Flavor-Packed Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Better Than Takeout in 15 Minutes
By Jason Griffith
There are weeknights when I crave something savory, sweet, and satisfying, but the thought of ordering takeout or spending an hour in the kitchen is just too much. That’s where this Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauceswoops in to save the day.
This recipe is my secret weapon for a fast, fresh, and deeply flavorful dinner that truly tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant—but it’s healthier and ready in a fraction of the time. We’re talking plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a gorgeous, glossy garlic sauce that coats every single bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary pro, even on your busiest night.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 15 minutes. It’s faster than delivery!
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or freezer, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
- Big, Balanced Flavor: The sauce hits all the right notes: savory from the soy and oyster sauce, sweet from the honey, and aromatic from the fresh garlic.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Since we cook the broccoli and shrimp right in the same skillet, you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Healthy & Customizable: It’s naturally lean and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to swap in other vegetables or proteins.
📋 Ingredients
This recipe serves 2–3 people as a main course.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Protein | ||
| Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 14 oz (400 g) | Use frozen, just make sure to thaw and pat dry. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Adds color and a hint of warmth. |
| Black Pepper | ⅓ tsp | |
| Vegetables & Aromatics | ||
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | Or any high-heat cooking oil like canola or peanut oil. |
| Broccoli Florets | 2 cups | Cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Freshly minced is non-negotiable for the best flavor. |
| Water | Splash (approx. 2 tbsp) | For steaming the broccoli. |
| Garlic Sauce | ||
| Soy Sauce | 2 tbsp | Use low-sodium if preferred. |
| Oyster Sauce | 1 tbsp | Adds a deep, umami richness. |
| Honey or Brown Sugar | 1 tbsp | For sweetness to balance the savory flavors. |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tsp | Optional, but adds classic nutty stir-fry aroma. |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | |
| Water | 2 tbsp | For creating the cornstarch slurry (thickener). |
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📝 Swaps and Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cooking oil with the garlic, or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- Swap the Protein: If you don’t have shrimp, you can easily use cubed chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time until the protein is cooked through.
- Other Veggies: Feel free to toss in sliced carrots, snow peas, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add harder vegetables (like carrots) earlier than softer ones (like bell peppers).
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce substitute instead of traditional soy sauce.
👩🍳 How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe moves fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and measured (mise en place) before you start cooking!
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, paprika, and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside the slurry and the remaining sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil).
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook! Remove the shrimp immediately and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it is fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and a small splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 2–3 minutes until it is bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sesame oil (if using) into the pan with the broccoli. Bring the sauce to a quick simmer. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick whisk (it separates quickly) and pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly for about 30–60 seconds. The sauce will rapidly thicken and turn glossy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything quickly to coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly with the thick, glossy garlic sauce. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
💡 Tips for Success
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that characteristic texture and flavor. Work quickly and keep everything moving.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you double the recipe or use a smaller pan, cook the shrimp in two separate batches. Crowding the pan lowers the temperature and results in steamed, rather than seared, shrimp.
- The Cornstarch Slurry is Key: The cornstarch is what gives this sauce its wonderful, restaurant-quality thickness and shine. Make sure you whisk the slurry right before adding it to the hot sauce, as the starch will settle at the bottom.
- Dry Your Shrimp: Patting the raw shrimp dry with a paper towel ensures they get a nice sear and don’t release too much liquid into the pan, which would make your sauce watery.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This stir-fry is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the extra sauce:
- Rice: The classic choice is fluffy Jasmine Rice, but brown rice, Basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice work well.
- Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve this over easy Lo Mein Noodles or vermicelli.
- Appetizers: Start the meal with a warm, cheesy dip like this amazing This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers if you’re serving a crowd.
- Cocktails: Pair it with a cold beer, or for a non-alcoholic option, try a simple sparkling water with lemon.
📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving (Estimate, based on 3 servings)
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | ~290 kcal |
| Protein | ~30 g |
| Fat | ~12 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~14 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
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Note: This is a rough estimate and will vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
Storage: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Tip: If you anticipate leftovers, store the stir-fry separate from the rice to maintain the best texture for both components.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this quick, comforting dinner, you might also enjoy these other fast and flavorful favorites from the Chefmaniac kitchen:
- For an easy, cheesy weeknight bake, check out This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.
- If you’re looking for another savory crowd-pleaser, try These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- Craving a classic comfort dish? Don’t miss this Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- And for a cozy weekend bowl, nothing beats This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- And finally, save room for dessert! These These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times are always a hit.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t have to take hours. It’s truly a weeknight game-changer that keeps things light, fresh, and exciting. Ditch the takeout menu tonight—you’ve got this!
Let me know what you thought of the recipe in the comments below! Did you add any extra veggies? What did you serve it with? Your feedback helps me create the best recipes for you.
Happy Cooking,
Jason Griffith
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