Make Japanese shrimp and broccoli recipe in 20 minutes. A healthy, light stir-fry perfect for dinner or meal prep.
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Craving something fresh, quick, and satisfying?
This Japanese-Style Shrimp and Broccoli with Ginger is a simple stir-fry that packs in big flavor without being heavy. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and slices of fragrant ginger, it’s a clean and wholesome dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Serve it with steamed rice, and you’ve got a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe is inspired by Japanese home-style cooking, the kind you’ll find in everyday kitchens in Japan.
If you want to explore more, a great resource is Japanese Home Cooking: Simple Meals, Authentic Flavors by Sonoko Sakai.
👉 Available in Kindle (great for instant access) and Hardcover (a beautiful addition to your cookbook shelf).
Japanese Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe | Quick Dinner
Equipment
- 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Wooden Cutting Boards
- Ninja NeverDull 7 Piece Knife Set with Built-in Sharpener
- Spinner with Drain, Bowl, and Colander
Ingredients
- 200 g Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 ½ cup Broccoli florets
- 3–4 slices Thin slices fresh ginger
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (optional for more aroma)
- 1 ½ tbsp Japanese soy sauce
- 2 tsp Mirin (or a splash of Marsala wine as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil (or a light cooking oil if you prefer)
- 3 tbsp Water or Dashi stock
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Prep the broccoliBring a small pot of salted water to boil. Drop in the broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes, just until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimpHeat 1 tsp sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until they just begin to turn pink (about 2 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromaticsIn the same pan, add the remaining 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss in the ginger slices (and garlic if using) and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Cook broccoli with sauceAdd the blanched broccoli to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, mirin, and water/dashi stock. Stir gently and let simmer for 1–2 minutes, so the broccoli absorbs the flavor.
- Bring it all togetherReturn the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together until the shrimp are fully cooked and glazed with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hotRemove ginger slices before plating (or keep them for extra punch). Serve immediately with steamed white rice.
Notes
Bonus Oyster Sauce Variation
If you’d like a richer, saucier version, here’s what to do:- Add 1 tbsp oyster sauce along with the soy sauce and mirin.
- Increase liquid to 4 tbsp water or dashi stock.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
What to Serve with Shrimp and Broccoli
This stir-fry is amazing on its own, but you can turn it into a balanced Japanese-inspired meal with:- Steamed rice (white or brown) – the perfect base
- Miso soup – for that classic Japanese touch
- Pickled cucumbers or daikon – adds crunch and freshness
- Green tea or iced barley tea (mugicha) – a traditional drink pairing
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh ginger slices: Whole slices give fragrance without making the dish harsh.
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They should curl lightly and stay juicy, not rubbery.
- Blanch first, stir-fry second: This two-step method keeps broccoli vibrant and crisp.
- Go easy on soy sauce: Japanese-style stir-fries are more about balance than heavy seasoning.
Variations
-
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of shichimi togarashi (Japanese chili spice) or red chili flakes.
- Vegetarian version: Swap shrimp for firm tofu cubes, pan-fried until golden.
- Low-carb twist: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage.
- Saucy upgrade: As mentioned, add oyster sauce for a more indulgent version.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.
2. What if I don’t have mirin?
You can substitute with a splash of dry sherry, white wine, or even a pinch of sugar mixed with water.
3. Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but slightly undercook the shrimp and broccoli. Store in an airtight container, then reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
5. What other veggies work well here?
Snow peas, bell peppers, or asparagus are all great substitutes or additions.
Wrapping It Up: Japanese Shrimp and Broccoli
This Japanese-Style Shrimp and Broccoli with Ginger is the kind of meal that proves simple cooking doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that feels wholesome, comforting, and restaurant-worthy — all in under 20 minutes.
Whether you keep it light and clean or go for the oyster sauce variation, this stir-fry is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight rotation. Pair it with rice and miso soup, and you’ve got a Japanese-inspired dinner that’ll win hearts at the table.
Author’s Note
Cooking Japanese-inspired meals has been such a joy in my kitchen since I started over a year ago. There’s something so calming about working with simple, clean ingredients that bring out natural flavors. My husband especially loves dishes like this — they’re light, nourishing, and just a little different from the everyday meals he grew up with. Creating recipes like this shrimp and broccoli stir-fry has become a way for me to share love through food, one delicious bite at a time. 💕
