Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for a deeper flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger if you don’t have fresh)
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons water (to help steam the broccoli)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Marinade (for the shrimp):

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for umami depth, can substitute with soy sauce if needed)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp Marinade:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil (if using).
• Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Marinating the shrimp helps to tenderize them and infuse them with flavor.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• In another small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
• Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the sauce mixture to help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
• Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water) and mix to combine. Add 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor. If you like some heat, you can add red pepper flakes to taste.
• Set the stir-fry sauce aside for later.

3. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Cut the broccoli into small florets. You should have about 4 cups of florets.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to brighten in color.
• Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover immediately. Allow the broccoli to steam for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender but still vibrant and crisp.
• Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Shrimp:

• In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
• Let the shrimp cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink, opaque, and slightly browned. Avoid overcooking them, as shrimp cook very quickly.
• Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. Keep them warm.

5. Combine the Stir-Fry:

• In the same pan, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this step adds a lot of aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Add the pre-cooked broccoli back into the pan, stirring to combine.
• Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the broccoli. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to come to a simmer. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss to coat in the sauce and combine with the broccoli. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once everything is well-coated and heated through, remove from the heat.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a fresh pop of color.
• Serve your Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice: Serve the stir-fried shrimp and broccoli over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
• Noodles: You can also serve it with cooked noodles such as lo mein or rice noodles if you prefer a noodle-based stir fry.
• Salad: Pair it with a simple Asian-inspired salad with a sesame dressing for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooking them will result in a tough and rubbery texture. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat.

2. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the stir-fry. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for each vegetable to ensure it remains crisp-tender.

3. Cooking the Broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can steam it longer or add a little more water when stir-frying it. If you like it extra crispy, reduce the steaming time or skip the steaming step.

4. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add chili paste, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce or directly into the pan when cooking the shrimp.

5. Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can make a large batch, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

6. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a drizzle of soy sauce or a splash of lime juice for a zesty touch. You can also top it with chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 280-350 (depending on the amount of oil used and serving size)
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g (mostly from the broccoli and any rice or noodles served)
• Fat: 12g (from the oil and shrimp)
• Fiber: 4g (from broccoli)
• Sugar: 6g (from the sauce and vegetables)

Conclusion:

This Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. The shrimp is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, while the broccoli remains crisp-tender with just the right amount of flavor from the stir-fry sauce. The garlic and ginger elevate the dish with aromatic notes, and the sauce adds a delightful glaze that ties everything together.

It’s an easy, healthy meal that takes very little time to prepare and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish for guests, this stir-fried shrimp and broccoli recipe will not disappoint!