Are you searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something savory, satisfying, and packed with fresh ingredients; all in just 25 minutes!
Tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and sweet carrots come together in a rich, garlicky soy-based sauce, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with bold flavors. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete meal that will impress your family while keeping dinner stress-free.
Whether you’re a fan of quick stir-fry recipes, love the classic shrimp and broccoli combo, or just need a healthy, protein-packed meal, this dish is a must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love quick, flavorful meals that are both healthy and satisfying, this Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to dinner! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Fast & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. No complicated steps, just simple and delicious cooking!
Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with lean protein from shrimp and fiber-rich broccoli, this dish is both filling and nourishing. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs and packed with essential nutrients.
Bold Garlic Flavor – The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and veggies, giving every bite a burst of umami goodness.
Versatile & Customizable – Don’t have shrimp? Swap it for chicken, beef, or tofu. Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch and flavor.
With a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease, this stir-fry is a meal you’ll find yourself making over and over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients:
- Shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined (use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking!)
- Broccoli – 1 head, cut into bite-sized florets (adds a delicious crunch and pairs perfectly with the garlic sauce!)
- Carrot – 1, thinly sliced (for a touch of sweetness and color balance)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced (key to that bold, aromatic stir-fry flavor!)
For the Sauce & Stir-Fry:
- Vegetable Oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the shrimp and veggies to perfection)
- Soy Sauce – 2 tablespoons (adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to the dish)
- Oyster Sauce – 1 tablespoon (enhances the stir-fry with a rich, savory-sweet taste)
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon (adds a nutty depth of flavor to the final dish)
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon (for a subtle hint of spice and warmth)
Want to customize? Add red pepper flakes for heat, swap shrimp for tofu or chicken, or mix in extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry in just 25 minutes!
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become pink and opaque.
Take the shrimp out of the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add broccoli florets and thinly sliced carrots.
Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine & Season
Return the shrimp to the pan.
Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Stir well, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Let it Cook for about 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, flavorful meal.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information for Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for the entire recipe and per serving (serves 4 people):
Per Recipe (Total for 4 Servings)
- Calories: 762.7 kcal
- Protein: 118.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 29.9 g
- Fat: 21.5 g
Per Serving (1 out of 4 Servings)
- Calories: 190.7 kcal
- Protein: 29.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 7.5 g
- Fat: 5.4 g
This stir-fry is high in protein due to shrimp, making it a great low-carb, nutrient-dense meal. It has healthy fats from sesame and vegetable oil and provides a good balance of fiber and vitamins from broccoli and carrots.
This meal is ideal for a quick, fulfilling weeknight meal! Enjoy your homemade Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
Want to take your Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry to the next level? Here are some pro tips and easy variations to customize this dish to your taste!
Make it Spicy
- Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha for an extra kick.
- Want even more spice? Stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a bold, fiery twist!
Low-Carb Option
- Skip the rice and serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.
Extra Crunch
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Try slivered almonds or peanuts for another crunchy variation!
Swap Protein
- Not a fan of shrimp? No problem! You can easily swap it out for:
Chicken – Use thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
Beef – Try flank steak or sirloin, sliced against the grain.
Tofu – For a plant-based version, use firm or extra-firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden.
With these simple tips and variations, you can customize this stir-fry exactly to your liking while keeping it quick, healthy, and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have questions about making the Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry? Here are answers to some of the most common queries to help you make this dish perfect every time!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp works perfectly fine for this recipe. Make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. To do this, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the stir-fry.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer an alternative, try:
- Hoisin sauce – Adds a slightly sweeter and thicker consistency.
- Soy sauce & honey – Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with ½ teaspoon of honey for a similar sweet-savory balance.
- Mushroom sauce – A great vegetarian-friendly substitute with a rich umami flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This stir-fry is great for meal prep. Simply:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If reheating in a pan, add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to:
- Cook them for only 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat until pink and opaque.
- Remove them from the pan immediately to prevent carryover cooking.
- If using larger shrimp, adjust cooking time slightly but still avoid overcooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Stir-fries are super versatile, so feel free to mix in:
- Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and color.
- Snap peas – Gives a nice crunch.
- Mushrooms – Absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Baby corn, bok choy, or zucchini – Great additions for extra texture and variety.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, both of which provide a similar umami flavor without gluten. Also, check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free, or use a gluten-free hoisin sauce as an alternative.
What’s the best method to store and reheat leftovers?
Storage: Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli and carrots work well in this recipe, making it even quicker to prepare. Just keep in mind:
- No need to thaw beforehand—just toss them directly into the pan.
- You may need to increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes to allow the veggies to fully heat through.
How can I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
If you prefer a thicker, more glossy sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the pan during the final step. Stir well, and within 1-2 minutes, the sauce will thicken beautifully and coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
With these tips, you can make this Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry exactly how you like it!
Final Thoughts: Try This Easy Stir-Fry Tonight!
This Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s quick, packed with bold garlic flavors, and loaded with healthy ingredients that come together in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re craving a savory, satisfying meal or looking for a fast and easy dinner option, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
So why wait? Give this recipe a try tonight! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tried this recipe? Share your results in the comments below! I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you added.