Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal? Look no further! This Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and that irresistible garlicky flavor that everyone loves. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. So, ditch the takeout and whip up this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.
* **Flavorful:** The garlic sauce is bursting with savory goodness.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your taste preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined. We recommend using medium to large shrimp for the best texture. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed). Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they brown nicely.
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head, cut into florets. Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen broccoli florets can be used in a pinch. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and pat it dry before adding it to the pan to prevent a watery sauce.
* **Garlic:** 6-8 cloves, minced. The more garlic, the more flavor! Adjust the amount to your preference. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil is our preferred cooking oil, but you can substitute with vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
* **Soy Sauce:** 3 tablespoons. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons (optional, but highly recommended for umami flavor). Oyster sauce adds a richness and depth of flavor that elevates the dish. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a teaspoon of fish sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce.
* **Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** 1/4 cup. Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can also use water if you don’t have broth on hand.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons (for cornstarch slurry).
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat). Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor). A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **Green Onions:** 2, thinly sliced (for garnish).
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 teaspoon (for garnish).
* **Cooked Rice:** For serving. We recommend serving this dish over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely under cold running water. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them brown better in the pan.
* Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
* Mince the garlic cloves. The finer you mince the garlic, the more flavor it will release.
* Slice the green onions thinly. Reserve some for garnish.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Set aside.
* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.

**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp.
* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the shrimp to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
* Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Cook the Broccoli**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. If the broccoli starts to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water and continue to stir-fry.

**Step 5: Combine and Simmer**

* Pour the soy sauce mixture over the broccoli and bring to a simmer.
* Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
* Cook for another minute or two, or until the shrimp is heated through.
* Stir in the sesame oil (if using).

**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce immediately over cooked rice.
* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
* **Use different sauces:** Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or black bean sauce.
* **Adjust the sweetness:** Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
* **Marinate the shrimp:** For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
* **Add ginger:** A small amount of minced ginger can add a warm and spicy note to the dish.
* **Use different types of shrimp:** Try using different sizes or types of shrimp, such as tiger shrimp or rock shrimp.
* **Add cashews or peanuts:** A sprinkle of cashews or peanuts adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce is delicious served over:

* White rice
* Brown rice
* Quinoa
* Noodles (such as lo mein or chow mein)
* Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

It can also be served as a side dish or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.
* **Freeze:** While technically you *can* freeze this, the broccoli’s texture tends to suffer and become mushy. Freezing is not recommended for optimal quality.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used).
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams

*Note: This is an estimate only. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Thaw them slightly and pat them dry before adding them to the pan to prevent a watery sauce. Fresh broccoli is preferred for the best texture.

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

**Q: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?**
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with a teaspoon of fish sauce or a splash of hoisin sauce. You can also omit it entirely, but the flavor will be slightly different.

**Q: Can I make this dish spicier?**
A: Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

**Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.

**Q: How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?**
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**
A: While technically you can freeze it, the broccoli’s texture might change. Freezing is not recommended for the best results.

**Q: What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?**
A: This dish is delicious served over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

**Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?**
A: The key is to not overcook the shrimp. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque. As soon as they turn pink, remove them from the pan.

## Conclusion

This Shrimp and Broccoli in Garlic Sauce recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip up this restaurant-quality dish in no time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion! Happy cooking!