This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple, quick, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, this dish can be made in under 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest stir-fries you’ll ever prepare. Shrimp and broccoli are paired with a flavorful sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, creating a tasty and satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 ½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 24 ounces broccoli florets (about 5 cups)

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and Sriracha (if using). Set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Stir in the soy sauce mixture and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with green onion and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrients (Per serving):

• Calories: 287.3 kcal

• Protein: 31.5 g

• Carbohydrates: 15.7 g

  • Fiber: 4.2 g

  • Sugars: 8.3 g

• Fat: 11.1 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g

• Cholesterol: 204 mg

• Sodium: 827 mg

• Potassium: 387 mg

• Vitamin A: 765 IU

• Vitamin C: 105 mg

• Calcium: 83 mg

• Iron: 2.3 mg

These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands or measurements used.

Why Choose a Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Stir-fries are known for their simplicity and versatility, making them a staple in many households. This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a prime example of how a few key ingredients can come together to create a flavorful dish. Shrimp, a lean source of protein, pairs wonderfully with broccoli, which is loaded with vitamins and fiber. The quick stir-frying method helps retain the nutrients in both ingredients while enhancing their natural flavors.

The sauce that accompanies this dish is a delightful combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Together, these ingredients create a savory and slightly sweet coating that perfectly complements the shrimp and broccoli. Plus, the addition of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness and depth to the dish, making it more than just your average stir fry.

The Health Benefits of Shrimp and Broccoli

This stir fry isn’t just tasty – it’s also packed with health benefits, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a balanced meal. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing around 31.5 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle building and repair, making shrimp a great option for those who are active or looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Broccoli, on the other hand, is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being. Broccoli is also a great source of fiber, with 4.2 grams per serving, which helps with digestion and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. The combination of shrimp and broccoli in this stir fry provides a well-rounded meal that is both filling and nutritious.

The Role of the Stir Fry Sauce

The sauce in this Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is what ties everything together. The key ingredients – soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar – work together to create a savory, slightly sweet flavor profile that enhances the shrimp and broccoli without overpowering them. The soy sauce provides a salty umami depth, while the oyster sauce adds a rich, slightly briny flavor.

Rice wine vinegar introduces a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar, giving the dish a well-rounded taste. The freshly grated ginger and minced garlic bring warmth and a bit of spiciness to the sauce, making it more complex and aromatic. Finally, the sesame oil adds a nutty, fragrant finish that makes the sauce even more delicious. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding Sriracha is a great option to spice things up, although it’s entirely optional.

Quick and Easy Cooking Process

One of the best things about this recipe is its speed. The entire dish comes together in just a few steps, making it an ideal choice for those evenings when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. After whisking together the sauce ingredients, the cooking process is straightforward. The shrimp cooks quickly, taking just 2-3 minutes to turn pink and tender. The broccoli, once added, cooks in just a few more minutes, making it crisp-tender but not overdone.

Once the shrimp and broccoli are cooked, you simply stir in the sauce and let it thicken for a minute or two. The sauce will coat the shrimp and broccoli, creating a deliciously glossy finish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and you’re ready to serve a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in less time than it would take to order takeout.

Customizing Your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

While this Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fantastic base, it’s also highly adaptable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. For example, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute chicken breast, tofu, or another protein of your choice. The stir fry technique works well with just about any meat or meat alternative, and the sauce will pair beautifully with whatever you choose.

You can also add other vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work wonderfully in stir-fries, adding color, texture, and more nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

For those who prefer a gluten-free option, you can easily swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, ensuring that this dish remains inclusive for those with dietary restrictions. Similarly, if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can adjust or omit the brown sugar, although it does provide a nice balance to the salty and savory flavors in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa to add a bit more substance and fiber. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice to keep the dish light while still filling.

Another great way to enjoy this stir fry is by serving it with a side of Asian-inspired pickled vegetables, such as cucumber or radish pickles. The tangy crunch of pickled vegetables complements the savory stir fry and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Value of the Stir Fry

This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is not only a quick and flavorful meal, but it also offers a great nutritional profile. Each serving provides a good amount of protein (31.5g), making it a satisfying meal that can help fuel you through your day. The dish also contains healthy fats (11.1g), which are important for overall health, especially for brain and heart function.

With just 287.3 calories per serving, this dish is light but still filling, making it perfect for those who want to maintain or lose weight while enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. The addition of broccoli boosts the vitamin content, particularly vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. Additionally, the dish is rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health and muscle function.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Flavorful, and Quick Meal

In conclusion, this Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. The combination of shrimp, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce creates a satisfying dish that is both nutritious and full of flavor. With its versatility and speed, this stir fry is ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also great for meal prepping and making ahead. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.