Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe – A Quick & Healthy Dinner

Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli saved my weeknight more times than I can count. You know those evenings where you want something fast, healthy, and not boring? That is where this easy stir-fry shines. It cooks in one skillet, tastes like your favorite takeout, and still feels light. The shrimp gets juicy, the broccoli turns bright and crisp, and the sauce is savory with a little shine. If you need dinner in under 25 minutes, you are in the right place.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Chinese-Style Shrimp Stir-Fry

Great stir-fry is all about fresh ingredients and a balanced sauce. This version keeps the carbs in check, but the flavor stays big. Here is what I pull out before I start so dinner moves fast:

• Shrimp: Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined. Tail on is fine for looks, but off is easier to eat.
• Broccoli: Use both florets and tender stalks for texture.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh is best. They bring warmth and that classic stir-fry smell.
• Soy sauce or tamari: Tamari for gluten free. Low sodium keeps the salt level balanced.
• Oyster sauce: Adds that deep, savory flavor we love in takeout.
• Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for aroma.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Helps create a glossy sauce.
• Cornstarch: For thickening. You only need a little.
• Neutral oil: Avocado or canola for high heat cooking.
• Optional: Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for restaurant-style depth.

Tip: Keep everything sliced and measured before you heat the pan. Stir-fry moves fast once you start.

Choosing the Right Shrimp: Fresh vs. Frozen and Jumbo Sizes

Fresh vs. frozen

Honestly, most “fresh” shrimp at the store has been previously frozen. I go for frozen raw shrimp and thaw it in the fridge overnight or under cold water for 15 minutes. It is convenient, budget friendly, and the texture is usually excellent.

What size works best

Large or jumbo shrimp are perfect for stir-fry. Smaller shrimp cook too fast and can overcook before the broccoli is ready. Look for 16 to 20 count per pound for a juicy bite.

If you want more shrimp ideas for cozy nights, try my creamy shrimp and corn chowder next. It is comfort in a bowl.

Preparing Crisp-Tender Broccoli Florets and Stalks

Use the whole broccoli. Peel the tough outer layer of the stalks with a vegetable peeler, then slice into thin coins or matchsticks. Cut florets into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly. The goal is bright green and crisp-tender, not mushy.

Hint for veggie lovers: If you are in a soup mood, my readers also love this silky broccoli cheddar soup on chilly nights.

The Secret Savory Stir-Fry Sauce: A Rich Brown Gravy Recipe

This is the part where the takeout vibes happen. The sauce is slightly thick, glossy, and clings to the shrimp and broccoli.

Whisk together: 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar or keto sweetener, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/3 cup chicken broth. Taste and adjust. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

The secret is balance. Salty, slightly sweet, and savory with a soft tang. That mix makes the whole dish sing.

Thickening Your Sauce with a Glossy Cornstarch Slurry

To thicken without clumps, stir 1 teaspoon cornstarch into 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth. Add it to the simmering sauce at the end and let it bubble for 20 to 30 seconds. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth. If it is too thin, add a tiny bit more slurry.

For very strict low carb days, you can swap cornstarch with a half teaspoon xanthan gum. Sprinkle it in lightly while stirring to avoid clumps.

Flavor Boosters: Fresh Ginger, Garlic, and Optional Shaoxing Wine

That irresistible aroma when you hit hot oil with garlic and ginger is everything. Use them fresh for the best punch. If you have Shaoxing wine, add a tablespoon right after the aromatics. It gives a subtle restaurant-style depth. If you do not keep it on hand, dry sherry is a good swap, and if you skip it completely, the dish still tastes amazing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Here is the flow I use every time for a smooth, fast cook:

Prep everything first. Pat dry the shrimp, slice broccoli, mix the sauce, and stir the slurry. Heat your skillet until it is very hot. Sear shrimp quickly, remove, then cook broccoli with a splash of water to steam. Push veggies to the side, bloom garlic and ginger, pour in sauce, thicken, then toss back the shrimp. Finish with sesame oil and serve. That is the whole method in a nutshell, and it delivers reliable results.

I love serving this on busy nights when I still want something fresh. It is also an easy way to keep my Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli dinners interesting with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Marinating the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor and Texture

You do not need a long marinade. Toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon soy or tamari, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, and a drizzle of oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep. That tiny bit of cornstarch helps lock in moisture and gives the shrimp a light, silky finish.

