If you’re in the mood for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish, this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Broccoli is the perfect choice. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a savory-sweet garlic sauce will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re preparing dinner on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with a light, nutritious meal, this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is both easy to make and absolutely delicious. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this stir fry is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with lean shrimp and vitamin-rich broccoli, this dish is nutritious yet flavorful.
- Customizable: Swap out the vegetables or proteins to fit your preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
- Family Favorite: Its mild, savory taste appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients of this dish and why they work so well together:
- Shrimp: High in protein and low in calories, shrimp is a great lean protein source. It also absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for a stir fry.
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, broccoli provides a satisfying crunch and balances the rich sauce.
- Garlic: Garlic adds that signature aroma and bold flavor that elevates this dish.
- Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These sauces create the savory base of the stir fry. Soy sauce provides depth, while oyster sauce adds a subtle sweetness.
- Honey: A touch of honey adds a slight sweetness that balances out the savory soy and oyster sauces.
- Cornstarch & Water: This combination helps thicken the sauce, ensuring it coats the shrimp and broccoli perfectly.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself!
Step-by-Step Directions
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1: Prepare Your Pan
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
2: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the pan with the garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know the shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
- In the same pan, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-5 minutes until they are bright green and tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- If the pan seems dry, you can add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli and keep it from sticking.
4: Prepare the Honey Soy Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth, making sure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
5: Combine Shrimp and Broccoli with Sauce
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the broccoli.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and broccoli, stirring continuously.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the shrimp and broccoli.
- Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Serving Tips
This Zesty Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is best served over:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The mild, fluffy texture of the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- Quinoa: For a more nutritious alternative, serve this stir fry over cooked quinoa.
- Rice Noodles or Zoodles: For a lower-carb option, you can serve the shrimp and broccoli stir fry over rice noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well for later enjoyment.
- Refrigerator: Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the shrimp and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a pan on medium heat.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to the pan to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Helpful Notes
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.
- Add Spice: If you like your stir fry with a kick, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce.
- Other Veggie Options: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking shrimp. Give them enough space to sear properly for the best texture and flavor.”
- Chef Jamie Oliver: “A splash of water can help steam vegetables and maintain their vibrant color and crunch.”
- Chef Nigella Lawson: “When using garlic, make sure not to burn it. Slightly golden garlic adds wonderful depth, but burnt garlic can overpower the dish with bitterness.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy, but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
5. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
6. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken breast or thigh, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
7. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan while stirring continuously.
8. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
9. What type of oil is best for stir-frying?
Olive oil works well, but for an authentic stir fry flavor, you can use sesame oil or peanut oil.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best texture and flavor, cook the shrimp and broccoli fresh when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Zesty Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry with Honey Soy Sauce is a fantastic dish that’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Perfect for meal prepping or a last-minute meal, this stir fry is a great addition to your weeknight rotation. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite!