Broccoli shrimp stir fry over steamed rice is the perfect combination of quick, healthy, and delicious. Juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce that coats every bite perfectly. It’s a dish that feels like takeout—but fresher, faster, and lighter. I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something wholesome yet satisfying, and it quickly became part of my weekly rotation. I love how the shrimp cooks in just minutes while the sauce brings everything together with restaurant-style flavor. Sometimes, I add a dash of chili flakes for heat or squeeze fresh lime juice on top for brightness. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this easy stir fry delivers amazing taste in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli shrimp stir fry is fast, healthy, and full of flavor. The shrimp stay tender and juicy, while the broccoli adds crunch and color. The sauce—made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar—ties it all together in perfect balance. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add more veggies, make it spicier, or swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
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Quick and Tasty Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry Over Steamed Rice – Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry over Steamed Rice is a quick, healthy, and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce — perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked steamed rice (for serving)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan, then stir-fry broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and broccoli evenly, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef for variation.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for color and texture.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish; tender, juicy, and packed with protein.
Broccoli florets – Add crunch, color, and plenty of nutrients.
Garlic (minced) – Adds bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the sauce.
Fresh ginger (grated) – Gives the stir fry its signature warmth and freshness.
Soy sauce – The base of the stir-fry sauce, providing savory umami flavor.
Oyster sauce – Deepens the sauce with a rich, slightly sweet taste.
Honey or brown sugar – Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy, restaurant-style coating.
Sesame oil – Adds a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor.
Cooking oil (vegetable or canola) – For stir-frying the shrimp and vegetables.
Cooked steamed rice – The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, sesame oil, and ¼ cup water. Set aside.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli and a splash of water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Return the shrimp to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3–4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking tim
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For best results, store the rice separately to prevent sogginess.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry – Add chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Ginger-Lime Version – Add fresh lime juice and zest at the end for brightness.
Cashew Shrimp Stir Fry – Toss in roasted cashews for crunch and nutty flavor.
Mixed Veggie Stir Fry – Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and texture.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Pineapple Shrimp Stir Fry – Add pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory balance.
Teriyaki Twist – Replace oyster sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes, use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little extra honey instead.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What other vegetables work well?
Snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn are great additions.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just add them at the end to heat through without overcooking.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely—thinly sliced chicken breast works perfectly.
How do I prevent overcooking shrimp?
Cook just until pink and opaque; shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, it reheats well and makes a great lunch option for busy days.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) if needed.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice pairs beautifully with the flavors of this stir fry.
Conclusion
Quick and tasty broccoli shrimp stir fry over steamed rice is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a silky, savory sauce, it’s a wholesome meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout—but made fresh at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need something healthy and satisfying fast. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll make again and again.