Are you ready for a quick and tasty meal? The Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry is your answer! This dish bursts with sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a healthy, colorful plate that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and prepare to impress with this delightful recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a sweet and savory sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy Ingredients: With fresh shrimp and broccoli, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a nutritious choice.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1/4 cup pure honey
– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
– Fresh scallions, chopped, for finishing
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. If you prefer, try snap peas or bell peppers instead of broccoli. You can also use maple syrup or tamari if you need a honey or soy sauce alternative.
Nutritional Information
This dish serves four. Each serving has about 250 calories. You get around 20g of protein, 10g of carbs, and 15g of fat. Keep in mind that this dish contains shellfish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
To start, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Use a whisk to mix everything well. The sauce should be smooth and bright. Set this bowl aside, letting the flavors blend for a few minutes. This step is key for a rich taste.
Cooking the Broccoli
Next, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn a vibrant green but stay slightly crunchy. After this, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now, it’s time for the shrimp. In the same skillet, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Lightly season them with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque. This shows they are just right.
Combining Ingredients
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly. Let it simmer for one more minute. This allows the sauce to infuse into the shrimp. After that, add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything together.
Thickening the Sauce
Finally, drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce clings to the shrimp and broccoli. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a moment before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips & Tricks
Best Cooking Practices
– Ideal temperature for sautéing: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. This keeps the shrimp juicy while cooking them quickly.
– How to prevent overcooking shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Presentation Tips
– Serving suggestions: Serve your stir-fry over fluffy jasmine rice or fresh noodles. This adds a nice base to soak up the sauce.
– Garnishing ideas: Top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. This adds color and a nice crunch.
Time-saving Tips
– Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop your garlic and ginger ahead of time. You can also wash and cut broccoli. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
– Using frozen shrimp or broccoli: Frozen shrimp and broccoli cook quickly and are just as tasty. Just thaw them before cooking.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp and broccoli for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Perfect Sauce Consistency: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add less slurry and cook for a shorter time.
- Customize the Heat: For a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for a flavorful kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
Dietary Adjustments
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari. Tamari has a rich taste and is a great choice. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy-free option. If you want to cut calories, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These can add sweetness without extra calories.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. This will give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers. They will add color and crunch to your stir fry. Feel free to get creative with what you have at home!
Different Cooking Methods
You can make this dish in different ways. For a healthier option, try oven-baking the shrimp and broccoli. Preheat your oven to 400°F, spread the mix on a baking sheet, and cook for about 15 minutes. If you prefer using a slow cooker, add all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours. An Instant Pot is also a quick option. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then let it release naturally. Each method can give you a unique taste and texture!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want a longer shelf life, consider freezing it.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze both cooked and raw ingredients, but I recommend freezing cooked shrimp and broccoli. First, let them cool completely. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. For the best result, use them within three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the shrimp and broccoli in the fridge overnight. If you need a quicker method, use cold water to thaw them.
Reheating Instructions
For the best flavor, reheat your dish on the stove. Use medium heat and add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir the mixture gently for even warming. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Heat it in short bursts of one minute until hot. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. For best results, put them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also run cold water over them for about 10-15 minutes. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry. This helps them sear nicely in the pan.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry?
This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas:
– Steamed jasmine rice
– Chow mein noodles
– Quinoa
– A fresh green salad
– Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
These sides add variety and make your meal more filling.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. If you see the shrimp curled into a tight “C” shape, they are likely done. They should feel firm but not tough. Keep an eye on them; they cook quickly!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and store it in containers. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, try these options:
– Add red pepper flakes while cooking
– Mix in a dash of sriracha in the sauce
– Top with sliced fresh chili peppers
These changes will boost the flavor and heat of your dish.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to ensure your meal shines. You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu and broccoli for snap peas if needed.
Try adding spices or using different cooking methods for variety. With careful prep, your leftovers can be just as tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy yet flavorful dis
