Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
A fast, healthy shrimp and broccoli stir fry coated in a savory garlic ginger sauce, ready in under 30 minutes and packed with protein for a satisfying low calorie dinner.
A Weeknight Dinner That Actually Delivers on Flavor
There is something deeply satisfying about a stir fry that comes together in one pan, in under 30 minutes, and still tastes like it took real effort. This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is exactly that kind of recipe. Plump, juicy shrimp and crisp tender broccoli get tossed in a glossy garlic ginger sauce that clings to every bite. It is one of those healthy dinner recipes that never feels like a compromise.
If you have been searching for healthy shrimp ideas or healthy recipes for fat loss that do not taste like punishment, this is the one to bookmark. It is naturally lower in carbs than a takeout version, it comes together with pantry staples, and it scales easily whether you are cooking for a family or looking for meal ideas for one person.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A well seasoned wok or a wide, heavy skillet lets you sear the shrimp quickly without overcrowding, and a good bottle of low sodium soy sauce keeps the sodium in check without sacrificing that deep umami flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish leans on a few simple techniques that make a big difference in the final result.
- High heat, short time. Stir frying is fast by design, which keeps the broccoli vibrant and the shrimp tender instead of chewy.
- Cooking in stages. The broccoli and shrimp are cooked separately first, then reunited with the sauce. This avoids a soggy, steamed texture.
- A cornstarch slurry. Just a teaspoon of cornstarch whisked into the sauce gives it that classic glossy, restaurant style thickness.
Chef's Tip: Pat your shrimp completely dry before they hit the pan. Excess moisture is the number one reason homemade stir fries end up watery instead of glossy and rich.
This recipe also happens to check a lot of boxes for anyone focused on shrimp protein recipes or high in protein meals. A single serving delivers a meaningful amount of protein while staying light on calories, which makes it a smart pick if you are building out low calorie meals recipes for the week.
A Few Notes on Ingredients
You likely already have most of what you need. A few notes worth knowing:
- Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or thawed frozen both work beautifully.
- Broccoli: Cut the florets into similarly sized, bite sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Oyster sauce: This is the secret to that deep, slightly sweet umami flavor found in takeout style stir fries. A little goes a long way.
- Ginger and garlic: Fresh is strongly recommended here. They bloom in the hot oil and build the entire flavor base of the sauce.
This combination also makes it a great option for pregnant dinner ideas, since shrimp is a lean, nutrient dense protein when fully cooked, though it is always smart to check with your doctor about seafood guidelines during pregnancy.
How to Customize It
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or what you are craving.
- Swap the broccoli for snap peas, bell peppers, or baby bok choy.
- Add a handful of sliced mushrooms for extra texture and depth.
- Serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice if you are watching carbs.
- Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
A fast, healthy shrimp and broccoli stir fry coated in a savory garlic ginger sauce, ready in under 30 minutes and packed with protein for a satisfying low calorie dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium preferred
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch, for the sauce slurry
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided, for stir frying
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for heat
- 1 tsp sesame oil, toasted, finished with at the end
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish
Instruction
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the sauce aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and just tender, then remove and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan and add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque, then push to one side of the pan.
Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the open space in the pan and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the sauce, stirring everything together.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and broccoli evenly.
Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil, tossing once more to combine.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then serve immediately over rice or noodles if desired.
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Notes
Serving and Storage Tips
This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the pan, while the broccoli still has its snap and the sauce is glossy and hot. That said, leftovers hold up reasonably well.
Let any extra portions cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to two days. When you are ready to reheat, a quick toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth will revive the sauce far better than the microwave, which tends to overcook the shrimp.
If you are meal prepping, portion this into individual containers with a scoop of rice for an easy grab and go lunch or dinner that fits neatly into a week of healthy dinner recipes pescatarian style eating.
Chef's Tip: Keep a small bowl of cornstarch slurry on hand whenever you stir fry. It is the easiest way to turn any thin, watery pan sauce into something glossy and restaurant worthy in seconds.
However you serve it, this shrimp and broccoli stir fry proves that fast, healthy, and genuinely delicious can absolutely live on the same plate.
