Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the main protein of the dish, offering a sweet and delicate flavor.

Broccoli: Fresh florets add a nutritious and crunchy element to the meal.

Garlic: Minced cloves provide a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the dish.

Oyster sauce: A thick, savory sauce that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a nice texture.

When stir-frying shrimp and broccoli, ensure that the wok is hot enough before adding the ingredients. This helps to sear the shrimp quickly, locking in their juices and preventing them from becoming rubbery. Similarly, a hot wok will give the broccoli a nice tender-crisp texture while maintaining its vibrant green color.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to shrimp in this dish.

• shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based protein that can take on the flavors of the sauce, making it suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding seafood.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way, providing a similar crunch and nutritional profile.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with green beans: Green beans offer a different texture but can still provide a fresh, crunchy element to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor but can still provide a similar aromatic quality to the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will have a slightly different flavor profile.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar taste, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative that provides a slightly sweeter flavor, suitable for those avoiding soy.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a similar thick consistency and sweet-savory flavor, making it a good alternative.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with mushroom sauce: Mushroom sauce can provide a similar umami flavor, suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding shellfish.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickening agent that works similarly to cornstarch.

• cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch can also be used as a thickening agent and provides a similar texture.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative that can be used for cooking and adds a slight flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying.

• Allow the shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in.
• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date of storage to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable oil or water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the dish in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Avoid reheating multiple times, as this can affect the texture of the shrimp and broccoli. Reheat only the portion you plan to consume.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of water to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, ensuring the shrimp and broccoli are evenly heated.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the contents halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the shrimp and broccoli are hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Check to ensure the shrimp and broccoli are heated through.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftovers in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure the shrimp and broccoli are thoroughly heated.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Ensure the shrimp and broccoli are evenly heated.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan ideal for stir-frying, allowing for quick and even cooking of ingredients.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients in the wok without damaging the surface.

• Knife: Used for peeling and deveining the shrimp, as well as chopping the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for preparing the shrimp and garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the cornstarch with water before adding it to the wok.

• Garlic press: Optional tool to quickly and efficiently mince the garlic.

• Serving dish: For presenting the finished shrimp and broccoli in garlic sauce.

• Rice cooker: Convenient for preparing steamed rice to serve alongside the main dish.

Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp and chop the broccoli in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Steam broccoli: Steam the broccoli in the microwave for a few minutes before stir-frying to speed up the cooking process.

Combine sauces: Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch with water in a bowl before starting to cook for quick addition.

Cook in batches: If your wok is small, cook the shrimp and broccoli in batches to ensure even cooking.