If there’s one dish that instantly brightens up a weeknight dinner, it’s Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. With tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a zippy, garlicky sauce that clings to every ingredient, this recipe is a flavor-packed, lightning-quick classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner, Fast: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: The punchy sauce with ginger, lime, and Sriracha wakes up your taste buds at every bite.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Loaded with juicy shrimp and hearty broccoli, it’s a meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
- Endlessly Customizable: Swap veggies, tweak the spice, or add your favorite grains—this stir fry is your blank canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is built on fresh, everyday ingredients that deliver restaurant-quality results. Each element—shrimp, vibrant broccoli, that savory-sweet sauce—plays a key role in bringing big flavor and irresistible texture to your table.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined medium shrimp cook up juicy and sweet in minutes; patting them dry helps them sear beautifully.
- Broccoli: A whole head, cut into bite-sized florets for maximum crunch and color—don’t skip the stems, they’re delicious too!
- Scallions: Thinly sliced for mellow onion flavor in the stir fry, plus an extra sprinkle for a pop of freshness at the end.
- Olive Oil: Used in two stages: for charring vegetables and sautéing shrimp to golden perfection.
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of the sauce, bringing savory umami depth.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the rich sauce and complement the seafood.
- Dark Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out all the flavors; dark brown sugar adds molasses-y richness.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty fragrance and an authentic stir fry finish.
- Sriracha: Just enough spicy heat to give the dish some kick (adjust to taste).
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it hugs every bite of shrimp and broccoli.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly grated for powerhouse aroma and zip in the sauce—don’t be shy here!
- Lime Juice: For tart brightness and a little sparkle; balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning shrimp and veggies so every layer sings.
- Brown Rice (for serving): The ultimate fast, wholesome base to soak up all that glorious sauce.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry? It’s endlessly flexible. You can easily adapt it for what you have on hand, adjust the heat, or slip in your favorite veggies to keep things fresh and exciting each time.
- Chicken or Tofu Swap: Not in a shrimp mood? Sliced chicken breast or cubes of firm tofu soak up this sauce beautifully.
- Veggie Medley: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for colorful variety and extra nutrients.
- Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage if you want to keep things lighter.
- Extra Spicy: Craving more heat? Add extra Sriracha, fresh red chili, or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Up the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, grated garlic, ginger, and fresh lime juice in a small bowl. This fragrant sauce is what transforms Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry from simple to absolutely crave-worthy—be sure to whisk thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch completely for a silky finish.
Step 2: Sear the Broccoli and Scallions
Heat half your olive oil in a large, hot skillet or wok over high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and most of your scallions, saving a handful for garnish. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes until they develop a lovely char—this adds irresistible smoky flavor and keeps the veggies vibrantly green with just the right amount of crunch.
Step 3: Add and Cook the Shrimp
Lower the heat to medium-high and add the rest of your olive oil. Gently lay in the shrimp, having seasoned them with a pinch of salt and pepper first. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque—just 3 to 4 minutes. You want that perfect tender bite, never rubbery!
Step 4: Finish with the Sauce
Pour that dreamy sauce all over the shrimp, broccoli, and scallions. Stir everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken for a minute or two until it glazes every piece beautifully. A final sprinkle of reserved scallions adds brightness just before serving. Dive in while it’s hot and the flavors are at their boldest!
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Shrimp Prep Matters: Pat your shrimp very dry and season just before cooking for the best caramelization and tender results.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear broccoli and shrimp in a roomy skillet or wok so everything gets that beautiful char instead of steaming.
- Fresh Aromatics, Big Impact: Use freshly grated garlic and ginger for maximum flavor—pre-minced versions just don’t compare.
- Sauce Timing: Add the sauce at the very end and cook just until thickened to keep the shrimp perfectly juicy.
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, scatter extra sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty, aromatic pop right before serving—these bright, fresh details make the whole dish sing.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is naturally wonderful over fluffy brown rice, but you could also serve it atop jasmine rice, soba noodles, or even steamed quinoa. Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies for extra crunch and a cool contrast to the saucy, savory shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in shallow bowls over individual portions of rice for a modern, bistro vibe, or pile it onto a family-style platter for sharing. Want a fun twist? Spoon the stir fry into lettuce cups for party-ready hand-held bites that seriously impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready for a speedy lunch or dinner for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For the best texture, I suggest enjoying this stir fry fresh. However, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch—just note the shrimp may firm up slightly on reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir fry for 3–5 minutes until steaming and heated through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. Microwave reheating works too, but a skillet helps preserve the best texture!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp in Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator, then pat them very dry before cooking. This ensures they sear nicely and don’t release excess water in the pan.
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Can I prep this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes—slice all your veggies, prepare the sauce, and even peel the shrimp a day ahead. Store everything separately in the fridge and throw the dish together in minutes when you’re ready to eat.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double check your soy sauce or use tamari to be completely safe. Also, ensure your Sriracha and other condiments are certified gluten-free if needed.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! To double Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry, sear the shrimp and veggies in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, then combine everything with the sauce at the end for even cooking and maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry—it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary dinners into something special with barely any fuss. Whether you stick to the recipe or put your own spin on it, you’re in for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and let the bold flavors brighten your table tonight!
Print
Sriracha Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 4 large garlic cloves, grated
- 1 knob ginger, freshly grated
- 1 lime, juiced
For the Stir Fry
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Brown rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, Sriracha, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
- Cook the Stir Fry: Pat dry and season shrimp. Cook broccoli and scallions in olive oil until charred. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Toss with soy sauce mixture until thickened. Garnish with scallions and serve over brown rice.
Notes
- Storage: Let the stir fry cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Transfer to an airtight container and eat within three days. To reheat, heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth. Stir fry for 3–5 minutes until hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 284 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1005mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 183mg
