🥦🦐 Black Pepper Broccoli Shrimp
Intro
This Black Pepper Broccoli Shrimp stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and bold black pepper seasoning. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s light yet satisfying, packed with protein and veggies. The spicy kick from freshly ground black pepper adds a delicious depth of flavor, making it a favorite for those who love a bit of heat without overwhelming spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days or last-minute dinners.
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10-15 minutes
Total: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
Salt to taste
Optional garnish: sliced green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
Prep shrimp and broccoli:
Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Cook broccoli:
Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove and set aside.
Cook shrimp:
Add remaining oil to the pan. Add garlic and ginger, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Combine:
Return broccoli to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and stir well to combine.
Optional thickening:
Add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce. Stir for 1 more minute until sauce thickens.
Serve:
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips
- Use fresh black pepper for the best aroma and flavor kick.
- Don’t overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery if cooked too long.
- Broccoli can be blanched briefly before stir-frying to soften if you prefer.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce to your salt preference.
- For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili.
Q/A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
A: You can skip it or add a bit of hoisin sauce or fish sauce for umami.
Q: Can I substitute broccoli with other veggies?
A: Yes, snap peas, green beans, or bell peppers work well.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Best served fresh, but you can prepare ingredients ahead and quickly stir-fry when ready.
Nutrition (per serving, serves 3-4)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg (varies by soy sauce used)