If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal, this Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is just the dish. Juicy shrimp, marinated in paprika and black pepper, combine beautifully with tender broccoli and a spicy garlic sauce. Stir-fried in a hot carbon steel wok, this meal comes together in minutes with bold flavors and a satisfying balance of spice, sweetness, and savory richness. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, homemade take on a Chinese-inspired favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For Marinating the Shrimp:
- 14 oz (400 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 12 oz (340 grams) broccoli, cut into florets
- 8 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1/2 tablespoon minced ginger
- A few dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons water
Products Used:
- Carbon Steel Wok
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, place the shrimp along with salt, paprika, black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated with the seasoning.
- Set Aside: Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup water, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and dark soy sauce. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Set Aside: Keep the sauce near your cooking area, as you’ll be adding it to the wok quickly during the stir-frying process.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
- Heat the Wok: Place your carbon steel wok on high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to get very hot, but not smoking.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water to help steam the broccoli, cooking until it’s tender-crisp but still vibrant green.
- Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside. This prevents it from overcooking as you prepare the shrimp and sauce.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Shrimp and Aromatics
- Add Oil and Aromatics: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the diced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chilies, stirring for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Add Sauce
- Return Broccoli to the Wok: Add the cooked broccoli back to the wok with the shrimp and stir well to combine.
- Pour in the Sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom, then pour it over the shrimp and broccoli. Stir the mixture quickly as the sauce thickens, coating everything evenly.
- Cook for 1–2 Minutes: Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat once the sauce has fully coated the shrimp and broccoli, and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry to a serving platter. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 980mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish less spicy?
A: Yes, you can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the dried red chilies. The paprika used for the shrimp is mild and mainly for color, so it won’t add much heat.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure a good texture during cooking.
Q: Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are great alternatives or additions to the broccoli in this stir-fry.
Tips for Success
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Since stir-frying happens quickly, have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before marinating helps it develop a better sear and prevents excess moisture in the wok.
- Use a Hot Wok: A very hot wok is essential for stir-frying. It allows ingredients to cook quickly and gives the dish that slightly charred, smoky flavor often found in restaurant stir-fries.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Stir-frying is best done in batches if needed. Too many ingredients can lower the wok’s temperature, causing steaming instead of frying.
- Taste and Adjust: Feel free to taste the sauce as you go. If you prefer more sweetness or saltiness, adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Note that the texture of the broccoli may soften after freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Conclusion
This Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a wonderful, flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Each bite brings together tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a perfectly balanced garlic sauce that’s both savory and slightly spicy. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for easy substitutions based on your preference and is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Serve it with rice or noodles to complete the meal, and enjoy the satisfying taste of a homemade stir-fry right at your table!