Shrimp And Broccoli Stir Fry In Garlic Sauce

An early evening settled in with more noise than usual. School bags landed by the door, someone reheated leftovers that were clearly not going to stretch far enough, and the clock on the wall kept nudging dinner later and later. Shrimp rested in the fridge from the night before, and a head of broccoli sat on the counter, still cool and crisp from the store.

Earlier in the day, a short lunch break turned into a conversation about weeknight dinners that hold up under pressure. Takeout came up, frozen meals too, and someone joked that cereal might be the most honest option. That exchange stayed with me through the rest of the afternoon, shaping what dinner needed to be once I walked back into the kitchen.

When the wok finally heated, everything moved at a steady pace. Garlic and ginger hit the oil and filled the air almost instantly. Broccoli flashed bright green, shrimp followed close behind, and the sauce tied it all together right at the end. Plates were filled without much conversation, the kind of quiet that signals everyone arrived at the table at exactly the right time.

Short Description

Shrimp And Broccoli Stir Fry In Garlic Sauce is a fast, flavorful weeknight meal with tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that comes together in one hot pan.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 4 cups broccoli florets and sliced stems
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 dried red chilies, optional
• ½ cup water

For the garlic sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Tools Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small whisk

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and toss with salt, paprika, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Let the shrimp sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together water, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside so it is ready to pour when needed.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables
Cut broccoli into bite sized florets. Peel the stems and slice them thin so they cook evenly. Chop the garlic, mince the ginger, and break the dried chilies in half if using.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Shrimp
Heat the wok over high heat until very hot. Add ½ tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes until just pink on the outside. Remove the shrimp and set aside. They will finish cooking later.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and broccoli. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly charred around the edges.

Step 6: Steam the Broccoli
Pour water around the edge of the wok and immediately cover. Steam for 1 to 2 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.

Step 7: Finish the Dish
Uncover the wok and reduce heat to medium high. Pour in the prepared sauce and return the shrimp to the pan. Toss continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Shrimp should be opaque and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. The sauce should be glossy and cling lightly to the shrimp and broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It comes together quickly from start to finish.

Shrimp cooks fast and stays tender.

Broccoli adds color, texture, and balance.

The garlic sauce delivers strong flavor without heaviness.

Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp can turn rubbery if left too long in the pan.
Solution: Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink and return them only at the end.

Skipping high heat
Low heat can cause steaming instead of stir frying.
Solution: Preheat the wok until hot before adding oil.

Adding sauce too early
Sauce can burn before vegetables are ready.
Solution: Always add sauce after broccoli has steamed.

Forgetting to stir the sauce
Cornstarch can settle at the bottom.
Solution: Whisk again just before pouring into the wok.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.

Pair with simple noodles for a heartier meal.

Add a side of cucumber salad for contrast.

Serve family style straight from the wok for busy nights.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.

Avoid microwaving too long to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

2. Can I make this without dark soy sauce?
Yes, substitute with regular soy sauce though the color will be lighter.

3. How spicy is this dish?
Mild with optional heat. Skip dried chilies for no spice.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work well.

5. How do I keep broccoli crisp?
Steam briefly and avoid overcooking during sauce thickening.

Tips & Tricks

Cut broccoli evenly for consistent cooking.

Keep all ingredients prepped before heating the wok.

Use high heat but short cooking times for best texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: Add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: Replace shrimp with thin sliced chicken breast. Stir fry chicken for 3 to 4 minutes before removing.

Low Sodium Version: Use low sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce slightly. Flavor remains balanced but lighter.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce fits neatly into the space between busy days and shared meals. It doesn’t ask for much time or preparation, yet it delivers enough flavor to make dinner feel intentional. That balance is what keeps it in steady rotation at our table.

In a household where schedules rarely slow down, meals like this help create small pauses. The cooking stays focused, the cleanup stays simple, and everyone ends up sitting down together, even if just for a short while. Those moments are what make weeknight cooking worth the effort.