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Flavorful Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

shrimp and broccoli stir fry - featured image

A quick and easy shrimp and broccoli stir fry with a garlicky, slightly sweet sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp and crisp broccoli come together in about 30 minutes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
  • Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and set aside. Cut broccoli into small, even florets.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Keep it handy.
  4. Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook without stirring for about 2 minutes until pink on one side, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  6. Add broccoli florets to the pan with about 2 tablespoons water to create steam. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp.
  7. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to broccoli. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to release aroma without burning.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan, pour the prepared sauce over everything, and stir to coat.
  9. Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour into the pan. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy coating.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming shrimp. Cook shrimp separately and add back at the end to keep them tender. Use a splash of water when cooking broccoli to keep it crisp. Stir slurry well before adding to avoid clumps. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth; avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking shrimp.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp stir fry, broccoli stir fry, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, garlic shrimp, healthy stir fry