Craving a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly quick dinner? Look no further! This Chinese Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is your answer. It’s bursting with fresh flavors, incredibly easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
Cook the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately drain and set aside. Blanching ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant green color and stays slightly firm.
Stir-fry the Shrimp and Sauce:
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In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
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In the same wok, add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic – this is key to a delicious sauce!
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
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Add the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the wok and toss gently to coat everything in the delicious sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Aim for pink and opaque.
- Adjust the spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. Or, for extra heat, add a little more!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and shrimp will make a big difference in the taste of your dish.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Use chicken or tofu: Substitute the shrimp with chicken breast or firm tofu for a different protein source.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy!