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This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is so much better than the ones from your local Chinese restaurants! Ready in 15 minutes, broccoli and shrimp tossed in a flavorful Chinese brown sauce is a quick and healthy side dish for busy weeknights.
Easy Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe
Shrimp and broccoli is one of the best Chinese recipes you can make at home. It’s healthy and delicious, and best of all, you can serve it in just 15 minutes! Quickly toss the shrimp and broccoli in a savory brown sauce and pair it with steamed rice or noodles.
This popular Chinese takeout only calls for a few everyday ingredients. So it’s great for lunch or dinner on hectic days or even large parties and events. Plus, it’s way less expensive to make your own, usually at a fraction of the price in restaurants.
Don’t have shrimp? Stick to the basics with my Garlic Broccoli recipe instead! Or if you have other protein, try Beef and Broccoli or Chicken and Broccoli.
Chinese Shrimp With Broccoli Ingredients
- Broccoli – choose fresh, bright green broccoli with tight florets. Avoid any yellow or wilted pieces as much as you can.
- Shrimp – I like to use medium-sized shrimp, preferably shelled and deveined. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp or even prawns if available. If using frozen, just make sure to thaw completely before cooking.
- Garlic – always use freshly minced garlic for the best flavors!
- Brown sauce – a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch slurry, and ground white pepper to coat the shrimp or prawn and broccoli. Note that this should be light and not sticky.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Shrimp And Broccoli
If you’re planning a Chinese feast or just looking for an easy yet healthy side dish, you should definitely make this broccoli shrimp recipe! You can also serve Spring Rolls, Chinese BBQ Pork, and Chicken Wontons.
The crunch of the broccoli complements the tender and juicy shrimp or prawn perfectly. Add that rich brown sauce and you can make a full meal out of it with white rice or noodles.
Here’s how to make shrimp and broccoli at home:
Step 1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk well, and set aside.
Step 2. Wash and rinse the broccoli under running water. Heat a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook the broccoli florets for 1 minute, then transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 3. Rinse and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic or light brown. Add the shrimp and stir a few times until cooked through and pink.
Step 4. Turn the heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli and sauce, stirring continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately.
Pro tip: Give the sauce a quick stir before pouring it into the wok.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
- Set the boiled broccoli florets in ice-cold water for a few minutes. It makes them crunchier and helps to retain their bright green color even after cooking.
- Cooking stir-fry dishes must be quick. DO NOT overcook, or the dish will be soggy. Once the shrimp is just cooked through, add broccoli and sauce, and give a quick toss for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- The sauce should be light and not sticky. Give the sauce a little bit of stir before pouring it into the wok to prevent getting clumps in the final dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water and pat them dry with kitchen paper towels before cooking.
Yes, this dish is absolutely healthy and delicious in a simple way. It’s low in calories, packed with protein from the shrimp, and essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli.
The sauce for this Chinese shrimp and broccoli recipe typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. I like to add a bit of sugar and ground white pepper to have a more balanced flavor profile.
This broccoli and shrimp recipe has only 314 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Shrimp & Broccoli
Pair this broccoli and prawn stir fry with a bowl of steamed rice, Garlic Noodles, or Scallion Oil Noodles.
For a wholesome meal and an easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (250 grams) broccoli florets
- 1/2 lb (250 grams) headless shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 dashes ground white pepper
Instructions
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl, whisk well, and set aside.
- Wash and rinse the broccoli under running water. Heat a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Cook the broccoli florets for 1 minute, then transfer them to a bowl of ice-cold water. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic or light brown. Add the shrimp and stir a few times until cooked through and pink.
- Turn the heat to medium-low. Add the broccoli and sauce, stirring continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately.Pro tip: Give the sauce a quick stir before pouring it into the wok.
Video
Notes
- Set the boiled broccoli florets in ice-cold water for a few minutes. It makes them crunchier and helps to retain their bright green color even after cooking.
- Cooking stir-fry dishes must be quick. DO NOT overcook, or the dish will be soggy. Once the shrimp is just cooked through, add broccoli and sauce, and give a quick toss for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- The sauce should be light and not sticky. Give the sauce a little bit of stir before pouring it into the wok to prevent getting clumps in the final dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My kids enjoyed this so much.
Awesome that’s great and thanks for the rating.
I cook this dish practically once every week as it is so simple, healthy and yet so flavourful. The ingredients are pretty basic for Chinese cooking.
Thanks Jane!
Can you substitute the sugar for honey?
Yes you can.
I love your website for the mix of Asian and European recipes. I come from a eurasian background and live in Australia. Although my mother eats only Asian food, my siblings and I enjoy a wide variety of international dishes. I have forwarded your website to my siblings and children and they are living it.
Awesome! :)
Hi Beverley, thanks so much for your support, you’re so kind. Happy cooking!
Looks delicious! What size shrimp do you use?
Bigger size is better.
Can I substitute fish sauce for the oyster sauce? Its all I have. Thanks
Sure. Just use less because it’s saltier.
Best