This easy shrimp and broccoli dish is a winner! Colorful broccoli meets tender shrimp in a tasty sauce that brings everything together. Quick and healthy, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Honestly, I can never get enough of that vibrant green broccoli. Plus, it’s a meal in just 20 minutes. Just cook it up, and you’re ready to enjoy something special without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish since they cook quickly and have a nice bite. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp work well too; just make sure to thaw and pat them dry.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for its crunch and vibrant color, but you can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have. Just shorten the cooking time to avoid mushiness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor. But if you’re out of fresh, using garlic powder (1/4 tsp = 1 clove) can be an acceptable substitute in a pinch.
Oyster Sauce: Since oyster sauce adds depth, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar if you’re avoiding seafood.
Honey/Brown Sugar: If you prefer a sugar-free option, you could try maple syrup or agave nectar instead. These still bring a nice touch of sweetness.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key, and it’s simpler than you might think. The goal is to cook them until they’re just opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp. They should sizzle upon contact.
- Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side. Look for the color change—pink on the outside and opaque in the center.
- Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re done and set aside; they’ll continue to cook in the residual heat.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
How to Make Easy Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp and broccoli dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by making sure your shrimp are ready to go. If they’re not already peeled and deveined, do that now. Once they’re cleaned, pat them dry with some paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them cook better!
2. Mix the Sauce:
Grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce adds delicious flavor, so set it aside for later use.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for around 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water to help steam them. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the sauce you prepared earlier and toss everything together to coat well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your dish with sliced green onions. Serve your easy shrimp and broccoli hot over cooked white rice, and enjoy this delightful meal!
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Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
Is There a Vegetarian Substitute for the Shrimp?
Yes, you can easily replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish. Simply cube the tofu and pan-fry it until golden before adding it to the broccoli mixture.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, use additional crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sauté some sliced fresh chili peppers along with the garlic for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
