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Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry - Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or peanut oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin for a sweeter profile)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar

Method
 

  1. Prep everything first. Stir-fries move fast. Mince the garlic and ginger, slice the green onions, and cut the broccoli into bite-size florets. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear instead of steam.
  2. Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Set near the stove.
  3. Optional: Quick-marinade the shrimp. Toss shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes while you heat the pan. This keeps the shrimp tender and glossy.
  4. Blanch or steam the broccoli (fast track to crisp-tender). Microwave with a splash of water for 1–2 minutes or briefly blanch in boiling water for 60–90 seconds. Drain well. This step helps the broccoli cook evenly.
  5. Heat the pan until hot. Use a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. When it shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Stir-fry the aromatics. Add the remaining oil. Toss in garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion. Stir for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  7. Add the broccoli. Stir-fry 1–2 minutes, letting the edges pick up a bit of color. If using heat, add red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce now.
  8. Pour in the sauce. Give it a quick stir (cornstarch settles). Add to the pan and toss with the broccoli. The sauce will thicken in 30–60 seconds.
  9. Finish with shrimp. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Cook another 30–60 seconds, just to heat through. Taste and adjust: more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or honey for balance.
  10. Serve. Top with green onion tops and sesame seeds. Spoon over warm rice or toss with cooked noodles.