🥢 Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

If you’re craving a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that tastes like it came straight out of your favorite Asian restaurant, this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is your answer 🍤🥦. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes — quick to make, incredibly delicious, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Perfect for weeknights, this stir fry combines tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in a rich, savory garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. You’ll only need one pan and a few pantry staples to bring this restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen table in under 30 minutes.

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🌍 A Little Background: The Beauty of Asian Stir-Fries

Stir-frying is a centuries-old cooking technique that originated in China and quickly spread across Asia due to its efficiency and ability to preserve flavors, colors, and nutrients. The method involves cooking small, evenly cut ingredients over high heat for a short amount of time — a perfect match for today’s busy lifestyles!

This shrimp and broccoli stir fry, often seen in Chinese-American and Korean-style restaurants, is a fusion of bold flavors — sweet, salty, umami, and garlicky all at once. The oyster sauce and soy sauce bring depth, while the ginger and garlic add aromatic warmth that balances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Whether served over jasmine rice 🍚 or tossed with noodles 🍜, it’s a dish that everyone loves because it feels light yet satisfying, indulgent yet healthy.

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🍤 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce:

For Marinating the Shrimp:

• 14 oz (400 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
• 1/4 tsp salt 🧂
• 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
• 1/3 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce 🦪
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce

For Stir-Frying:

• 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 12 oz (340 grams) broccoli florets 🥦
• 8 cloves garlic, diced 🧄
• 1/2 tbsp minced ginger
• A few dried red chilies (optional, for spice 🌶️)
• 2 tbsp water

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👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels — this ensures they get a nice sear later. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, paprika, black pepper, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Let the shrimp marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the water, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and dark soy sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside. This glossy sauce will thicken beautifully in the wok and coat each bite with that signature garlicky goodness.

3. Prep the Vegetables and Aromatics:

Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, dice the garlic, and mince the ginger. If you love a little heat, slice open some dried red chilies for extra flavor.

4. Heat the Wok:

Use a carbon steel wok or a large skillet for the best results. Heat it on high until it’s almost smoking. Add the oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.

5. Stir-Fry the Shrimp:

Add the marinated shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink but remain slightly undercooked — they’ll finish cooking later. Remove them from the wok and set aside.

6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, ginger, and the dried chilies (if using). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.

7. Steam the Broccoli:

Pour 2 tablespoons of water around the sides of the wok, cover with a lid, and steam for 2 minutes. This step keeps the broccoli tender yet crisp — never mushy!

8. Combine and Finish:

Return the shrimp to the wok and pour in your prepared sauce. Toss everything together quickly over medium heat for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the shrimp and broccoli.

9. Serve Hot:

Serve immediately with hot jasmine rice, basmati rice, or noodles. Garnish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or freshly chopped herbs if desired 🌿.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Pair it with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all that garlicky sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss it with soba, udon, or even spaghetti for a noodle version that rivals takeout.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves for fresh and crunchy wraps.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry Every Time

1. High Heat Is Key: Stir-frying works best when your pan is hot enough to sear the ingredients instantly.
2. Prep Everything First: Since the cooking process is fast, have all your ingredients chopped and sauces ready before you start.
3. Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They cook quickly — remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
4. Adjust Spice to Taste: Skip the dried chilies if you prefer a mild dish, or add fresh chili paste for a fiery kick.
5. Thicken Sauce Smartly: Always mix cornstarch with liquid before adding to the wok to avoid clumps.

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🥦 Nutrition & Health Benefits

This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is not only delicious but also nourishing. Shrimp provides lean protein, low in calories yet rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immune health.

Together, they make a balanced meal that’s high in protein, low in fat, and naturally gluten-free (if you use gluten-free soy sauce).

Approximate per serving (without rice):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 8g

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🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Protein Swap: Use chicken breast, beef strips, or tofu instead of shrimp.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for more color and crunch.
• Sauce Variations: If you don’t have oyster sauce, mix soy sauce with a bit of fish sauce or Worcestershire for depth.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian oyster sauce and skip the shrimp for a plant-based twist.

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🥰 Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This dish is loved by home cooks worldwide because it’s simple, fast, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor. The sauce is glossy and rich, coating each shrimp and broccoli floret perfectly. It’s one of those recipes you can whip up on a busy weeknight and still feel proud to serve to guests.

Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen — garlic, soy, and sizzling shrimp — is absolutely irresistible!

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is the perfect example of how simplicity can create magic in the kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s wholesome, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will become one of your go-to weeknight favorites — guaranteed! 🍤🥦💛

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