Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and ready in a flash? Then look no further! This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry recipe is your answer. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and a fantastic option for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. Homemade cooking doesn't get much simpler than this, and the result is a truly delicious dish. It's one of the best recipes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients. This makes the cooking process much smoother. Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Slice the red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set everything aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil for about 15 minutes. This step is optional, but highly recommended!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and bell pepper and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the wok. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the vegetables to the wok. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Don't overcrowd the wok when stir-frying. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the shrimp and vegetables cook evenly.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level.
- For a thicker sauce, use a little more cornstarch.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Lemon Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add the juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Increase the amount of garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 300-350 Protein: Around 25-30g Fat: Around 10-15g Carbohydrates: Around 20-25g
This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!