Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful and quick dish that shines with vibrant colors and flavors. This Recipe is not only packed with nutrition but also offers a Step-by-Step guide to whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Combining the succulent taste of shrimp with the fresh crunch of broccoli, this stir fry becomes a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Elevate your dining experience with this simple yet stunning meal that fills the stomach and delights the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry. First and foremost, it is incredibly quick to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table. The combination of shrimp and broccoli means you’re serving up a healthy meal, loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile and customizable. Feel free to switch up the vegetables or sauces to suit your family’s tastes. As a family-friendly dish, it’s hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied while being light enough to not weigh you down. Plus, the enticing aroma and colorful presentation ensure that even the pickiest eaters will be tempted.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp, thawed if frozen
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch, if used)
With these simple and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delectable dish that dazzles both visually and in taste.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparing Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for even novice cooks. Here’s how to bring this dish to life:
Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger so everything is ready for cooking.
Blanch the Broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched broccoli back into the pan, followed by the cooked shrimp.
Add Sauce: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to coat. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in, cooking until thickened.
Serve Immediately: Once heated through, remove from heat and serve right away.
The colors and textures come alive in this Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry, creating a dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting the Spice: If you enjoy more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili paste to the stir fry.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra flavor, color, and nutrition.
Marinate the Shrimp: For added flavor, marinate the shrimp in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients always enhance the flavor profile. If possible, use fresh ginger instead of powdered ginger for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry can stand alone as a delightful meal, but it can also be paired with various sides to round out the dining experience. Serve it over:
- Steamed rice: Classic white or brown rice perfectly complements the stir fry.
- Cauliflower rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative that still gives you that heartiness.
- Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles can soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions to add a finishing touch!
Nutritional Information
This Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
A healthy and balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals!
Storing Tips & Variations
Leftovers from Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To warm up, simply heat in a pan or microwave until heated through.
For a fun twist on this dish, try:
- Shrimp & Veggie Rice Paper Rolls: Use the same fillings but wrap them in rice paper for a fresh spring roll experience.
- Shrimp Tacos: Use the stir-fried shrimp as a filling for soft tacos topped with your favorite salsa and avocado.
Conclusion
Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is a delightful dish that’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this delicious stir fry promises to impress. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp is perfectly fine to use. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos work well as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can pre-prepare the veggies and shrimp and store them separately in the fridge!
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Pack it in single servings for easy meals throughout the week.
5. How do I make this dish spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even sliced jalapeños during cooking for added heat.
Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
A quick and vibrant dish combining succulent shrimp and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh or frozen peeled shrimp, thawed if frozen
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch, if used)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary, and prepare the broccoli, garlic, and ginger.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes until slightly softened, then drain.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add blanched broccoli back into the pan along with the cooked shrimp.
- Add Sauce: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with water.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions as desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños during cooking. This dish can also be served over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
