Protein-Packed Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry (Quick, Healthy & One-Pan Weeknight Dinner)
Derek
This protein-packed shrimp and broccoli stir fry is your answer to quick, healthy weeknight dinners. Loaded with lean shrimp, fiber-rich broccoli, and a savory garlic soy sauce, it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and ready in under 30 minutes—all in one skillet. Ideal for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or a light clean-eating dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian-Inspired Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets about 2 heads, cut bite-size
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
- Sauce: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (optional), 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water
Step 1: Prep the SauceWhisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, chili sauce (if using), cornstarch, and water—set aside. Step 2: Sauté Garlic & GingerHeat oil in a wok/skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Step 3: Cook ShrimpAdd shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes each side until pink. Remove and set aside. Step 4: Stir Fry VegetablesAdd broccoli and bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry 4–5 minutes until bright and tender-crisp. Step 5: Finish with SauceReturn shrimp to the pan. Pour over the sauce and toss until thickened and everything is coated, about 1–2 minutes. Step 6: Serve It UpServe immediately over cauliflower rice for a low-carb shrimp stir fry, or with jasmine rice for a heartier option.
Secret Tips for the Best Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
1. Dry the shrimp really well
Before cooking, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This helps them sear instead of steam—giving you that perfect golden edge and rich flavor.
2. Bloom the garlic and ginger
Cook your garlic and ginger in the oil first until fragrant—about 30 seconds—before adding anything else. This infuses the oil and creates a deeper base of flavor for the entire stir fry.
3. Balance sweet and salty
A splash of honey or maple syrup balances the soy sauce and sesame oil. That little bit of natural sweetness keeps the stir fry from tasting too salty or flat.
4. Don’t overcook the broccoli
Blanch the broccoli for just 1–2 minutes or stir fry quickly over high heat. You want it tender-crisp, not mushy—this keeps the texture vibrant and gives the stir fry some bite.
5. Slice everything ahead
Stir fry moves fast. Have your shrimp peeled and deveined, broccoli cut, sauce whisked, and aromatics minced before you turn on the heat. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. Add sesame oil last
Sesame oil has a low smoke point and can lose flavor if overcooked. Stir it in at the end for maximum aroma and a nutty finish.
7. Meal prep like a pro
Double the batch, but keep your rice and stir fry separate. Store them in different containers and mix only when reheating to keep texture just right.Keyword easy_clean_eating_shrimp_stir_fry, garlic_shrimp_broccoli_skillet, healthy_shrimp_broccoli_stir_fry, high_protein_low_carb_shrimp_meal, low_carb_shrimp_stir_fry_recipe, protein_packed_shrimp_broccoli_stir_fry, quick_shrimp_broccoli_dinner, shrimp_and_veggie_stir_fry_meal_prep