Pat them dry again before searing. Dry shrimp brown better and stay juicier.

Step 2: How to Blanch Broccoli for Vibrant Green Color

Blanching is fast and makes broccoli bright and tender. Drop the broccoli into boiling salted water for 45 to 60 seconds, then shock in ice water. Drain very well. This step gives you perfect texture every time, especially if you are new to stir-frying.

Short on time? You can skip blanching and steam in the skillet with a few tablespoons of water, covered for a minute or two. Keep the crunch.

Step 3: Searing the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet with 1 tablespoon neutral oil until just smoking. Lay shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Do not crowd the pan. Pull them as soon as they are opaque. Overcooked shrimp go rubbery fast, so stay close. If you want to be extra precise, pull them around 120 to 125 degrees F.

Step 4: Stir-Frying the Aromatics and Combining Ingredients

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté the ginger and garlic for 15 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli and sauce, bring to a simmer, then stir in the slurry. As soon as it thickens, return the shrimp and toss to coat. Finish with sesame oil. Taste, adjust salt, and you are done.

That quick toss gives everything a glossy coat and the best bite.

Professional Chef Tips for Restaurant-Quality Stir-Fry at Home

Use a big pan for more browning. A crowded pan steams your food. Keep ingredients dry so they sear. Preheat thoroughly, then move fast. Have your sauce ready so nothing burns while you measure. If you love a little char, do the shrimp in two batches. Lastly, do not walk away. Stir-fry rewards attention, and it is over in minutes.

This simple system keeps my Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli tasting just as good as takeout, without the heavy feel after.

Healthy Recipe Variations: Low-Carb, Keto, and Gluten-Free Options

Easy swaps for your goals

For keto, replace the sugar with monk fruit or erythritol and consider xanthan gum instead of cornstarch. For gluten free, use tamari and make sure your oyster sauce is certified gluten free or use a splash more tamari with a touch of fish sauce for umami. For a lighter vibe, use extra broth and skip the sweetener entirely. For spice lovers, add chili crisp at the end.

These tweaks keep the same great base while fitting your plan. It is still the same satisfying Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli dinner you will crave again.

What to Serve with Shrimp and Broccoli: From Jasmine Rice to Lo Mein

Quick sides that work

• Cauliflower rice for a low carb bowl.
• Steamed jasmine rice if you are feeding mixed diets.
• Stir-fried zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for noodle cravings.
• Cucumber salad with rice vinegar for a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Egg drop soup or miso soup for a light starter.

If you want a complete low carb spread, build a bowl like this low carb burrito bowl. It is a fun way to customize for everyone at the table. On heartier nights, I round out the menu with an easy bake like this low carb chicken casserole and let people mix and match.

Meal Prep and Storage: Reheating Tips to Keep Shrimp Plump

Keep leftovers tender

Store your stir-fry in a shallow container for quick cooling, then refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth on medium heat until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, or use short bursts. Shrimp overcook easily, so warm just until hot.

For meal prep, store the sauce, broccoli, and raw shrimp separately. Cook fresh in 10 minutes when ready to eat. It is a fast way to keep that just-cooked texture. This approach keeps my Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli tasting like day one, even on day three.

If you love this quick dinner style, you might also enjoy cozy bowls like my slow cooker favorite broccoli cheese soup for make-ahead lunches.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but do not thaw fully. Cook from frozen in a hot pan with a splash of water, then add sauce. It will not be quite as crisp as fresh, but still tasty.

What oil is best for high heat?
Avocado oil or canola. Sesame oil is for finishing, not searing.

How do I keep shrimp from turning rubbery?
Sear fast on high heat and pull as soon as they are opaque. Add them back at the end just to coat in sauce.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes. Use extra tamari plus a half teaspoon fish sauce for depth, or a tiny pinch of beef bouillon powder with water for a similar effect.

What veggies can I swap in?
Snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby bok choy. Keep pieces bite size and cook quickly.

Ready to Cook It Tonight?

There is a reason I keep this recipe on repeat. It is fast, fresh, and big on flavor, and it turns a bag of shrimp and a head of broccoli into something that feels special. If you want another take on this combo, the method in this helpful guide from Her Highness … lines up nicely with what I do here. Try this once and you will see why my family asks for it every week. Grab a skillet, crank the heat, and make your own Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli tonight.

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