Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

Name: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 cloves garlic, grated; 1 small knob of fresh ginger, grated; Juice of 1 lime; 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets; 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish); 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooked brown rice, for serving

There are those nights when I need dinner to come together in 20 minutes or less—but I still want it to feel fresh, homemade, and flavorful. That’s exactly where this Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry comes in. It’s quick, it’s healthy-ish, and it’s way more satisfying than takeout (and let’s be honest, probably faster too).

This recipe has been on rotation in my kitchen for years. The broccoli chars just enough to get a bit of smoky flavor, the shrimp stays juicy, and that glossy, garlicky sauce? Oh, it clings to every bite.

And the best part? It all happens in one pan.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Stir Fry

✅ Done in 20 minutes, start to finish
✅ Packed with protein and veggies
✅ The stir-fry sauce is bold, garlicky, and super easy
✅ Way healthier and cheaper than delivery

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip this up. If your pantry is decently stocked, you might already have everything:

For the Sauce:

Soy sauce – or tamari for a gluten-free version
Rice vinegar – adds tang (apple cider vinegar works too)
Brown sugar – just enough to balance the salt
Toasted sesame oil – nutty and rich
Sriracha – for a little heat; swap in your favorite hot sauce
Cornstarch – thickens the sauce to glossy perfection
Fresh garlic & ginger – punchy, warm, and essential
Lime juice – for brightness

For the Stir Fry:

Shrimp – medium, peeled, and deveined
Broccoli florets – cut into bite-sized pieces
Scallions (green onions) – stir some in, save some for garnish
Olive oil – for high-heat cooking
Salt & pepper – always to taste
Cooked brown rice – or white rice, jasmine rice, noodles—your call

How to Make Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe moves fast once you start, so prep your ingredients ahead of time. (Or as chefs say, mise en place!)

Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, sriracha, cornstarch, grated garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Set aside.
Sear the Broccoli
Heat a large skillet or wok with 1 tbsp oil on high heat. Add broccoli and most of the scallions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the broccoli starts to char a bit but still has crunch.
Add the Shrimp
Lower heat slightly, add remaining oil, and toss in the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until shrimp turns pink and opaque—about 3–4 minutes.
Add Sauce & Finish
Pour in the sauce, stir everything together, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
Serve It Up
Serve over hot rice and top with reserved scallions. That’s it!

Real-Life Stir Fry Tips from My Kitchen

Pat the shrimp dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. A quick pat with paper towels makes all the difference.
Don’t crowd the pan: If your pan is too full, ingredients will steam instead of sear. Use your largest skillet—or cook in batches.
Want extra sauce? Double it. Trust me.
Keep it moving: Stir-frying is quick and hot—use tongs or a wooden spatula and stay attentive.

Serving Suggestions

We usually enjoy this over brown rice, but here are a few other winning combos:

Steamed jasmine rice or basmati
Stir-fried noodles
Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist
Add a fried egg on top if you’re feeling extra
Serve with chili crisp on the side for spice lovers (like me!)

Variations to Try

🐔 No shrimp? Use thin slices of chicken breast or even tofu.
🥦 Different veggies? Try snow peas, bell peppers, or asparagus.
🥄 Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients if you like extra for drizzling over rice.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until hot. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the broccoli tender-crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw them first and pat dry before cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?
Mildly. You can dial up or down the sriracha to taste.

Can I prep it ahead?
Yep! Make the sauce and chop the veggies in advance. It’ll be a total breeze when it’s time to cook.

Yield: 4

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

This quick shrimp and broccoli stir fry is everything a busy weeknight dinner should be — fast, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Tossed in a tangy-sweet homemade sauce with a hint of heat, it’s perfect over brown rice or noodles.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes