There’s something about the simple pairing of garlic, shrimp, and broccoli that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This dish is one of those comforting meals that comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve been fussing over it for hours. It reminds me of evenings when my kitchen smells like garlic sizzling in a pan, and the table’s set just right—even if dinner only took 20 minutes to make.

Garlic shrimp and broccoli is one of those staple recipes that’s been passed around in different versions—some with noodles, others tossed in buttery sauces or spiced up with chili flakes. It’s a dish that’s endlessly customizable and beloved across cultures, especially in Asian-inspired home cooking where stir-fries reign supreme. In our house, it’s the reliable weeknight hero, making appearances when we crave something hearty, healthy, and ridiculously flavorful.

Whether you’re making this for a cozy dinner for two or a quick family meal, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and satisfaction. The shrimp are juicy and garlicky, the broccoli stays crisp-tender, and everything gets coated in a light, flavorful sauce that begs to be spooned over rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy: It comes together in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies.
• Minimal ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your pantry.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option.
• Family favorite: Kid-approved and grown-up friendly too!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC SHRIMP AND BROCCOLI:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prep everything before you start. Stir-fries move quickly! So chop your broccoli, mince the garlic, and grate your ginger. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already. I like to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to help them sear nicely in the pan.
2. Blanch the broccoli. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and drop in the broccoli florets for just 1-2 minutes until they turn a bright green and slightly tender. Then, immediately drain and run them under cold water to stop the cooking. This step helps keep the broccoli crisp-tender without overcooking it in the stir-fry.
3. Sauté the shrimp. In a large skillet or wok, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1–2 minutes on each side, just until pink and slightly golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the garlic-ginger base. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Add the sauce. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Whisk it all together directly in the pan until it begins to thicken slightly, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Combine everything. Add the broccoli and shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything together so it’s well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to reheat and bring the flavors together.
7. Serve hot. Spoon everything over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy right away while it’s hot and flavorful.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use fresh shrimp if possible—they cook up juicier and more flavorful than frozen, though frozen shrimp work just fine when thawed properly.
• Don’t skip blanching the broccoli. It helps keep the broccoli vibrant green and prevents overcooking when you add it to the pan later.
• Adjust spice to taste. Want a kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and double-checking your oyster sauce label.
• Serve it your way. Rice is classic, but it’s also amazing with brown rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for something light and crunchy.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (with substitutions), Dairy-Free

NOTES:

Feel free to double the sauce if you love extra sauciness with your rice. This recipe is super adaptable—you can swap in snow peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms depending on what’s in your fridge.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving — approximate values)

• Calories: 270
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before stir-frying. It might not stay as crisp-tender, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely. Try sugar snap peas, red bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or add a bit more soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar for a similar umami kick.

Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just reheat gently so the shrimp don’t overcook.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the shrimp tender.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights (minus the cheese this time—still amazing though!):

• Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli
• Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl
• Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Weeknight Wonder

CONCLUSION

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making again and again—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s so good. It brings the kind of comfort that comes from good food made fast, with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole table, this dish will win hearts, guaranteed.

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