Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce: The 15-Minute Restaurant-Quality Dinner You’ll Make on Repeat

There’s a reason this dish is a staple on Chinese takeout menus: Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce delivers bold umami, tender-crisp vegetables, and succulent shrimp—all coated in a glossy, aromatic sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. But here’s the secret: you can make it better at home, in less time than delivery, with fresh ingredients and no mystery oils or excess sodium.

This isn’t just a weeknight dinner—it’s a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich, one-pan wonder that feels indulgent yet light. Imagine plump shrimp seared to perfection, vibrant broccoli florets with just the right crunch, all bathed in a silky garlic-ginger sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic. Ready in 15 minutes, requiring one wok or skillet, and endlessly customizable, this stir-fry is your ticket to effortless elegance on even the busiest nights.

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Why This Stir-Fry Belongs in Your Regular Rotation

🍤 Restaurant Flavor, Homemade Control

Skip the takeout sodium and preservatives. This version uses fresh garlic, ginger, and simple pantry staples for clean, vibrant flavor.

⏱️ Ready in 15 Minutes Flat

From fridge to table faster than your delivery app loads. Perfect for post-work hunger or last-minute plans.

🥦 Packed with Protein & Veggies

High-protein shrimp and fiber-rich broccoli make this a balanced, satisfying meal—no side dishes needed.

🥢 One-Pan, Minimal Cleanup

Everything cooks in a single wok or skillet. Less mess, more time to enjoy your meal.

🌱 Naturally Gluten-Free (With One Swap)

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that’s just as delicious.

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The Secret to That Glossy, Flavor-Packed Garlic Sauce

The magic lies in the “velveting” technique for shrimp and a balanced sauce ratio:

• Velveting the Shrimp: A quick marinade of cornstarch, egg white (optional), and a splash of rice wine or sherry tenderizes the shrimp and helps the sauce cling.
• Aromatics First: Fresh garlic and ginger are gently cooked in oil to release their fragrance without burning—the foundation of flavor.
• Sauce Trinity: Soy sauce (umami), oyster sauce (depth), and a touch of honey or sugar (balance) create complexity in seconds.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze that coats—not pools.
• Hot Wok, Quick Cook: High heat sears the shrimp and keeps broccoli crisp-tender.

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Foolproof Recipe: Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
Total Time: 15–17 minutes

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (454g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 egg white (optional, for extra tenderness)
• Pinch of white pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce/mushroom sauce)
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp water or broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or peanut), divided
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 2–3 tbsp water (for steaming broccoli)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, sliced scallions for garnish

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp (Velveting)

• Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels.
• In a bowl, toss shrimp with Shaoxing wine (if using), cornstarch, egg white (if using), and white pepper. Let marinate 10–15 minutes (or up to 30 mins in the fridge).

2. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add broccoli and stir-fry 1 minute.
• Add 2–3 tbsp water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove broccoli and set aside.

4. Cook the Shrimp

• Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in the same wok over high heat.
• Add marinated shrimp in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

5. Build the Garlic Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger; stir 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not burn!).
• Give the sauce mixture a quick stir (cornstarch settles), then pour into the wok.
• Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 30–60 seconds).

6. Combine & Serve

• Return shrimp and broccoli to the wok. Toss gently to coat in sauce (30 seconds).
• Taste and adjust: need more salt? A splash of soy. More sweetness? A drizzle of honey.
• Garnish with sliced scallions or red pepper flakes.
• Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.

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Pro Tips for Perfection

• Dry Shrimp = Better Sear: Moisture is the enemy of browning. Pat shrimp thoroughly!
• Mise en Place: Have everything prepped and within reach—stir-frying moves fast.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
• Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Powdered won’t give the same aromatic punch.
• Oyster Sauce Substitute: Use hoisin + a splash of soy for depth, or mushroom stir-fry sauce for vegetarian.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots with the broccoli.

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Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap shrimp for tofu (pressed and cubed) or extra broccoli and mushrooms.
• Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or ½ tsp crushed red pepper with the aromatics.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken, scallops, or beef strips (adjust cook time accordingly).

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Freezing: Not recommended—the shrimp and broccoli lose texture.

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Why This Dish is a Weeknight Hero

Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce proves that fast food can be fresh food. It transforms humble ingredients into a dish that’s vibrant, satisfying, and deeply flavorful—without a mountain of dishes or hours of prep. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a skilled home chef, even on your most exhausted days.

With its glossy sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp broccoli, it’s no wonder this stir-fry has become a global favorite. So the next time you’re short on time but craving something truly delicious, grab your wok, mince that garlic, and get ready to serve a dinner that tastes like a restaurant—but made with love in your own kitchen.

Happy cooking—and even happier eating! 🍤🥦🧄

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