Spicy Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Servings: 4

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Introduction

Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli is the kind of fast, flavorful dish that turns a busy weeknight into a bold and satisfying dinner. As a chef with 10 years of professional cooking experience, I love how this stir-fry brings the heat of chili, the brightness of garlic, and the natural sweetness of tender shrimp together in one sizzling pan. Broccoli adds crunch, color, and nutrition while soaking up the savory sauce beautifully. The recipe cooks in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals. Quick tip: Pat your shrimp dry before cooking to achieve the perfect sear.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups (300 g) broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chili paste or sriracha
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water or broth
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
• ½ tsp (2 g) red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, honey, and water. This mixture should be glossy, spicy, and slightly sweet, giving the stir-fry its signature flavor.
2. Sear the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the broccoli. Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp. Add a splash of water if needed to help steam and soften the florets.
4. Add aromatics. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base aroma that defines a great stir-fry.
5. Combine everything. Return the shrimp to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss well. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp and broccoli evenly.
6. Finish the dish. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. Excess moisture prevents proper browning.

2. Can I substitute the broccoli?

Absolutely—snap peas, bell peppers, green beans, or bok choy all work beautifully in this recipe.

3. What’s the best way to serve this stir-fry?

It pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

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