Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a weeknight dream dinner. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and serves four people. Did we also mention, it’s filled with wholesome vegetables, lean protein and a deliciously savory sauce? Spoon your stir-fry mixture over a bed of steaming rice, and relish in the garlic and soy sauce aromas blooming in the air.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Cornstarch: We whisk some cornstarch into chicken broth to create a slurry that thickens the stir-fry’s sauce.
- Soy sauce: Get the best soy sauce you can find at the store for this recipe.
- Hoisin sauce: For those unfamiliar with it, hoisin sauce is a dark brown, sweet and salty sauce that’s used primarily in Cantonese cooking. It can be used in marinades and sauces for stir-fries or as a finishing sauce or dip.
- Broccoli: Buy a head of broccoli that has a dark green head and light green stalks. Avoid any broccoli heads that have spots of mushy brown crevices.
- Shrimp: Never peeled and deveined shrimp before? Our guide on how to clean shrimp will get you primed for all your shrimp recipes.
- Rice: A warm bed of rice is the perfect base for our broccoli and shrimp stir-fry. Learn how to cook rice on the stovetop, in a rice cooker or in the microwave. However you decide to cook it, don’t forget to wash the rice first!
Directions
Step 1: Whisk the cornstarch mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and broth until smooth. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce and sesame oil until well blended, and set aside.
Editor’s Tip: The cornstarch mixture is called a “slurry” in cooking, and it’s an easy way to thicken up sauces and soups.
Step 2: Stir-fry the vegetables and shrimp
In a large nonstick skillet or wok, stir-fry the broccoli in the oil until crisp-tender. Add the onions, garlic and gingerroot, and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender, three to four minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Make sure all your vegetables and shrimp pieces are prepared before cooking (this is your “mise en place”), as everything will happen very quickly.
Add the shrimp, and stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink, four to five minutes longer.
Step 3: Add the cornstarch mixture
Give the cornstarch mixture one more quick stir, then add it to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, and cook and stir until everything has thickened, about two minutes.
Step 4: Serve over rice
Serve over a bed of warm rice. If desired, garnish with toasted sesame seeds
Recipe Variations
- Use a different base: You can use any type of rice here as a base. We also love cooked rice noodles with stir-fry shrimp and broccoli. Toss cooked rice noodles into the mixture while on the heat, after the sauce has been added and cooked. You’re just adding the noodles in at the last minute to coat them in the sauce and disperse them throughout the shrimp and veggies.
- Add your favorite veggies: Want more veggies in your stir-fry? Consider adding chopped snow peas or sliced red bell peppers. Even a fruit like chopped pineapple pairs great with these ingredients. Its high sugar content perfectly balances the salty stir-fry.
- Use any protein: Sliced chicken, beef or pork and cubed tofu are famous in stir-fries. You can use practically any type of protein here. Remember, though, you’ll likely need to precook the protein before cooking the veggies. Most proteins take much longer to cook than shrimp—tofu alone needs about 12 to 15 minutes to crisp up!
- Kick up the heat: Add some heat with Sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, gochujang or a spicy chili crisp.
- Finish with more garnishes: Chopped peanuts or cashews make an excellent crunchy, nutty garnish.
How to Store Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
To store, allow the leftovers to cool completely to room temperature. Place the stir-fry shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Tips
Can you use frozen shrimp to make shrimp and broccoli stir-fry?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp in this recipe, but be sure to thaw them first to avoid creating additional moisture and overcooking other ingredients.
What else can you serve with shrimp and broccoli stir-fry?
This dish pairs well with other Asian-inspired recipes, like egg rolls, pungent and flaky scallion pancakes or crispy crab rangoons.
