How to Make Perfect Shrimp and Broccoli Every Time

Shrimp and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout combo that’s easy to recreate at home. The key is properly preparing the ingredients and using quick, high-heat wok cooking to perfectly cook the shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli.

With my simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to pick the best shrimp, prep the broccoli, mix up an authentic sauce, and stir-fry everything to perfection. Let’s get cooking!

Tips for Selecting Shrimp

Great shrimp makes all the difference in shrimp and broccoli. Here’s what to look for:

• Buy raw, frozen shrimp if possible for maximum freshness Avoid shrimp that’s been previously thawed

• Choose wild-caught shrimp over farmed for better texture and flavor.

• Shrimp are sold by size and count per pound. Go for 16-20 or 21-25 count for a nice medium size.

• Make sure the shrimp smell fresh, not fishy. This indicates quality.

• Buy shell-on or peeled. Peeled saves time but shell-on has more flavor.

• Get deveined shrimp to remove the vein/intestinal tract.

Top quality shrimp cook up plump and juicy. Always start with the best shrimp you can find and handle it properly for tender, sweet results.

Prepping the Broccoli

Picking the right broccoli is also key. Here are some tips:

• Choose broccoli with tight florets, not flowering or splaying open.

• The stalks should be firm with no mushy spots.

• Use broccoli crowns or cut fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets.

• Precut broccoli florets save time but watch for tenderness.

• Wash broccoli just before cooking; don’t soak it.

• Pat broccoli very dry after rinsing to help it sear and caramelize later.

Prepared properly, the broccoli will stir-fry up crisp-tender with nice browning in spots.

Prepping and Cooking the Shrimp

To prep raw shrimp for stir-frying:

• If needed, peel and devein shrimp while leaving the tails on for appearance.

• Use a sharp knife to slice shrimp shells lengthwise down the back and remove vein.

• Cut the backs deeper so shrimp open up nicely when cooked.

• Rinse shrimp under cold water and drain thoroughly on paper towels.

• Lightly coat shrimp with cornstarch for added velvety texture.

To cook shrimp perfectly:

• Use very high heat and cook shrimp just until opaque, 1-2 minutes tops.

• Avoid overcooking or shrimp will be rubbery. Better to undercook slightly.

• Stir constantly for even cooking.

• Add shrimp at the very end to finish cooking in the sauce.

Properly prepped and cooked, the shrimp will turn out plump and juicy in the finished dish.

Making an Authentic Shrimp and Broccoli Sauce

The sauce makes all the difference in shrimp and broccoli. An authentic sauce has these elements:

• Chicken or vegetable stock for flavorful base

• Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil for umami depth

• Cornstarch slurry to thicken and cling to ingredients

• Aromatics like garlic, ginger, scallions

• Spices like white pepper for subtle heat

Simply combine chicken stock with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. Finish by stirring in cornstarch slurry just before the shrimp and broccoli.

The resulting sauce will coat the ingredients with rich, savory flavor.

Stir-Fry Cooking Tips and Techniques

Once you have perfectly prepped shrimp, broccoli, and sauce, it’s time for fast, hot wok cooking. Here are my stir-frying tips:

• Heat wok over highest heat until smoking. Have all ingredients prepped and ready.

• Swirl in oil to coat wok. Quickly stir-fry aromatics like garlic and ginger.

• Add broccoli and stir-fry briefly until bright green.

• Pour prepared sauce mixture into wok and bring to a boil.

• Add shrimp and keep stirring until just cooked through, 1-2 minutes.

• Once sauce is glossy and clings to shrimp and broccoli, it’s done.

With a screaming hot wok and continuous motion, everything cooks up fast while retaining its color, crunch, and moisture.

Putting It All Together for Perfect Shrimp and Broccoli

Follow these steps for homemade shrimp and broccoli that rivals the takeout version:

1. Select fresh, high-quality shrimp and broccoli

2. Prep shrimp and cut broccoli into uniform pieces

3. Make aromatic sauce with classic flavors

4. Heat wok until very hot and add oil

5. Stir-fry broccoli briefly until bright green

6. Add sauce and bring to a boil

7. Toss in shrimp and stir-fry just until opaque

8. Adjust sauce thickness if needed

9. Serve hot over steamed white rice

It may sound complicated, but each step is actually quite simple. With the right ingredients and techniques, you’ll have restaurant-worthy shrimp and broccoli in minutes.

Here are some serving suggestions and variations:

• Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, or chili oil for extra flavor and crunch.

• Add sliced water chestnuts for sweet crunch.

• Mix in sliced mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas for variety.

• For spicy shrimp and broccoli, use chili garlic sauce or sambal.

• Substitute salmon, scallops, chicken, or tofu for some or all of the shrimp.

The basic recipe easily adapts to different ingredients and flavor profiles. Make it your own!