If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, then this Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe is just the ticket. It combines juicy, tender shrimp with crisp-tender broccoli, all glazed in a deliciously garlicky, gingery sauce that’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, this bowl is a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or whipping up a quick dinner after work, this recipe makes everyone feel like a culinary star without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dish, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh zing of ginger to the nourishing bite of broccoli, everything comes together perfectly easy and delicious.
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice: This fragrant rice provides the ideal fluffy bed for your shrimp and broccoli, soaking up all those tasty juices.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails on optional): Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a juicy, slightly sweet protein element to the bowl.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that brightens up the whole dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic delivers deep, aromatic savory notes that complement both shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce helps to coat all the ingredients with a luscious glaze.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Provides the salty depth needed to balance the sweetness and add umami.
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets): Fresh and crisp, broccoli brings vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
- Sesame seeds (to taste): Optional but highly recommended for a nutty finish and pretty garnish.
- Scallions (to taste): Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely splash of green for presentation.
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your jasmine rice exactly according to the package instructions to ensure it’s fluffy and tender. This takes about 15 minutes, so it’s perfect to have going as you prepare the other components. The rice is what holds your dish together, soaking up all the wonderful sauces later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sauces
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the grated ginger and minced garlic, stirring constantly for about a minute so they don’t burn. Then add the hoisin sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine all those tastes into a wonderful fragrant base. This step builds the flavor foundation for the entire bowl.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Next, stir in the broccoli florets and cover the pan. Let them steam and soften for approximately 4 minutes. This method keeps broccoli tender but still crisp, preserving its vibrant green color and fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Finally, stir in the peeled shrimp. Cover the skillet again and let everything cook for about 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. The shrimp will absorb that fantastic ginger-garlic-hoisin mixture, making each bite packed with flavor and perfectly juicy.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To serve, spoon the fragrant shrimp and broccoli mixture over bowls of fluffy jasmine rice. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and chopped scallions if you like for a lovely finish. Dive right in and enjoy a dinner that looks impressive but didn’t take hours to prepare!
How to Serve Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness and a delightful crunch that rounds out the texture beautifully. Fresh scallions or chopped cilantro bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich sauce and add an inviting pop of green.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is a complete meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad, pickled carrots, or even some steamed edamame. These light sides keep the meal balanced and add additional colors and flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp and broccoli over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a wholesome twist. For a fun presentation, serve the components in individual lettuce cups to turn this into a handheld treat that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the shrimp has fully cooled before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of shrimp and broccoli, which can become mushy upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh batches or simply refrigerate leftovers for consumption within a few days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the broccoli from drying out while heating, making sure every bite is as tasty as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce if I don’t have it?
You can mix some soy sauce with a little honey and a dash of five-spice powder as a quick and tasty alternative that mimics the sweet-savory flavor of hoisin sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the bowl?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or sliced carrots all work wonderfully and add extra color and nutrition to your bowls.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe isn’t spicy by default, making it great for all tastes. If you love heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is ideal thanks to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, but long-grain white or brown rice are perfectly good options as well.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe is a true weeknight hero—quick to make, full of flavor, and utterly satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll reach for time and again. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a delicious bowl of comfort and freshness tonight!
Print
Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Bowls recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for weeknights. Tender shrimp and crisp broccoli are sautéed in a savory hoisin-ginger sauce and served over fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, thawed and peeled (tails on optional)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- Scallions, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the jasmine rice according to the package directions. Begin cooking the shrimp mixture as the rice is nearing completion to ensure everything finishes around the same time.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce. Stir constantly and cook for about one minute until fragrant and combined.
- Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Cover and cook for 4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam and become tender but still crisp.
- Add the shrimp: Stir in the shrimp, cover the pan again, and cook for 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and broccoli mixture over the cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions to taste. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious bowl!
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bok choy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Tails on shrimp add presentation appeal but can be removed for easier eating.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the hoisin and soy sauces are certified gluten-free.
