Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is a classic stir-fry that balances tender shrimp with crisp broccoli in a rich, garlicky sauce. The addition of soy, oyster sauce, and fresh ginger creates layers of flavor that are savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet. It’s a dish that feels like takeout but is fresher and healthier when made at home.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile—you can serve it over steamed rice for a comforting, filling meal, or toss it with noodles for a heartier option. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the bold flavors ensure it’s always a hit at the table. Perfect for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a balanced, flavorful dish, this shrimp and broccoli stir-fry will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets
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1 tablespoon water
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2 tablespoons peanut oil
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4 large cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root
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1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/4 cup canned water chestnuts, drained
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
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Combine broccoli and water in a glass bowl; steam in the microwave until slightly tender, about 2–3 minutes.
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Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Reduce heat to low and add chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger root. Bring to a boil.
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Add shrimp and cook until pink, 3–4 minutes.
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Toss steamed broccoli and water chestnuts into the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
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Stir in cornstarch, one tablespoon at a time, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 264 kcal | Servings: 4
The Allure of Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce
Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is a dish that beautifully marries the fresh, oceanic sweetness of shrimp with the earthy, slightly bitter crunch of broccoli. Tied together with a garlicky sauce that’s both savory and aromatic, this dish has earned its place as a beloved option in Chinese-American cuisine. Popular in restaurants and takeout menus across the world, it also makes an ideal homemade meal—delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare in less than half an hour.
What makes this stir-fry so appealing is its balance of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp provide a rich protein base, while the crisp broccoli adds freshness and nutrition. The garlic sauce acts as the binding element, elevating the dish with layers of umami and a touch of sweetness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers the best of convenience and taste.
A Brief History of Shrimp and Broccoli in Chinese Cuisine
While shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce is widely known in the West, its roots come from traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques. Stir-frying, which originated thousands of years ago, is prized for its ability to quickly cook ingredients while preserving their flavor, texture, and nutrients. The technique spread globally through Chinese immigrants and adapted to local tastes, giving rise to popular Chinese-American dishes.
In authentic Chinese cooking, garlic and ginger are often paired as aromatics to build the base of a dish. Shrimp is also highly valued in Chinese culinary culture, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. Combining it with broccoli—a vegetable that has been readily embraced in Chinese-American cuisine—results in a dish that reflects both cultural tradition and modern adaptation.
Why Garlic Sauce is the Star of the Dish
The sauce in this dish is simple yet powerful. Built with soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and plenty of fresh garlic, it delivers depth and richness without overwhelming the shrimp or broccoli. Garlic itself has long been celebrated not only for its bold taste but also for its health benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
The sauce achieves balance in three key ways:
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Umami: Provided by soy and oyster sauce, which enrich the overall flavor profile.
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Aromatic Depth: Fresh garlic and ginger give warmth and fragrance.
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Texture: Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy coating that clings to each bite.
This trifecta makes the sauce both functional and flavorful, turning a simple protein-and-vegetable dish into something restaurant-worthy.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp with Broccoli
Beyond flavor, this dish shines as a healthy option. Shrimp is naturally lean, high in protein, and low in calories. It’s also rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine, which support metabolism and thyroid function. The high protein content makes shrimp an excellent choice for those looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy diet.
Broccoli, on the other hand, is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available. Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, it contributes to improved digestion, immune support, and bone health. Together, shrimp and broccoli create a nutrient-balanced dish that’s satisfying without being heavy.
The garlic sauce, while flavorful, is also relatively light compared to cream-based or fried alternatives. Using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of oyster sauce can make the dish even more heart-friendly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few techniques can take your shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce to the next level:
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Choose Fresh or High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yields the best flavor, but frozen can work as long as it’s properly thawed. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
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Don’t Over-Steam the Broccoli: Aim for tender-crisp broccoli. Overcooking leads to mushiness and loss of nutrients.
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Use a Wok if Possible: A wok allows high-heat cooking, giving shrimp a quick sear while keeping broccoli vibrant.
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Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Some prefer a slightly sweeter garlic sauce, while others may enjoy adding chili flakes for heat. The recipe is easily adaptable.
Versatile Serving Options
Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with many accompaniments:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
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Brown Rice or Quinoa: Healthier alternatives for extra fiber and whole grains.
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Noodles: Tossing the stir-fry with lo mein or rice noodles makes it a heartier meal.
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Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice absorbs the garlic sauce while keeping calories in check.
This flexibility makes the dish suitable for various diets and preferences, from traditional family dinners to modern wellness-focused meals.
Adapting the Recipe for Different Tastes
One of the best features of this dish is its adaptability. You can customize it based on dietary needs or available ingredients:
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Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based seafood alternative, and replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Add chili paste, sriracha, or dried red pepper flakes for heat.
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Additional Vegetables: Mushrooms, snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots can add color and flavor.
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Health-Conscious Variation: Use less oil, a low-sodium broth, and a cornstarch alternative for a lighter version.
These adjustments keep the core flavors intact while allowing creative twists to suit any occasion.
Why It’s Better Than Takeout
While this dish is a favorite on Chinese takeout menus, making it at home has distinct advantages. First, you control the quality of ingredients—choosing fresh shrimp, organic broccoli, and natural sauces if desired. Second, homemade versions often have less sodium and oil compared to restaurant takeout, making them healthier. Finally, preparing it yourself allows customization, from spice levels to portion sizes.
Not to mention, the cooking time is so short that you can have it on the table in less time than it takes for delivery to arrive.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
To elevate this dish into a restaurant-style dinner, consider pairing it with:
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Hot and Sour Soup or Egg Drop Soup as a starter.
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Spring Rolls or Dumplings as an appetizer.
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Green Tea or Jasmine Tea to complement the garlic-forward flavors.
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Fresh Fruit or Mango Sticky Rice for a light dessert.
Such pairings transform a simple stir-fry into a full dining experience.
Conclusion
Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is more than just a quick stir-fry—it’s a balanced, flavorful dish that represents the beauty of Chinese-inspired home cooking. Its combination of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce creates a meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. With its versatility, it adapts easily to different diets, flavor preferences, and occasions, making it a timeless favorite.
Whether you’re aiming for a weeknight dinner, a healthier alternative to takeout, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers. By mastering a few simple techniques and embracing its adaptability, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor into your own kitchen with ease.