Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

🌟 Introduction

This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is a healthier and faster alternative to takeout. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a savory garlic sauce with crisp-tender broccoli, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice.

🕒 Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: 22–25 minutes

🛒 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

4 cups broccoli florets

2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

For the Garlic Sauce:

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for sweeter flavor)

1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)

2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

1 tsp sesame oil

🍳 Instructions

Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

Set aside.

Blanch the broccoli (optional for brighter color & crispness)

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add broccoli florets, and cook for 1–2 minutes until bright green.

Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Cook the shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Cook the aromatics

Add remaining oil to the skillet.

Sauté garlic (and ginger if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add broccoli & sauce

Toss broccoli into the skillet. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes.

Pour in prepared sauce and bring to a simmer.

Thicken the sauce

Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.

Return shrimp

Add shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in garlic sauce.

Serve

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Classic: With jasmine or basmati rice.

Noodle-style: Over lo mein or rice noodles.

Low-carb: With cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

🔑 Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Dry the shrimp first – Pat them with paper towels before cooking for the best sear.
2. Don’t overcook shrimp – They turn rubbery if left too long; cook just until pink and opaque (2–3 minutes).
3. Blanch broccoli briefly – Optional, but it keeps the broccoli vibrant green and crisp-tender.
4. Cook aromatics quickly – Garlic and ginger burn fast, so sauté only until fragrant (30 sec).
5. Thicken sauce at the end – Add cornstarch slurry after simmering to get that glossy, takeout-style sauce.
6. Use a wok if possible – It heats evenly and allows quick cooking, but a large skillet works too.
7. Double the sauce – If you love saucy stir fries, make 1.5–2x the sauce for serving over rice or noodles.
8. Meal prep tip – Store cooked stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

❓ Q&A: Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
✅ Yes! Just thaw them completely, pat dry, and then cook.

Q2: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
✅ Substitute with hoisin sauce for sweetness or extra soy sauce for saltiness.

Q3: How do I keep broccoli crunchy?
✅ Blanch before stir frying, or cook it for less time so it stays crisp-tender.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
✅ Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free oyster sauce.

Q5: Can I add more veggies?
✅ Definitely! Mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, or baby corn are all excellent choices.

Q6: How do I make it spicier?
✅ Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.

Q7: Can I meal prep this dish?
✅ Yes, it reheats well for up to 3 days. For best texture, store shrimp separately and combine when reheating.

🥗 Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

(Approximate values, may vary with ingredient brands)

Calories: ~265

Protein: 29g

Carbohydrates: 14g

Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 6g

Fat: 9g

Saturated Fat: 1.5g

Cholesterol: ~180mg

Sodium: ~850mg

👉 Healthier swaps:

Use low-sodium soy sauce & broth to reduce sodium.

Replace brown sugar with honey or skip it for a lighter version.

Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for healthier fats.