Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli: A Quick & Healthy Dinner

Looking for a healthy, delicious, and quick dinner idea? This Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and flavorful. With tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying option.

Why You’ll Love Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20-30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein from shrimp and fiber from broccoli, this dish is both filling and healthy.
• Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or seasonings to make the dish your own.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup! Everything is cooked in one pan, making it easy to prepare and serve.

Ingredients

for Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli:

To make Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sesame oil for a deeper flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli:

1. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables:

   • If your shrimp aren’t pre-peeled and deveined, do that first. Set the shrimp aside.
   • Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets if using fresh. If using frozen, thaw the broccoli ahead of time and drain any excess water.

2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Shrimp:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies

5. Combine Shrimp and Broccoli:

   • Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the shrimp and broccoli. Toss everything together until the shrimp and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: You can tweak the balance of the sauce by adding more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
• Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even some fresh chopped chili to the stir-fry sauce.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and flavor.
• Serve with Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve the stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice, or toss it with some noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine! Be sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy dish.

Q2: Can I use chicken or beef instead of shrimp?
A2: Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with chicken breast, chicken thighs, or beef strips. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Stir-fried shrimp and broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming overcooked.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it.

Conclusion: A Healthy and Flavorful Stir-Fry

This Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a fast, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a savory sauce that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!