Easy One-Pan Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Your Go-To Healthy Dinner

In the whirlwind of daily life, finding a meal that’s both delicious and quick can feel like a culinary quest. Look no further than this incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying Shrimp and Broccoli stir-fry! This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly convenient meal that can be prepared faster than you can order takeout.

It’s no wonder this vibrant dish graces our table multiple times a month. It checks all the boxes: it’s incredibly quick to prepare, surprisingly affordable, and demands minimal effort. Best of all, the homemade sauce is a true star, infusing the plump shrimp with an irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and umami notes that will have you coming back for more. Plus, the convenience of a one-pan cooking method means significantly less cleanup, freeing up your precious evening hours. If you’re a fan of quick seafood recipes, be sure to also check out our popular Hibachi Shrimp or the super easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

This dish isn’t just simple; it’s a testament to how incredible a few fresh ingredients can be when combined with the right flavors. The harmonious pairing of tender shrimp and perfectly cooked broccoli, all coated in a rich, homemade Asian-inspired sauce, creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s an ideal solution for anyone seeking healthy weeknight meals without compromising on taste or requiring extensive culinary skills.

A Health-Conscious Choice

Shrimp are a fantastic source of lean protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of vitamins (C and K), fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to a well-balanced diet. Together, they form a dynamic duo that supports your health goals while delighting your palate. This recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Unbeatable Flavor Profile

The secret to this dish’s undeniable appeal lies in its vibrant sauce. A careful balance of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, umami-rich oyster sauce, fresh pungent ginger, and aromatic garlic creates a complex flavor that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly well-rounded. A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty depth, while red pepper flakes provide a subtle, customizable kick. This sauce transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience, proving that healthy eating can indeed be exciting and delicious.

The Ultimate in Convenience: One Pan, Less Mess

Forget the daunting piles of dishes that often accompany a home-cooked meal. Our shrimp and broccoli recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. By utilizing a single pan, you can sauté your broccoli to tender-crisp perfection and sear your shrimp to a beautiful pink, all before combining them with the luscious sauce. This streamlined cooking process is a godsend for busy individuals and families, making homemade meals more accessible than ever before.

Key Ingredients for Success

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The Stars: Shrimp & Broccoli

• Shrimp – For this recipe, we recommend fresh jumbo shrimp for their plump texture and quick cooking time. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp are a perfectly acceptable alternative, but remember to thoroughly thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even searing and prevent a watery sauce. Adjust cooking times if using a different size, as smaller shrimp cook faster and larger ones might need an extra minute or two.
• Broccoli – You can opt for a fresh head of broccoli, expertly cutting the florets yourself, or save time with a bag of pre-cut florets from your grocery store. Whichever you choose, aim for uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that desired tender-crisp texture.
• Butter – We use salted butter to add a rich, foundational flavor to the dish. If you prefer to control your sodium intake, unsalted butter works just as well; simply be mindful to season your dish to taste with a pinch more salt at the end of cooking.
• Olive Oil – A good quality, everyday olive oil is all you need here. There’s no need to reach for your most expensive extra virgin variety, as its flavor might be masked by the robust sauce. It helps in achieving a beautiful sear on the shrimp and prevents sticking.

The Flavor Foundation: Our Irresistible Sauce

• Soy Sauce – To keep the dish perfectly balanced and prevent it from becoming overly salty, we recommend using reduced-sodium soy sauce. However, feel free to use your preferred brand or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Oyster Sauce – This ingredient is a true game-changer, adding a unique depth of umami and a hint of sweetness that elevates the entire dish. Its complex flavor is hard to replicate, so we strongly advise against omitting it or substituting it if possible. It’s key to the authentic taste.
• Honey – Any type of honey you have on hand will work wonderfully to provide that essential touch of sweetness that balances the savory and salty elements of the sauce.
• Ginger – For the most vibrant and aromatic flavor, always opt for fresh ginger. You’ll want to peel and finely mince it yourself. Don’t worry, we’ll share a quick tip for effortless peeling later in this post!
• Garlic – Similar to ginger, fresh garlic cloves, peeled and minced, are crucial for achieving the best, most robust flavor profile in your sauce. Avoid pre-minced jarred garlic for this recipe if possible, as the fresh counterpart makes a significant difference.
• Sesame Oil – This provides a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are both good neutral alternatives, though they won’t offer the same nutty essence.
• Cornstarch – This essential ingredient is responsible for thickening the sauce, giving it a glossy sheen and ensuring it beautifully coats the shrimp and broccoli. Do not omit it, or your sauce will be thin and runny, failing to adhere to the ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes – A small pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful hint of warmth and spiciness, which you can adjust to your personal preference. It’s optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sesame Seeds – White sesame seeds are a classic garnish for this dish, offering a pleasant crunch and visual appeal. While they can be omitted if you don’t have them, they add a lovely finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide: Mastering Your One-Pan Stir-Fry

