Weeknight dinners can be a challenge, right? After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce comes in—it’s the perfect solution when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic sauce, this stir fry is a savory-sweet delight that comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this dish is bound to become one of your go-to weeknight meals.

I love making this recipe on busy nights because it’s simple, yet so tasty. The key to making it work is all in the sauce—made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of cornstarch. These ingredients create a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that elevate the shrimp and broccoli to something special. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours on it, but in reality, it’s ready in no time at all.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

The first step in this shrimp and broccoli stir fry is prepping the shrimp. Since shrimp cooks so quickly, it’s important to get everything ready before you start cooking. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps them cook evenly. Once dry, lightly season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This will be the sauce that makes the dish come alive with flavor. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it a nice, glossy texture that coats the shrimp and broccoli perfectly. You’ll want to set this mixture aside until it’s time to add it to the stir fry.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Now that your shrimp is prepped, it’s time to cook the broccoli. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for 3–4 minutes, or until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to retain some crunch, which makes it the perfect textural contrast to the juicy shrimp. Once done, remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside. This is the perfect time to take a little breather while the pan heats up again for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Now comes the fun part—the shrimp! In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the shrimp to the pan. It’s important to cook the shrimp in a single layer, so they get that beautiful golden color on each side. Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cooks really fast, and you want them to stay juicy and tender. Once they’re cooked through, take them off the heat and set them aside.

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce: Finishing Touches and Tips for Perfection

Welcome back! Now that we’ve got our shrimp and broccoli cooked, it’s time to bring everything together and finish off this delicious stir fry. The key to a great stir fry is in the balance of flavors and the final steps. Don’t worry, we’re almost there! In this part of the recipe, I’ll guide you through the final steps to ensure that everything is perfectly coated in that amazing garlic sauce, and you’ll learn a few tips along the way to make this dish even better.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

At this point, your shrimp and broccoli are cooked, and the sauce is prepped, so it’s time to bring everything together. Return the broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp. The skillet should still be hot enough to keep things moving, so don’t worry about turning the heat back on.

Now, pour that fantastic garlic sauce mixture over the shrimp and broccoli. Use a spatula or tongs to toss everything together, ensuring that the shrimp and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce. The cornstarch in the sauce will start to thicken it as it heats up, giving it a beautiful, glossy texture. Keep stirring for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened just enough to coat the shrimp and broccoli, you’re done! This is the part where the magic happens, and the aromas fill your kitchen—trust me, you’re going to want to savor this moment.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

The final step is the most exciting: serving! This stir fry is perfect served over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. I love serving it with fluffy white rice, but you could also use brown rice or even some stir-fried noodles if you’re craving something a bit heartier.

Once plated, feel free to garnish with some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little extra flair. These simple garnishes add a burst of color and a hint of extra flavor that complements the stir fry perfectly.

And there you have it—your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is ready to be enjoyed! It’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice on taste. The combination of the juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and that savory-sweet sauce is absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are a few ways you can tweak it to make it your own. Here are some ideas to take your stir fry to the next level:

Add a little heat – If you like a bit of spice, throw in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you mix the sauce together. This will add just the right amount of kick without overpowering the dish.
Swap the shrimp – While shrimp is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein. Chicken thighs work particularly well here, as they stay juicy and tender when stir-fried. Tofu is also a great vegetarian option, and it absorbs the garlic sauce beautifully.
Use other veggies – Feel free to experiment with different vegetables if you’re looking to mix things up. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would be great additions to this stir fry. Just be sure to cook them along with the broccoli so they stay crisp-tender.
Make it a meal prep favorite – This stir fry is also perfect for meal prepping! You can make a big batch and store individual portions in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week. It keeps really well and tastes just as great the next day.

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce: FAQ and Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final part of this recipe. By now, you’ve got a flavorful and easy-to-make shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce that’s ready to be served. But before you rush off to enjoy your creation, I wanted to address a few common questions you might have about this dish to help ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Plus, I’ll wrap things up with a little final inspiration to keep you coming back to this recipe.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp can work just as well as fresh shrimp in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking them, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the shrimp sear properly in the pan and ensures they don’t become watery in the stir fry.

2. Can I substitute the broccoli with another vegetable?

Certainly! While broccoli is a classic choice for this stir fry, you can swap it with other vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or even bok choy. Just keep in mind that some vegetables might need slightly different cooking times to reach the right tenderness. For example, carrots might need a minute or two longer than broccoli, while snap peas will cook in a flash.

3. What can I use as a substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, a little sugar, and a dash of vinegar. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still bring the sweet and savory notes needed for this stir fry. Alternatively, you can try making your own homemade hoisin sauce using common pantry ingredients.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Of course! If you like your stir fry on the spicier side, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your liking. The heat will balance out beautifully with the savory garlic sauce.

5. How can I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Shrimp cooks really quickly, so the key is to avoid overcooking it. Once the shrimp turns pink and opaque, it’s done. Don’t leave it in the pan too long, or it will become tough. Also, be sure to cook the shrimp in a single layer in the pan to ensure even cooking.

6. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a few days. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook. Just give it a good stir before using, as the cornstarch might settle at the bottom.

7. Can I serve this stir fry with something other than rice or noodles?

While rice and noodles are the traditional accompaniments for stir fry, you can get creative! You can serve this stir fry with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even use it as a topping for a salad if you’re looking for something lighter.

Conclusion

There you have it—your delicious Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is ready to be devoured! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and the combination of shrimp, broccoli, and the savory garlic sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ve created a dish that’s not only flavorful but also versatile enough to make again and again.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stir fry is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. Don’t forget to get creative with the ingredients—switch up the veggies or proteins to make it your own. And, as always, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you try any variations, be sure to share them in the comments.

So, next time you need a tasty, no-fuss meal, you know where to turn. Grab your shrimp, your broccoli, and that irresistible garlic sauce, and get cooking. Happy eating!

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

Author: Mark's Recipe

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Description

This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a rich garlic sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, creating a savory-sweet balance with a hint of sesame. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying, complete meal.

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to make the stir fry sauce.

2️⃣ Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.

4️⃣ Combine and finish: Return the broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the garlic sauce over everything, tossing well to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5️⃣ Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if desired.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.

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