Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
This shrimp and broccoli recipe is loaded with juicy shrimp, crisp tender broccoli, and the most delicious garlic sauce! It comes together in 25 minutes and tastes even better than takeout.
There’s nothing better than a quick stir fry on busy weeknights. They are loaded with protein, veggies, and pack in so much flavor for something so simple. Pair it with rice or noodles and you have a comforting meal that barely took any effort.
Shrimp recipes are my go-to when I want something low effort. They cook super fast and taste incredible. This garlic shrimp and broccoli is made with simple ingredients but always hits the spot. Once you make it, it’s going straight into your dinner rotation.
How to Cook Shrimp Perfectly Every Time
Seasoning: Always pat the shrimp dry before seasoning them. This will ensure they sear instead of steam.
Heat: Sear shrimp over medium-high or high heat in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or they will release moisture and turn soggy.
Timing: The time to cook shrimp varies depending on the size. Most shrimp require about 1-3 minutes per side. The best indicator for readiness is when they turn opaque and form a loose C shape.
Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
This recipe is built on techniques that are guaranteed to deliver juicy shrimp with a takeout style garlic sauce. It’s simple without compromising on flavor so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Shrimp and Broccoli
- Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined extra large shrimp (21 to 25 per pound) for the best texture and juiciness. Small shrimp tend to cook faster and turn rubbery. Frozen shrimp works too, but thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning them.
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor, texture and color. Frozen broccoli tends to go soggy and mushy. I often use pre-cut broccoli to save time.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds flavor and aroma. Using a mix of minced and grated garlic adds layers of complexity to the sauce.
- Light soy sauce: This adds saltiness to the dish. I recommend using a naturally brewed soy sauce as they have a much more complex flavor. You can use tamari as a gluten-free option, adjusted to taste.
- Oyster sauce: This adds complexity, depth, and a classic takeout flavor. It has a subtle sweetness that makes the sauce taste incredible. Use a good quality oyster sauce that’s often available in the Asian sauces section.
- Cornstarch: This is used to make the sauce thick and glossy. It helps the sauce cling onto the shrimp and broccoli rather than pooling at the bottom.
- Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. They have a high smoke point and work well in stir fries.
- Salt and pepper: Use white pepper if available as it has a more authentic flavor and aroma. Black pepper may be used as a substitute too.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli
This shrimp and broccoli stir fry comes together fairly quickly. Once you master the technique, you can easily customize it to your taste.
1. Season the shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp and toss it with some salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This enhances the flavor.
2. Blanch the broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. If using whole heads, peel and slice the stems and blanch it too. Strain and set it aside.
3. Mix the sauce: Combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is dissolved before adding it to the wok.
4. Sear the shrimp: Heat oil over high heat in a large wok or pan. Sear the shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Do not overcook them. Remove and set aside.
5. Make the sauce: Lower the heat and sauté the garlic until golden and fragrant. Next pour in the sauce mix and stir well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until it’s thick and glossy.
6. Add shrimp and broccoli: Add the seared shrimp and blanched broccoli into the sauce. Toss until evenly coated. Let it cook for a minute so the flavors meld together. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Variations to Try
Make it sweet: Add honey or sweet chili sauce for a stronger and sweeter flavor. It’s a great way to brighten up any leftovers.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce. This pairs so well will the dish.
Add more vegetables: Most vegetables work incredibly well in this stir fry. My go-to are carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, bokchoy, cabbage, snap peas, and green beans.
What to Serve with Shrimp and Broccoli
As with most stir fries, rice is the most classic option. If you’re in the mood for extra flavor, serve it with this Spicy Egg Fried Rice.
If you’re planning a full-on feast, serve it with Chinese Spring Rolls (Homemade Egg Rolls) and Chow Mein for an incredible meal that everyone will love!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing as the texture can turn mushy.
Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat. Add some water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Do not microwave as this can overcook the shrimp and turn it rubbery.
More Easy Asian Recipes
Here are a few easy takeout style recipes to try next.
Please let me know how your shrimp and broccoli recipe turns out in the comments! Happy cooking 🙂
Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound (450g) extra large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 large broccoli (cut into florets)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Garlic Sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or regular)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 garlic cloves (grated)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Ingredients
- Pat dry the shrimp and season it with salt and pepper. Set it aside for 15 minutes.
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Peel and slice the stems. Finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Add all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Set aside.
Cook
- Blanch the broccoli (florets and sliced stem) in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Strain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok on high heat. Add the shrimp and spread them in a single layer. Sear for 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat slightly and add more oil if the wok seems dry. Cook the minced garlic for 1 minute, until golden and fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Cook until it thickens and turns glossy. This should take 1-2 minutes. Taste now and adjust the flavor to your preference.
- Add seared shrimp and blanched broccoli into the wok. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
NOTES
- Shrimp: Always sear shrimp in a single layer to avoid steaming. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the searing time to 1 minute per side.
- Broccoli stems: Broccoli stems are delicious. Peel and slice them thin for the best texture.
- Flavor adjustment: This recipe is on the savory side. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add some sugar or honey into the sauce mixture.
- Sauce: If you prefer more sauce, add 1/2 cup of vegetable to fish stock. Add 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce adequately.
NUTRITION (per serving)
VIDEO
Tag me on Instagram in you tried this recipe. Check out my YouTube channel for more recipe videos.
