Introduction
This Fried Shrimp and Broccoli dish is a perfect combination of crispy, golden shrimp and tender broccoli tossed in a flavorful seasoning. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.
You can serve it as a main dish with rice or noodles or enjoy it as an appetizer with a zesty dipping sauce. The best part? It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Juicy Shrimp – Perfectly golden brown with a light, crispy coating.
✔ Tender Broccoli – Slightly crunchy yet soft, with a burst of flavor.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25-30 minutes!
✔ Healthy & Delicious – A balanced meal with protein and veggies.
✔ Customizable – Can be made spicy, gluten-free, or with different seasonings.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Fried Shrimp and Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor and color)
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
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1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (60g) cornstarch (makes it extra crispy)
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1 large egg
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½ cup (120ml) cold water
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Broccoli:
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing (Optional):
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Chopped green onions
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Sesame seeds
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Lemon wedges
Equipment Needed
✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Frying pan or deep fryer
✔ Tongs
✔ Paper towels
✔ Slotted spoon
✔ Baking sheet (if roasting broccoli)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
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Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and let them sit for 5-10 minutes while preparing the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
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In a bowl, combine flour and cornstarch.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water.
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Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture while stirring. Mix until it forms a smooth, thick batter.
✅ Pro Tip: Using cold water in the batter helps create a lighter, crispier texture!
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
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Pour 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot.
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Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) – this ensures even frying and prevents soggy shrimp.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
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Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
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Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once they turn golden brown, remove them immediately!
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
You can either roast, steam, or stir-fry the broccoli, depending on your preference.
Option 1: Roasting (For Crispier Broccoli)
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Option 2: Stir-Frying (For Quick Cooking)
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
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Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still slightly crunchy.
Option 3: Steaming (For a Softer Texture)
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Place broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water.
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Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
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Arrange the fried shrimp on a plate and top with the cooked broccoli.
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Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges for extra flavor.
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Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or over rice!
Best Dipping Sauces for Fried Shrimp
Pair your crispy shrimp with one of these delicious sauces:
✔ Garlic Butter Sauce – Melt butter and mix with minced garlic and lemon juice.
✔ Sweet Chili Sauce – A sweet and spicy Asian-inspired sauce.
✔ Spicy Mayo – Mix mayonnaise with sriracha and a squeeze of lime.
✔ Honey Mustard – A classic mix of mustard, honey, and a dash of vinegar.
✔ Soy Ginger Sauce – Blend soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a little brown sugar.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the fried shrimp for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
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Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
Variations & Customizations
✔ Spicy Shrimp & Broccoli: Add extra cayenne pepper or toss with hot sauce after frying.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour and a gluten-free batter mix.
✔ Asian-Inspired: Toss shrimp and broccoli with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
✔ Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the fried shrimp before serving.
✔ Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw them completely, pat them dry, and follow the recipe.
2. How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?
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Use cornstarch in the batter.
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Keep the batter cold for a crunchier texture.
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Fry at the right temperature (350°F/175°C).
3. Can I air-fry the shrimp instead?
Yes! Place battered shrimp in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What can I serve with fried shrimp and broccoli?
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Steamed rice or garlic butter noodles
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Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries
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Coleslaw or a fresh salad
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Fried Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it as a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to impress.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Enjoy your crispy, golden shrimp with tender broccoli! 🍤🥦
