh chopped chili peppers to the stir-fry. This will give your dish a delightful kick.
- Rice Alternatives: For a low-carb version, serve the dish with cauliflower rice or a grain-free noodle like zucchini noodles. These options provide a similar texture to rice or noodles without the extra carbs.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with adding other sauces to change the flavor profile. Try adding fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor or a bit of peanut butter for a Thai-inspired dish.
Serving Suggestions
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli is a flexible dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Steamed Rice: A simple and classic choice. The fluffy rice will soak up the savory stir-fry sauce, creating a well-balanced dish.
- Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over rice noodles or soba noodles for a more substantial meal. The noodles will also absorb the delicious sauce.
- Asian-Inspired Sides: Serve the stir-fry with a side of Asian-style pickles, miso soup, or a light cucumber salad to complement the flavors.
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of sriracha will add extra layers of flavor and make the dish even more exciting.
Conclusion
Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick, delicious, and highly versatile meal that can easily be adapted to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it with extra spice, prefer it vegetarian, or simply want a lighter, healthier dinner option, this recipe has something for everyone. The balance of tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and flavorful sauce makes for a dish that is satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful.
Not only is this dish quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also a perfect candidate for meal prepping. It can be customized to fit different preferences, stored for later, and served in various ways. So next time you’re craving a meal that checks all the boxes—delicious, healthy, and quick—this Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is sure to hit the spot.
