Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry is more than a quick dinner in my house, it’s a dish that carries both comfort and simplicity in every bite. Growing up in Tuscany, I was trained to appreciate slow-cooked sauces and time-intensive pasta shaping. But when I moved to the U.S. and shifted to a gluten-free lifestyle, I realized I needed everyday meals that were just as nourishing, but lighter and faster. That’s where stir fry came in.
This Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry quickly became a favorite: it’s fresh, vibrant, packed with protein, and cooks in under 20 minutes. It reminds me of late summer evenings when I’d throw together whatever veggies we had with whatever seafood had just come in from the market. These days, it’s my answer to “what’s for dinner?” when I want something clean, filling, and totally gluten-free. Whether you’re cutting carbs, cooking for one, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe has you covered.
If you’ve never made a Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry before, you’re about to discover just how easy and rewarding it is.
Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry
Equipment
- Skillet or Wok
- small bowl
- knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled and deveined, tail on or off
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or other high-heat oil, divided
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup optional, for balance
- salt and pepper to taste
- red chili flakes optional
Optional for Serving
- steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- toasted sesame seeds
- green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut broccoli into florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Add broccoli with a pinch of salt and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove from pan.
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds more.
- Return broccoli to the pan. Pour in sauce and stir-fry for another minute until everything is coated and glossy.
- Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this clean, weeknight-friendly dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tail on or off)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Optional for Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions, thinly sliced
Craving even more shrimp-based inspiration? You might love this zesty Lemon Pepper Shrimp Stir Fry or creamy Thai Coconut Curry Shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Mince garlic and grate ginger.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
2. Cook the Broccoli
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon of avocado oil.
- Toss in the broccoli with a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and just tender. Remove from pan.
3. Sauté Shrimp and Combine
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook another 30 seconds.
- Return broccoli to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything together for another minute until glossy and well coated.
4. Serve Hot
- Serve your Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Try pairing this with our Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry with Veggies or the satisfying 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles.
Tips for Success
To make your Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry truly shine:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Remove them once they curl and turn opaque.
- Use fresh broccoli: It holds up better in high heat than frozen.
- Get your sauce ready first: Stir fry moves fast, your sauce should be ready to pour.
If you’re meal prepping, this stir fry keeps beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Variations & Substitutions
Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but here’s how to make it fit your style:
Go spicier: Add sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.
Try tofu: Swap shrimp for tofu or chickpeas.
More color: Add thin-sliced carrots or red bell peppers.
Swap bases: Instead of rice, serve with quinoa or this Roasted Salmon with Broccoli and Quinoa.
Fans of bold flavors will also love this Simple Beef and Broccoli or the saucy Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Bowls.
Storage & Meal Prep
Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry is ideal for easy storage:
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet or microwave.
- Freezer: Not ideal. Cooked shrimp can turn rubbery.
- Meal prep: Divide into individual containers with rice or veggies.
This stir fry makes weekday lunches super satisfying and stress-free.
Conclusion
This Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry brings together the best of clean eating and rich flavor, without the fuss. Whether you’re gluten-free, health-conscious, or just hungry after work, it’s the kind of dish that delivers every time. Fresh shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a simple tamari-based sauce are all you need.
From my Tuscan kitchen to your American table, I hope this easy stir fry becomes one of your go-to favorites.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking your Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry.
What’s a good tamari substitute?
Coconut aminos work well for a soy-free option.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Absolutely. It holds up for a few days and makes great leftovers.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, especially if served with cauliflower rice. This Shrimp & Broccoli Light Stir Fry fits into most low-carb or keto-style plans.