If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in no time, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender, juicy shrimp with crisp broccoli florets enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce, this recipe offers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. It’s not just a stir fry; it’s an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that feels both comforting and fresh with every bite. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the right harmony of texture, flavor, and aroma, making the dish vibrant and mouthwatering.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, providing juicy and tender bites that cook quickly.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the shrimp and sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for high-heat cooking that gives a nice sear without burning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature warm and aromatic garlic goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional): Adds a subtle zing and depth that pairs beautifully with garlic.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides salty, umami-rich flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Offers a luscious, slightly sweet and savory complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Enhances sweetness and depth, rounding out the sauces beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce smoothly for that perfect cling to shrimp and broccoli.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings a subtle sweetness that harmonizes all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Cooked white rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every drop of the glorious garlic sauce.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Sauce Mixture
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This savory, slightly sweet sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing all the ingredients together with its luscious texture and layered flavor. Setting this sauce aside now will help the cooking process flow smoothly once the shrimp and veggies are ready.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. This ensures they remain juicy and tender. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside, keeping them warm. This quick cooking step is key because overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, which we definitely want to avoid.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender stage — bright green and still full of bite. This helps retain their nutrients and texture, adding a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger if you’re using it. Stir constantly as these ingredients only need about 30 seconds to release their bold fragrances into the hot oil. This step builds a fragrant foundation that elevates the entire dish, awakening your senses with every stir.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the shrimp to the pan with the broccoli and pour in your prepared garlic sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly so that every piece gets coated in that silky goodness. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through. This step is where the magic happens — the shrimp and broccoli soak up all those beautiful layers of flavor, making each bite truly irresistible.
How to Serve Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is delightful on its own, adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or some chopped fresh green onions on top brings an extra pop of texture and color. A few thin slices of fresh red chili or a wedge of lime also add brightness and a hint of heat that perfectly complements the garlicky sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines best served over freshly steamed white rice, which soaks up the garlicky sauce beautifully. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice or even quinoa provides a similar satisfying base without overpowering the flavors. A simple cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables can add refreshing crunch on the side, balancing the richness of the stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next dinner? Serve the shrimp and broccoli stir fry in individual bowls lined with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a fragrant lift. For a fun presentation at parties, spoon the stir fry into crisp lettuce cups for a handheld, flavorful treat — perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp and broccoli will stay tender and flavorful, though the broccoli might soften slightly. To keep the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy the dish fresh but reheating carefully can bring it back to life.
Freezing
While freezing shrimp stir fry is possible, it may slightly affect the texture of the broccoli, making it softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the broccoli for best results. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture, especially with the shrimp. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly without overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well if thawed properly before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water, then pat dry to ensure they sear nicely without steaming.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free or use alternatives. This keeps the flavors intact without gluten.
Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?
Definitely. Snap peas, asparagus, or green beans make great alternatives that offer a similar crunch and fresh flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain texture.
How spicy is this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe?
The red pepper flakes provide just a gentle kick and can be easily omitted or increased based on your heat preference. The dish leans more toward savory and sweet with a mild touch of spice.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until just pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Removing them promptly from the heat prevents them from becoming rubbery and keeps them juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe is truly a gem in my kitchen rotation — quick to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. Once you taste that luscious garlicky sauce coating tender shrimp and crisp broccoli, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to dishes too. So grab your wok, chop the garlic, and let’s get cooking — your new favorite dinner awaits!
Print
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course, featuring tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a savory garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it combines easy-to-find ingredients with a simple stovetop cooking method to deliver a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Serving
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set this mixture aside to use later.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry the broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant green.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release their fragrant flavors without burning.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the broccoli, then pour in the prepared garlic sauce. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the sauce and finish cooking: Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and broccoli stir fry immediately over cooked white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- To keep the shrimp tender and juicy, be careful not to overcook them.
- Blanch broccoli for 1 minute before stir-frying to speed up cooking and maintain a bright green color.
- For a gluten-free variation, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit them for a milder dish.