(Follow the steps from top left to right, then bottom left to right in the image above.)

1. Prepare the Flavorful Sauce: Begin by combining all the sauce ingredients – soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch – in a medium bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This creates a beautifully balanced marinade and finishing sauce. Reserve approximately two-thirds of this mixture for later. Pour the remaining one-third over your peeled and deveined shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the shrimp marinate briefly while you prepare the broccoli; even a short marinade will infuse them with great flavor.
2. Sauté the Broccoli to Perfection: In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add your broccoli florets. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant green. It should still have a slight bite but be cooked through. Add half of the *remaining* reserved sauce to the pan with the broccoli and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to lightly coat and flavor the florets. Remove the sauced broccoli from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sear the Marinated Shrimp: Return the same pan to the heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add your marinated shrimp in a single layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to ensure they sear rather than steam. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until they turn opaque and pink, indicating they are perfectly cooked. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them.
4. Combine and Finish: Once all the shrimp are cooked, return them all to the pan. Pour the final remaining portion of your homemade sauce over the shrimp, tossing gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated and warmed through. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats. Finally, arrange the succulent shrimp and tender broccoli together on serving plates. Garnish generously with white sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for a Flawless Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Achieving a restaurant-quality shrimp and broccoli dish at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

1. Effortless Ginger Peeling: Peeling fresh ginger can be tricky, but here’s a secret: use the edge of a spoon! Simply scrape the spoon along the skin, and it will peel away effortlessly, conforming to the ginger’s irregular shape. Once peeled, finely grate the ginger using a cheese grater or a microplane for maximum flavor distribution in your sauce.
2. Maximize Flavor with Marination: While our recipe works quickly, allowing the shrimp to marinate for an extended period can significantly deepen their flavor. For an even more intense taste, cover the marinated shrimp and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Just be careful not to marinate for too long (over 2 hours) as the acids in some soy sauces can begin to break down the delicate shrimp proteins.
3. Serving Suggestions & Pairings: This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when served alongside fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. And for an extra layer of creamy, tangy goodness, a drizzle of homemade Yum Yum Sauce pairs absolutely beautifully with this dish.
4. Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp during reheating to maintain their tender texture.
5. Customizing Your Stir-Fry: Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! Add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end for a bright, zesty finish.

Explore More Easy Seafood Dinner Ideas

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this shrimp and broccoli recipe, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other fantastic seafood dishes that are just as easy to prepare and equally delicious. Perfect for expanding your weeknight dinner repertoire:

• Instant Pot Crab Legs: A surprisingly simple way to enjoy luxurious crab legs at home.
• Sheet Pan Fajita Salmon & Veggies: Another incredible one-pan meal that brings vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

To help you master this quick and healthy meal, here are answers to some common questions:

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker method, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes until thawed. Always pat them thoroughly dry before adding them to the pan to ensure a good sear.
• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly? Yes, it can be! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Also, double-check your oyster sauce label to ensure it’s a gluten-free variety, as some brands may contain wheat.
• How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator? Cooked shrimp and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It makes for excellent meal prep!
• What if I don’t have oyster sauce? While oyster sauce is key to the unique umami and sweetness of this dish, if you absolutely must omit it, you can try adding an extra tablespoon of soy sauce along with a teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a similar sweet-savory balance. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a vegetarian/vegan option, there are also mushroom-based “oyster” sauces available.
• Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Add them to the pan with the broccoli, adjusting cooking times as needed to achieve your desired tenderness.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal Awaits!

This Easy One-Pan Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of a delicious, healthy, and stress-free dinner experience. With its vibrant flavors, quick preparation, and minimal cleanup, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pan, and get ready to enjoy a meal that proves healthy eating can be both simple and utterly delightful. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds and your schedule will thank you!