Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious meal simmering on the stovetop, promising comfort and joy. Today, I’m so excited to share a recipe for quick shrimp and broccoli that truly captures that essence of home-cooked goodness. It’s a delightful dish, where plump, tender shrimp and crisp broccoli florets are bathed in the most irresistible simple garlic sauce – a harmonious blend of savory and a touch of sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

My own journey into the kitchen began with my grandmother, watching her create magic with the simplest ingredients. While her specialty was always cakes and cookies, the principle of transforming humble components into something extraordinary has stayed with me. This shrimp and broccoli dish reminds me of those cherished times – quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor, making it feel like a truly special occasion.

This recipe is a true weeknight wonder, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something wholesome and utterly delicious without a fuss. It’s incredibly easy to make, remarkably adaptable for various tastes, and absolutely family-friendly, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table. My top tip for any quick stir-fry like this is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you even turn on the stove!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Creating this delightful dish requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. We’ll be leaning on the vibrant freshness of large shrimp and crisp broccoli, brought to life with the aromatic dance of fresh garlic and ginger. The magic of the simple garlic sauce comes from a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar, which perfectly complements the succulent shrimp and broccoli. You’ll find the complete list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make shrimp and broccoli

Whipping up this quick shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a breeze! We start by getting all our ingredients prepped and ready to go – think of it as setting the stage for a delicious performance. Then, we’ll quickly cook the broccoli until it’s perfectly tender-crisp before adding the shrimp for just a few minutes until they’re pink and succulent. Finally, we bring it all together with our simple garlic sauce, tossing everything to coat for a flavorful finish.

A close-up of a delicious Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry with a savory glaze, served over white rice in a black skillet.

Garlic Ginger Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli florets, all coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Broccoli

1 lbs Large Shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off
1 large head Broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
1 tbsp Olive Oil or other high smoke point oil

For the Garlic-Ginger Sauce

3 cloves Garlic minced
1 tbsp Fresh Ginger grated
1/4 cup Soy Sauce low sodium preferred
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Brown Sugar or honey
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for heat
1 tbsp Cornstarch
2 tbsp Water

For Garnish (Optional)

1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
2 tbsp Green Onions sliced

Equipment

Large Skillet or Wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife

Method

Prepare Ingredients

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set both aside.

Cook Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. You can add a splash of water (about 1-2 tablespoons) and cover for 1-2 minutes to steam if you prefer softer broccoli. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Cook Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the hot skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the broccoli.

Assemble the Stir-Fry

Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk and pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly with the thickened sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can easily add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Fun Variations for shrimp and broccoli

One of the things I adore most about home cooking is the freedom to get creative and adapt recipes to suit our cravings and what we have on hand. This shrimp and broccoli dish is wonderfully versatile, just waiting for your personal touch!

Spice It Up

If you love a little heat like my friend, Maria, does, consider adding a pinch more red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce, or even a dash of sriracha for an extra kick. It truly elevates the flavors of the shrimp and broccoli.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or even thinly sliced carrots would be delightful additions. Just remember to add them to the pan according to their cooking times.

Citrus Brightness

A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can add a wonderful bright, zesty note that beautifully complements the savory garlic sauce and the delicate flavors of the shrimp and broccoli.

What to Serve With shrimp and broccoli

When I’m serving up a delicious stir-fry like this quick shrimp and broccoli, I often think about what will complete the meal and make it feel truly satisfying. It’s like finding the perfect accompaniment to a sweet treat!

My go-to pairing is always a steaming bowl of fluffy jasmine rice. Its neutral flavor and comforting texture soak up all that wonderful garlic sauce, making every bite of shrimp and broccoli incredibly enjoyable.

For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside some delicate cauliflower rice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors while keeping things on the lighter side.

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions not only adds a beautiful garnish but also an extra layer of flavor and texture. My mom always said a meal should be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!

How to Store shrimp and broccoli

After all the love that goes into making this delicious shrimp and broccoli stir-fry, it’s important to know how to keep any leftovers tasting just as wonderful. We want to preserve those delightful flavors!

Fridge Storage

Any leftover shrimp and broccoli should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. This ensures the shrimp remains tender and the broccoli retains its lovely texture.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend gently reheating the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. My personal tip is to avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the shrimp rubbery. A quick stir-fry in a pan brings it back to life beautifully!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful shrimp and broccoli dish is a wonderful example of how we can enjoy a truly satisfying meal that’s also packed with goodness. Shrimp offers a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, while the vibrant broccoli brings a wealth of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the table. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my approach to combining indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that perfect sear for your shrimp and broccoli.

Faq 2

What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but it will still provide a lovely warmth to your shrimp and broccoli.

Faq 3

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh due to the quick cooking nature of the shrimp and broccoli. However, you can prep all your ingredients and make the sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge.

Faq 4

Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preference, making your shrimp and broccoli as mild or fiery as you like.

Conclusion

And there you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for quick shrimp and broccoli that I hope brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s a testament to the idea that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. My greatest wish is to inspire you to embrace the simple magic of cooking at home, creating not just delicious food, but also cherished memories around your own family table. Happy cooking!

Quick Shrimp and Broccoli in a Simple Garlic Sauce