Shrimp and broccoli stir fry is one of those magical dishes that transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of flavors in just minutes. The plump, tender shrimp paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli creates a perfect balance of textures, while the garlic-lemon sauce ties everything together with its savory-tangy profile. It’s a dish that proves homemade meals can be both impressive and achievable, even on busy weeknights.
I first discovered my love for this dish during my college years when I was exploring Asian cooking techniques. What started as a budget-friendly dinner option quickly became my go-to recipe when hosting friends. The delighted expressions as they took their first bites always reinforced my belief that food made with love truly tastes different.
This shrimp and broccoli recipe is not only quick to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes!), but it’s also packed with lean protein and nutrients. I always recommend using fresh lemon juice rather than bottled – it makes an enormous difference in brightening the flavors of the sauce and complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This vibrant stir fry centers around plump shrimp and fresh broccoli florets, complemented by a delicious homemade sauce featuring soy sauce, lemon, honey, and sesame oil. The garlic and ginger create an aromatic base that makes the shrimp and broccoli truly shine. All the exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli
Creating this mouthwatering shrimp and broccoli starts with preparing a simple but flavorful sauce that combines tangy lemon with sweet honey and savory soy sauce. While many stir fry dishes require complex timing, this one follows a straightforward process of cooking the shrimp until pink, setting aside, then quickly sautéing broccoli before bringing everything together. Much like my Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe, the secret lies in cooking each component just right.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, and sesame oil.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until well combined, then add to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and sprinkle with the remaining salt and black pepper. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the broccoli and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Shrimp and Broccoli
Perfect Protein Prep
Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure they sear rather than steam. This creates that beautiful caramelization that adds depth to your shrimp and broccoli stir fry. I always devein large shrimp thoroughly for the best texture and appearance.
Temperature Matters
My Secret Trick: I heat my wok or pan until it’s almost smoking before adding oil – this prevents the shrimp from sticking and creates that restaurant-quality sear. When cooking shrimp and broccoli together, I’m careful not to overcrowd the pan as this leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
Sauce Success
Whisk your sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved. I find setting aside a small reserve of sauce to add right at the end gives the dish an extra burst of fresh flavor that really elevates the entire shrimp and broccoli experience.
Timing Is Everything
Cook your broccoli until it’s crisp-tender, not mushy. I always add the shrimp back to the pan at the very end to avoid overcooking, as they only need to warm through before serving. This keeps them perfectly tender in your stir fry dinner.
Fun Variations for Shrimp and Broccoli
Spice it Up!
For heat lovers, add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the stir fry sauce. My brother always requests this spicy version when he visits, and it transforms the dish completely! The heat works beautifully with the sweet honey and tangy lemon in the sauce.
Protein Swaps
No shrimp on hand? This versatile stir fry recipe works wonderfully with chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces or even thinly sliced beef. The cooking technique remains the same, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on your protein choice.
Veggie Additions
Create a colorful seafood medley by adding sliced red bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn to your stir fry. I love throwing in a handful of water chestnuts for extra crunch! My neighbor makes her version with added mushrooms and asparagus, proving how versatile this shrimp dinner can be.
Noodle Variation
Turn this into a complete one-dish meal by serving your shrimp and broccoli over rice noodles instead of rice. Simply toss the cooked noodles into the pan at the very end to coat with that delicious sauce. It’s a fantastic way to change up your weekly dinner rotation.
What to Serve With Shrimp and Broccoli
Fluffy jasmine rice makes the perfect bed for this saucy shrimp and broccoli stir fry. The rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors, creating a complete and satisfying meal. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully too!
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the savory stir fry. I always keep the dressing light so it doesn’t compete with the main dish but complements it instead.
For a complete Asian-inspired feast, start with some homemade vegetable spring rolls. The crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the tender shrimp dinner. My Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe makes a fantastic alternative for those who prefer poultry over seafood.
For a fun twist, serve small portions of this stir fry in lettuce cups as appetizers at your next gathering. The crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful shrimp and broccoli.
How to Store Shrimp and Broccoli
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I find the flavors actually develop wonderfully overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch! Just be careful not to keep seafood dishes too long.
Reheating Tips
When reheating this stir fry, add a splash of water to the pan and warm gently over medium-low heat. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick and the shrimp from overcooking. I prefer using a skillet rather than a microwave to maintain the best texture.
Freezing Not Recommended
I don’t recommend freezing this particular dish as both shrimp and broccoli can develop strange textures when frozen after cooking. For the best experience, enjoy your stir fry fresh or as leftovers within a day or two.
Nutritional Benefits
This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is a nutritional powerhouse, combining lean protein from shrimp with vitamin-rich broccoli. Shrimp provides selenium and vitamin B12, while broccoli offers fiber, vitamin C, and cancer-fighting compounds. The combination creates a satisfying meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing, showcasing how delicious healthy eating can be.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking. I often keep frozen shrimp on hand specifically for quick meals like this shrimp and broccoli stir fry. Just avoid cooking them from frozen as they’ll release too much moisture.
How do I know when shrimp are properly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly and turn from gray-blue to opaque pink when done. Look for a slight C-shape – if they curl into an O-shape, they’re overcooked. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender with a slight bite.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The stir fry sauce can be mixed up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes the shrimp and broccoli come together even faster on busy weeknights – just give it a quick whisk before adding to the pan.
What’s the best substitute for sesame oil?
While its unique flavor is hard to replace, you can substitute olive oil or peanut oil if needed. For a similar nutty flavor in your shrimp and broccoli, consider adding a teaspoon of tahini to the sauce instead.