Oh wow, let me tell you about my go-to weeknight meal that never fails to impress—my shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce! It’s super simple to whip up, yet packed with flavor that makes it feel like a treat. I remember those busy evenings when I’d come home from work, exhausted but craving something delicious. This dish became my lifesaver! The vibrant green broccoli paired with tender shrimp, all coated in that heavenly garlic sauce, is just perfection on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, especially when you need something quick but satisfying!

Ingredients List

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – I always go for the freshest shrimp I can find; it makes a world of difference in flavor!
2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli adds not only a pop of color but also a fantastic crunch that I absolutely love.
4 cloves garlic, minced – You can never have too much garlic in my opinion! It gives this dish that irresistible aroma.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – This brings in that savory umami flavor that’s so essential for stir fry.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – It adds a touch of sweetness and depth; trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
1 tablespoon cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce and gives it that glossy finish we all love.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Use this for frying; I prefer a neutral oil that allows the flavors to shine through.
Salt and pepper to taste – Just a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper can elevate the whole dish!

How to Prepare Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Heat the Oil

First things first, let’s heat up that vegetable oil! Grab a large pan or wok and set it over medium heat. Once you see a shimmer in the oil, you know it’s ready to rock. This is the perfect time to get the flavors flowing!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Now, it’s garlic time! Toss in those minced garlic cloves and sauté them in the hot oil until they’re fragrant—this usually takes just about 30 seconds. But here’s a little tip: keep a close eye on it, because burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your delicious dish!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Next, add in the shrimp. You’ll want to cook them until they turn that lovely pink color, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Give them a gentle stir to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t forget to check for doneness—no one wants undercooked shrimp!

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Time to bring in the broccoli! Toss those vibrant florets into the pan and stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes. You want the broccoli to remain crisp, so don’t overdo it. It should be bright green and still have a bit of crunch!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch until it’s smooth. This is your secret weapon for a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and broccoli. Make sure everything is well combined for even distribution!

Step 6: Combine and Season

Now, pour that luscious sauce over your shrimp and broccoli. Stir everything together, ensuring every piece is coated in that garlicky goodness. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of pepper to taste—this really ties everything together!

Step 7: Serve Hot

Finally, serve your shrimp and broccoli stir fry hot off the stove! It’s perfect on its own or paired with a side of rice or noodles for a complete meal. Trust me, you won’t want to wait before diving in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Packed with flavor from the fresh garlic and savory sauces.
Nutritious and low-fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing on the plate.
Customizable with your favorite veggies or additional spices for extra kick!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your shrimp and broccoli stir fry turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:

Quality Ingredients: Always go for fresh shrimp and vibrant broccoli. The better the ingredients, the tastier your dish will be! If you can, buy shrimp that’s wild-caught for the best flavor. Learn more about sustainable seafood.
Prep Ahead: Chop your garlic and veggies before you start cooking. This way, you won’t be scrambling at the last minute, and everything will come together seamlessly.
Watch the Heat: Keep your heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic or overcooking the shrimp. A hot pan is essential, but too hot can ruin the dish—balance is key!
Perfect Timing: Don’t overcook your shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque. If they start curling up tightly, they’re overdone. Aim for that sweet spot!
Serving Suggestions: Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier meal. You can even sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this dish. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dig into your delicious shrimp and broccoli stir fry: the nutritional values provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Things like shrimp size, the type of soy sauce, or even the brand of oyster sauce can affect the final numbers. While I strive to give you a good estimate, please keep in mind that precise values are not guaranteed. Always feel free to adjust as per your dietary needs and preferences! Happy cooking!

FAQ About Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen shrimp can release more moisture. Just look for that lovely pink color to know they’re done!

What can I substitute for broccoli?

If you’re not a fan of broccoli or simply want to switch things up, no problem at all! You can use a variety of vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy. Carrots add a nice crunch too! Just remember to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.

How can I make it spicier?

Oh, if you love a kick, there are plenty of ways to spice things up! You can add some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or toss in a sliced fresh chili pepper with the shrimp. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture also does wonders! Just adjust to your heat preference!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can! This stir fry is great for meal prep. Just cook it as directed and let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. A splash of water can help revive some moisture while reheating!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

You bet! This shrimp and broccoli stir fry is perfect for meal prepping. Just portion it out into containers along with your choice of carbs, like rice or noodles. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the containers to avoid condensation. These make fantastic grab-and-go lunches for the week!

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce: 7 Flavorful Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl.
Pour sauce over shrimp and broccoli, stirring to coat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: shrimp and broccoli stir fry in garlic sauce

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