Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is one of my go-to meals when I want something healthy, quick, and full of flavor. The shrimp are juicy and tender, the broccoli is perfectly crisp-tender, and the garlic sauce ties everything together with savory, slightly sweet goodness. It’s a better-than-takeout dish I can make in under 30 minutes, and I love how it satisfies without weighing me down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this stir fry because it’s simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. The garlic sauce is what really makes it shine—it’s rich, slightly sticky, and coats every bite beautifully. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever I’m craving a light yet flavorful dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp Marinade

• 14 oz (400 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

For the Stir Fry

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)

For the Garlic Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for added depth)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry)

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: I start by tossing the shrimp with salt, cornstarch, and sesame oil. I let them sit for 10–15 minutes while I prep the other ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, I mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), vinegar, sugar, and water. I keep the cornstarch slurry separate until I’m ready to thicken the sauce.
3. Cook the Broccoli: I blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then drain and set it aside. This keeps it vibrant and crisp-tender.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan or wok, I heat the oil over medium-high heat. I add the garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Shrimp: I add the marinated shrimp and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and curl. I remove them from the pan and set aside.
6. Finish the Stir Fry: I pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Then I add the cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine: I return the shrimp and broccoli to the pan and toss everything until coated in the sauce and heated through.
8. I serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10–15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add bell peppers or snap peas: For more color and crunch, I toss in sliced red peppers or snap peas.
• Spicy version: I stir in some chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha for heat.
• Gluten-free option: I use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Lemon or lime twist: A squeeze of citrus at the end brightens up the dish.
• Protein swap: I’ve used chicken or tofu instead of shrimp with great results.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. I avoid microwaving for too long to keep the shrimp tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I often use frozen shrimp. I just thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Do I need to blanch the broccoli first?

Blanching helps the broccoli cook faster and stay bright green, but I sometimes just stir-fry it longer in the pan if I want to skip that step.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

Not at all. I use it for extra depth and sweetness, but the sauce still tastes great without it.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I cook the shrimp in batches so they sear instead of steam.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I love serving it over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. It also works great on its own for a low-carb meal.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is one of those quick, dependable meals I turn to again and again. It’s light, flavorful, and loaded with protein and veggies—all in one pan. Whether I’m feeding myself or serving it up for guests, it’s always a hit and never fails to satisfy.

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