If you love quick, vibrant meals that bring a punch of flavor without hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines succulent shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a garlicky, slightly sweet sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Every bite bursts with freshness and warmth, making it a dish I find myself coming back to again and again. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible and so fast to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring balance and vibrancy to the dish. From the sharp zing of fresh ginger to the rich umami-packed soy sauce, these essentials create magic when combined.
- Olive Oil: Using 2 tablespoons gives a light, healthy base for sautéing without overpowering the dish.
- Large Shrimp (12 ounces): Peeled and deveined, shrimp cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly for a meaty texture.
- Broccoli Florets (4-5 cups): Fresh broccoli adds crunch and bright green color to keep things lively and nutritious.
- Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): The key flavor backbone, delivering pungent garlic aroma and depth.
- Minced Ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle warmth and zest that complements shrimp beautifully.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce (1/2 cup): Brings a savory, salty richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Lime Juice (1/2 lime): A fresh citrus note that lifts the sauce, preventing heaviness.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Provides a touch of natural sweetness that rounds out the tangy and salty flavors.
- Corn Starch (2 tablespoons): For thickening the sauce into that perfect clingy consistency.
- Rice Wine Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a delicate acidity that balances the richness of the soy and honey.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single, even layer so they get a nice sear. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until just opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. This step ensures your shrimp stay juicy and don’t overcook during the stir-fry.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Wipe out the skillet to avoid burnt bits mixing in. Add your broccoli florets along with 2 cups of water, then cover and let it simmer on medium heat for 2 minutes. This quick steaming softens the broccoli just enough so it remains crisp-tender. After steaming, drain the water and set the broccoli aside to wait for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Return the pan to low-medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant. This is where those aromatic ingredients release their flavor, setting the foundation for the sauce that will elevate the whole dish.
Step 4: Prepare and Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, honey, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with garlic and ginger, stirring continuously. Within 2 minutes, the sauce will thicken and become glossy. If it feels too thick, just add a bit more soy sauce to loosen it up. This sauce perfectly combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Broccoli
Add the cooked shrimp and steamed broccoli back into the skillet, gently stirring them into the sauce to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness and the sauce clings beautifully to each bite. This final meld is where the flavors truly harmonize.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over your stir-fry is a fantastic way to add bursts of freshness and a subtle crunch. These simple garnishes also make the dish look vibrant and inviting—because we eat with our eyes first, right?
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is amazing when served over fluffy white rice or silky noodles that soak up the sauce. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine rice work wonderfully and keep the meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the garlic shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a beautiful shallow dish surrounded by lime wedges for that extra zing. Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side to add textural contrast and a refreshing element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The shrimp and broccoli hold up well, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner fix.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the shrimp and broccoli might change slightly once thawed. If you choose to freeze, pack the stir-fry tightly in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the searing process and sauce consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily substitute it with gluten-free tamari to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
Simply reduce the honey slightly or balance it with an extra splash of soy sauce or lime juice. The sauce is very forgiving and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots make fantastic additions to add more color and nutrition. Just cook them along with or slightly before the broccoli, depending on their doneness time.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and removing them as soon as they turn opaque keeps them tender and juicy. Overcooking is the main culprit behind rubbery texture, so timing is essential.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar without the fuss. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave something fresh and satisfying. I encourage you to give it a whirl—you’ll see just how quickly and joyfully it comes together, becoming a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Print
Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli stir-fry combining tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 12-oz Bag of Large Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined
- 4–5 Cups Broccoli Florets (about 12 ounces)
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Minced Ginger
Sauce
- 1/2 Cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 Lime (juiced)
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
- 1 teaspoon Rice Wine Vinegar
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat and place the shrimp in an even layer. Fry untouched for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Remove Shrimp: Take the shrimp out of the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Broccoli: Wipe out the skillet, add broccoli florets and 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 2 minutes, then drain the water and set broccoli aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the skillet to the stove on low-medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, cornstarch, and rice wine vinegar until smooth.
- Cook Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with garlic and ginger, stirring constantly as it thickens over about 2 minutes. Add more soy sauce if sauce is too thick.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer: Let the shrimp and broccoli simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until the broccoli is tender to your liking, and the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Adjust the amount of honey for sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking.
- Broccoli can be steamed instead if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
