Name: Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry); Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is one of those weeknight miracles I keep coming back to when dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and a little comforting—without feeling heavy. When the day’s been long and the fridge looks a bit uninspiring, this recipe swoops in and saves the evening. Juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, savory stir-fry sauce come together in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent, like your favorite takeout… only fresher and lighter.

I first made this dish on one of those “what’s-for-dinner?” nights when I needed something quick but still satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single pan, everything came together in about 20 minutes—and I remember thinking, why don’t I make this more often? The balance here is what really wins me over: protein-rich shrimp, vibrant green broccoli, and a sauce that’s savory with just a hint of sweetness to round it out.

This is the kind of recipe that promises a lot—and delivers. You get speed, minimal prep, and that unmistakable restaurant-quality flavor at home, all without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s simple, reliable, and exactly what busy weeknights are made for.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Fast and Weeknight-Friendly

This recipe is designed with real life in mind. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes total, which makes it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute dinner plans. Everything cooks in one pan or wok, so cleanup stays blissfully simple. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together even when you’re tired, hungry, and short on time—no stress, no fuss, just a solid, delicious meal on the table fast.

Better Than Takeout

There’s something extra satisfying about making a takeout-style meal at home—and having it taste even better. The shrimp are cooked just until plump and juicy, never rubbery, and the sauce is savory, lightly sweet, and beautifully balanced. Best of all, there’s none of that greasy heaviness you sometimes get from restaurant stir fries. It’s flavorful and comforting, yet still feels light and fresh.

Simple, Pantry-Staple Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy here. This recipe relies on familiar favorites like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil—ingredients many of us already keep on hand. That means no special grocery runs and no complicated prep. Just straightforward, accessible ingredients working together to create big flavor with very little effort.

Easy to Customize

One of my favorite things about this stir fry is how flexible it is. You can swap in other veggies, try a different protein, or tweak the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and happy to meet you exactly where you are in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and Their Role

What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient earns its place. Nothing feels extra, and together they create that crave-worthy stir-fry flavor we all adore.

Shrimp (1 lb) – The star of the show. Shrimp cook quickly and stay wonderfully tender when handled gently, making them perfect for fast dinners. They’re also a lean protein that keeps the dish light but satisfying.
Broccoli florets (3 cups) – These bring a fresh crunch, vibrant color, and plenty of nutrition. When stir-fried properly, broccoli stays crisp-tender and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Vegetable oil – Ideal for high-heat cooking, allowing everything to sear without burning.
Garlic & fresh ginger – This aromatic duo forms the flavor foundation. Garlic adds warmth, while ginger brings a subtle zing that brightens the whole dish.
Soy sauce – The salty, umami backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
Oyster sauce – Adds depth, richness, and that unmistakable restaurant-style flavor.
Honey or brown sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the saltiness without overpowering it.
Rice vinegar – A splash of acidity that keeps the sauce lively and well-rounded.
Sesame oil – A small amount goes a long way, adding a nutty, toasted finish.
Black pepper – Gentle heat that enhances, rather than dominates.
Cornstarch slurry – The secret to a glossy, clingy sauce that coats every bite.
Sesame seeds & green onions – Optional, but lovely for added texture and freshness.

Ingredient Tips:

Choosing shrimp: Frozen shrimp are often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the counter and work perfectly here—just thaw and pat dry.
Size matters: Medium or large shrimp are ideal. They cook evenly and stay juicy without disappearing into the sauce.

How to Make Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Everything First

Before the pan even heats up, take a few minutes to prep your ingredients. This is one of those recipes where mise en place truly matters. Stir-frying moves fast, and having the shrimp peeled, broccoli chopped, sauce mixed, and aromatics ready means you can cook confidently without rushing. I like lining everything up on the counter—it feels calm, organized, and sets you up for success from the start.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for shrimp that turn pink, curl slightly, and look opaque in the center. As soon as they’re done, remove them from the pan. Overcooking is the quickest way to rubbery shrimp, so this quick in-and-out step is key.

Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Add the remaining oil to the pan, followed by the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. If you like slightly softer broccoli, a small splash of water and a quick cover can help steam them gently without losing their bite. The goal is broccoli that’s crisp, fresh, and ready to soak up the sauce.

Build the Flavor Base

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds. This short timing is important—long enough to release their aroma, but not so long that they burn. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen suddenly smells incredible.

Add the Sauce & Thicken

Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and watch as the sauce thickens into a glossy, velvety coating. Cornstarch works quickly, so keep stirring and adjust with a splash of water if needed to reach your ideal consistency.

Finish and Serve

Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then finish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite.

