You know that feeling when something smells so good it pulls you straight into the kitchen? That’s exactly what happens with this black pepper shrimp & broccoli. The shrimp sizzles, the broccoli stays bright and crisp, and that glossy pepper sauce clings to everything like pure magic. The whole thing cooks in minutes, yet it tastes like you’ve been standing over the stove all day.
This one’s a weeknight lifesaver but doesn’t skimp on flavor. The heat from the black pepper wakes up your taste buds, while the sweet-savory sauce balances it beautifully. Each bite feels bold, fresh, and ridiculously satisfying. Make extra because this disappears faster than you’d expect. No one’s stopping at just one bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh. Juicy shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a bold black pepper sauce come together for a stir-fry that’s packed with flavor but still quick and simple to make. The sauce clings beautifully to every piece, giving you an irresistible mix of heat and umami in every bite.
And the best part? You can customize it. Add red bell peppers for sweetness, toss in chili flakes for extra heat, or swap shrimp for chicken if you like. Whether you want it mild or fiery, this shrimp and broccoli combo always turns out vibrant, flavorful, and dinner-table ready.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Broccoli
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For the Black Pepper Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli
Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, black pepper, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Ingredients
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2 minutes.
4. Combine and Serve
Add broccoli, red bell pepper, and the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until coated and glossy. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Black Pepper Shrimp & Broccoli
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Broccoli
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For the Black Pepper Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce optional
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Blanch broccoli and set aside.
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and shrimp until pink.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, and sauce. Toss and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp if preferred.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra glossy and rich.
- Top with sesame seeds or green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry over jasmine rice, noodles, or even quinoa. You can also pair it with a side of spring rolls or a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Black pepper shrimp & broccoli is fresh, fast, and loaded with flavor. The juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and bold pepper sauce make this a dish you’ll keep coming back to. It’s quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress at the table. One bite, and you’ll understand why this stir-fry never lasts long.
