Are you craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This simple shrimp and broccoli recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win for everyone. This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and easy recipes combined, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish, red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and set aside. If your shrimp aren't already peeled and deveined, take care of that now. This is a great time to prep any garnishes you plan on using.
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Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the dish bitter.
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Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they start to tenderize but still retain a slight crispness. This is a crucial step in achieving the best texture in your delicious dish.
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Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.
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Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat). Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a busy weeknight.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you like it more savory, add more soy sauce. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations!
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Use frozen shrimp: If you're short on time, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp and Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Shrimp and Broccoli: Add the juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams
This simple shrimp and broccoli recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and best recipes that are both quick and healthy. Enjoy!