What to Serve with Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

One of the best things about this dish is how easily it pairs with simple, comforting sides. Whether you’re keeping things classic or mixing it up, the right pairing turns this stir fry into a complete, satisfying meal.

Best Pairings

Grains:

Steamed jasmine rice – Light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up that glossy sauce. This is my go-to on busy nights.
Brown rice – A heartier option with a slightly nutty flavor that adds extra fiber and keeps you full longer.
Fried rice – If you’re feeling a little indulgent, fried rice makes this meal feel extra special and restaurant-worthy.

Noodles:

Rice noodles – Soft and silky, they pair beautifully with the savory sauce.
Lo mein – Chewy and comforting, ideal if you’re craving takeout vibes at home.
Udon – Thick, hearty noodles that make the dish feel cozy and satisfying.

Side Dishes:

Egg rolls – Crispy, golden, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Asian cucumber salad – Fresh and crunchy, it adds a refreshing contrast.
Miso soup – Light and soothing, perfect for rounding out the meal.

Variations and Substitutions for Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, which makes it easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand—or whatever you’re craving.

Chicken or Beef Version

If shrimp isn’t your thing, this stir fry works beautifully with chicken breast or flank steak. Slice the protein thinly against the grain for the most tender results. Chicken will need a slightly longer cook time—about 4–5 minutes per side—while beef cooks quickly, similar to shrimp. Once cooked, remove it from the pan just as you would the shrimp, then add it back at the end to finish in the sauce.

Spicy Stir Fry

Love a little heat? This recipe welcomes it. Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha directly to the sauce for a bold kick, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a gentler warmth. I like starting small and adding more at the end—it’s easy to build heat, but hard to take it away.

Gluten-Free Option

Making this dish gluten-free is simple and doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and use a gluten-free oyster sauce. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still get that savory, balanced sauce that makes this stir fry so comforting.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This stir fry keeps best for 2–3 days, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors deepen slightly as it sits, which can be a pleasant bonus.

Reheating Instructions

For best results, reheat gently. A skillet over medium heat is ideal, as it warms everything evenly without overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works in a pinch—just heat in short intervals and stir often to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Can You Freeze It?

Shrimp stir fry can be frozen, but it’s not my top choice. While it’s safe to freeze, shrimp can lose some of their tender texture when thawed. If you do freeze it, use an airtight container and enjoy within one month for best quality.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

A few small techniques can make a big difference in how this stir fry turns out. These are the tips I’ve picked up after making this recipe more times than I can count—and they’ll help you get perfect results every single time.

Use high heat for stir-frying
Stir fry thrives on heat. Cooking over medium-high to high heat helps the shrimp sear quickly and keeps the broccoli vibrant and crisp instead of soggy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Giving the shrimp and broccoli enough space allows them to cook evenly. If everything is piled in at once, the food steams instead of stir-frying, which can dull both texture and flavor.
Add the sauce after the broccoli softens
Let the broccoli reach that tender-crisp stage before adding the sauce. This ensures it stays bright and slightly crunchy while still soaking up all that savory goodness.
Taste and adjust before serving
Everyone’s palate is different. A little extra soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a splash of vinegar at the end can make the flavors truly yours.
Fresh ginger makes a difference
While ground ginger works in a pinch, fresh ginger adds a lively, clean flavor that really elevates the dish.

Related Section

If you loved this Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry, you might enjoy these easy dinners:
• Easy Chicken Lo Mein — savory noodles with tender chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely. Frozen shrimp work beautifully for this recipe and are often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at the store. Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery?

The key is short cooking time. Shrimp only need about 2–3 minutes per side. Watch for visual cues: they’ll turn pink, curl slightly into a loose “C” shape, and look opaque in the center. As soon as you see that, they’re done.

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ahead to save time. Chop the broccoli, peel the shrimp, and mix the sauce up to a day in advance. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together in minutes.

Is shrimp and broccoli stir fry healthy?

Yes! This recipe is naturally high in protein, packed with vegetables, and relatively low in calories. Shrimp provide lean protein, while broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals—all in a flavorful, satisfying meal.

What’s the best pan for stir fry?

A wok is ideal because it heats evenly and allows food to cook quickly. That said, a large skillet works perfectly too—just make sure it’s wide enough to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry is one of those recipes that checks all the right boxes: fast, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet special enough to feel like a treat. With juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that comes together in minutes, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying meals.

What I love most is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the protein, add extra heat, or toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand—this recipe happily meets you where you are. It’s forgiving, reliable, and always delicious.

Try this Quick Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry tonight and let me know how you made it your own! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or pin it for later—I’d love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen.