Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Tender, juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a garlicky, savory sauce come together in just about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade, healthy-ish, and seriously satisfying. The garlic sauce is rich, slightly sweet, a little spicy (if you like), and absolutely packed with umami. Trust me—you’re going to want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish, and most of that is prep work!
Incredible Flavor: That garlic sauce clings to the shrimp and broccoli with a punch of sweetness, saltiness, and a little kick of heat.
Healthy Yet Comforting: Lean protein and greens never tasted so indulgent.
One Wok Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. All the cooking happens in one pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish such a flavor bomb, and why each ingredient matters:

Shrimp: The star of the show. Use peeled, deveined shrimp for convenience. They cook fast and absorb the marinade beautifully.
Salt, Paprika, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the shrimp without overpowering the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: Used in the marinade and for stir-frying. Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Broccoli: Fresh florets add texture and a slight bitterness that balances the sauce. Use the stems too—just peel and slice!
Garlic: Loads of it! This is a garlic sauce, after all, so don’t be shy.
Ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Dried Red Chilies: Totally optional, but they add that subtle heat that makes the whole dish sing.
Water: Helps steam the broccoli to the perfect tenderness.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor to the sauce.
Soy Sauce & Dark Soy Sauce: Classic salty base. The dark soy gives color and richer depth.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the saltiness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.

Variations

Feel like putting your own spin on it? Go for it!

Add More Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms work beautifully here.
Make it Spicier: Add chili garlic sauce or more dried red chilies.
Go Low Carb: Swap broccoli with zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
Protein Swap: Try thinly sliced chicken breast, tofu, or even scallops instead of shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with salt, paprika, pepper, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Let it sit while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together water, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Prep the Veggies

Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Don’t toss the stems—peel and slice them thinly! Dice the garlic, mince the ginger, and break open a few dried chilies if you like it spicy.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Shrimp

Heat your wok over high until it’s smoking. Add oil, swirl it around, and toss in the shrimp. Stir-fry just until pink on the outside (they’ll finish cooking later). Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

With the remaining oil in the wok, sauté the garlic, ginger, chilies, and broccoli. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant and slightly charred.

Step 6: Steam the Broccoli

Add a splash of water to the edge of the wok and cover it immediately. This steams the broccoli while keeping that stir-fried texture intact.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Pour in your prepared sauce and add the shrimp back in. Toss everything together over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and the shrimp are cooked through.

Step 8: Serve

Plate it up while hot and enjoy the magic!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Hot Wok: A well-heated wok ensures everything cooks fast and evenly without steaming.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Take them off early—they’ll finish in the sauce.
Cut Even Pieces: Uniform broccoli florets and shrimp sizes help everything cook at the same pace.
Stir Constantly: Stir-frying is fast, so keep the ingredients moving to avoid burning.

How to Serve

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Rice:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up that amazing garlic sauce.

Noodles:

Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a slurpy, saucy twist.

Toppings:

Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.

On Its Own:

Honestly, it’s hearty and delicious enough to stand alone as a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note: Shrimp can get rubbery when reheated from frozen, so use fresh-cooked shrimp if texture matters to you.

Reheating

Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before marinating to avoid excess water in the pan.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your hoisin and oyster sauces for gluten-free labels.

How do I avoid overcooking the broccoli?
Keep the stir-fry time short and don’t skip the steam step. It softens the broccoli without turning it mushy.

What if I don’t have a wok?
No problem. A large skillet with high sides works just fine—just be sure to keep it hot and don’t overcrowd.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is everything you want in a quick weeknight dinner: bold, comforting, healthy, and unbelievably easy. The garlic sauce is the kind of flavor you’ll crave again and again—and you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together. Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to stir fry!