Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than this 15-minute Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry, a Cantonese classic simplified for the busy weeknight. This recipe delivers the vibrant taste of fresh broccoli and succulent shrimp, all coated in a savory garlic-ginger sauce that's both satisfying and light. Forget takeout – this dish is surprisingly easy to master, using readily available ingredients and minimal cleanup. It's the perfect weeknight solution for those craving restaurant-quality food without the restaurant wait.
This shrimp and broccoli stir-fry is a testament to how simple and delicious healthy eating can be. The recipe balances the sweetness of the shrimp with the slightly bitter bite of broccoli, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to create this Cantonese delight in just fifteen minutes.
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): 14 ounces
- Broccoli
- Garlic: 8 cloves
- Ginger: 1/2 tablespoon
- Dried red chilies: optional
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil
- Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Pat dry 14 ounces of peeled and deveined shrimp with paper towels. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/3 teaspoon black pepper, and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Set aside.
- Peel and quarter broccoli stems for pickling!)
- Dice 8 cloves of garlic and 1/2 tablespoon of ginger. Add optional dried red chilies.
- 2 tsp cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp dark soy sauce.
Step 2. Stir-fry Shrimp and Vegetables
- Heat wok until smoking hot. Add oil and swirl.
- Stir-fry shrimp for a couple of minutes until pink (slightly translucent inside). Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic, ginger, chilies (optional), and broccoli to the wok. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for a minute or two.
Step 3. Create and Combine Sauce
- Pour in the sauce and return the shrimp to the wok. Toss until thickened.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot!
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Patting the shrimp dry prevents boiling.
- Pickled broccoli stems are surprisingly delicious!
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent them from becoming watery.
2. What can I substitute for broccoli?
Other green vegetables like bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), or even green beans would work well.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
This quick and easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that's both healthy and satisfying. The vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a recipe you'll want to add to your regular rotation. Enjoy the delicious results of this 15-minute Cantonese delight!