Basil Shrimp And Broccoli Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and colorful vegetables, all enhanced with basil and lemon for a fresh, flavorful meal perfect for quick weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 3/4 lb. shelled, deveined shrimp ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen broccoli cuts ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin 2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. snow peas
- 1/2 c. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chicken flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry for about 4 minutes or until pink; remove to a serving dish.
- Add all vegetables except green onions to the skillet.
- Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender.
- Combine boiling water and chicken bouillon; stir to dissolve.
- Mix cold water, cornstarch, basil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the vegetables in the skillet.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add green onions and cooked shrimp back to the skillet.
- Heat through until shrimp are warm and coated with sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a faster prep, use pre-cooked shrimp. Fresh vegetables can be substituted based on your preference; try bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy. If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. Ensure the shrimp is fully cooked but not overcooked to maintain its tender texture. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal, like in Chow Mein Or Chop Suey.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. For added flavor, consider serving it with a side of ginger-spiced chicken or a refreshing cucumber salad. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation. For more delicious options, explore various Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Shrimp And Broccoli Stir-Fry contains roughly 891 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh shrimp can be used instead of frozen. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp may cook quicker than frozen, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What can I substitute for chicken flavor instant bouillon?
If you don’t have chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or a homemade stock. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt or soy sauce to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, to make this dish vegetarian, substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon, and ensure all sauces and condiments are plant-based.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).