Go Back

Japanese Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe | Quick Dinner

This Japanese Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a quick, healthy, and umami-packed dinner you can make in minutes. Juicy shrimp and tender broccoli are stir-fried with soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil, infused with fresh ginger and garlic for a fragrant, savory flavor. Finished with a splash of dashi or water, it’s a light and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice—ideal for busy weeknights or a simple homemade Japanese-style dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Japanese
Servings 2
Calories 250 kcal

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 broccoli
    Bring 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 shrimp
    Heat 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 aromatics
    In 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 sauce
    Add 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 together
    Return 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 hot
    Remove 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.
This gives the dish a glossy, umami-packed sauce that clings beautifully to shrimp and broccoli — perfect if you love extra flavor with rice.

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.
Keyword Japanese shrimp and broccoli, easy shrimp stir-fry, quick Japanese dinner, shrimp and broccoli recipe, healthy seafood stir-fry