This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. The tender shrimp and crisp broccoli are cooked in a savory garlic sauce that’s rich and full of flavor. This stir fry is ready in less than 30 minutes and is perfect served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
The Origins of Stir Fry Dishes
Stir frying is a cooking technique that originated in Chinese cuisine and has spread worldwide due to its versatility and simplicity. The high heat of stir frying ensures quick cooking, preserving the freshness and texture of the ingredients. This shrimp and broccoli stir fry, with its garlicky sauce, is a perfect blend of umami flavors and nutritional goodness, inspired by Asian-style cooking.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a sweet and slightly briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic sauce. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for a stir fry.
- Tip: Use large or jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
Broccoli
Broccoli adds a crisp texture and a vibrant green color to the stir fry. Its mild flavor is enhanced by the savory garlic sauce.
- Substitution Tip: You can swap out the broccoli with other vegetables like snow peas, green beans, or bok choy for variety.
Garlic
Garlic is the key flavoring in this stir fry sauce, adding a sharp, pungent aroma that complements the shrimp and vegetables. Fresh garlic works best in this dish.
- Pro Tip: Use minced fresh garlic for the most intense flavor, and be careful not to burn it during cooking.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce
Soy sauce and oyster sauce create the umami-rich base for the garlic sauce. These ingredients add depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness to balance the garlic.
- Substitution Tip: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a vegetarian version, replace the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch helps thicken the garlic sauce, giving it a glossy, smooth texture that coats the shrimp and broccoli perfectly.
How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli
Pat 1 lb of shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Blanch 2 cups of broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Tip: Blanching the broccoli keeps it bright green and crisp-tender, preventing it from becoming overcooked in the stir fry.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
Set the sauce aside for later.
- Pro Tip: For added heat, you can stir in 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes or Sriracha.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Tip: Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Cook just until they turn pink.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Broccoli and Garlic
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, and toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Tip: Keep the heat high while stir frying to ensure the vegetables cook quickly without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Shrimp
Pour the prepared garlic sauce over the broccoli and stir well to coat. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Add the shrimp back into the skillet and toss everything together until the shrimp is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle the finished stir fry with a little extra sesame oil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce over steamed white rice, brown rice, or rice noodles. You can also enjoy it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added crunch and color.
Variations and Add-Ins
Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version of this stir fry. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for extra heat.
Veggie-Loaded Stir Fry
Feel free to add more vegetables to this stir fry, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. Stir frying a variety of vegetables adds both flavor and color to the dish.
Shrimp and Tofu Stir Fry
For a heartier meal, add cubes of firm tofu along with the shrimp. Pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding it to the stir fry for a delicious plant-based protein boost.
Dietary Adaptations
This Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce can be adapted to suit different dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
- Vegan: Replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use mushroom sauce in place of oyster sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry in Garlic Sauce Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well for this recipe. Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stir fry in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken breast or thighs. Simply slice the chicken thinly and cook it the same way as the shrimp, ensuring it’s fully cooked through before adding it back to the stir fry.
Can I freeze this stir fry?
While the shrimp and broccoli stir fry can be frozen, the texture of the broccoli may soften. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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