Shrimp with Broccoli in Garlic Sauce Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a sweet and tender protein.

Broccoli: Fresh florets that add a nice crunch and vibrant color.

Garlic: Minced cloves that infuse the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that enhances the overall taste.

Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Cornstarch: Mixed with water, it helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients, ensuring they cook evenly and don't stick to the wok.

When stir-frying, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This is known as mise en place, which ensures a smooth cooking process. For this recipe, peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time, and have the broccoli florets washed and cut. Mince the garlic and measure out the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture before heating the wok. This preparation allows you to focus on the quick cooking process, ensuring that each ingredient is cooked perfectly and the sauce thickens just right.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can absorb the flavors of the garlic sauce well.

• shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great plant-based alternative that will soak up the sauce and provide a similar texture.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as broccoli.

• broccoli florets - Substitute with green beans: Green beans offer a different texture but will still pair well with the garlic sauce.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though the flavor will be less intense.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a similar consistency and a sweet-savory flavor profile.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with mushroom sauce: Mushroom sauce can provide a similar umami depth without the seafood element.

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

• cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch can be used as a thickener and will give a similar texture to the sauce.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative that can be used for sautéing.

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

• Allow the shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.

• If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, store the container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen shrimp with broccoli in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the quality of the dish.

• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of water to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking.

• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. The dish should be heated through in about 5-7 minutes.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• To maintain the crispness of the broccoli florets, avoid overcooking during reheating. Aim for a tender-crisp texture.

• Serve the reheated shrimp with broccoli in garlic sauce over freshly steamed rice for a meal that tastes almost as good as the first time.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of chicken broth 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 or until the dish is heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the contents to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the dish is 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, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check to ensure the shrimp and broccoli are heated thoroughly before serving.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up a steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil.
  2. Place the leftovers in a heatproof dish that fits inside the steamer.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Check to ensure the dish is heated through before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Check to ensure the shrimp and broccoli are heated thoroughly before serving.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying the shrimp and broccoli.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping the shrimp and vegetables without damaging them.

• Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and cutting the broccoli into florets.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping garlic and broccoli.

• 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.

• Tongs: Handy for removing the cooked shrimp from the wok and setting them aside.

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

• Rice cooker: Convenient for preparing the steamed rice to serve with the 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 pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

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

Combine sauces: Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture in a small 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.