Honey Shrimp and Broccoli
Honey Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and a savory umami kick from soy sauce and garlic. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Ingredients:
Shrimp and Vegetables:
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
8 oz (225 g) canned sliced water chestnuts, drained
2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons (30 g) honey
Sauce:
1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
1 tablespoon (15 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon (5 g) fresh ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil.
Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the water chestnuts and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine and Add Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Add Honey and Serve:
Drizzle the honey over the dish, stirring gently to combine.
Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success:
Fresh vs. Frozen: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Crispier Vegetables: Cook broccoli slightly less if you prefer a crisp texture.
Variations: Add red bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and flavor.
Notes and Tips
Shrimp Preparation:
Use medium to large shrimp (peeled and deveined) for the best texture.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
Cooking the Broccoli:
For bright green, tender-crisp broccoli, blanch or steam the florets for 2-3 minutes before stir-frying.
Alternatively, stir-fry the broccoli directly in the pan with a tablespoon of water to help it soften.
Honey Sauce:
To make the sauce, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil.
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water) to thicken the sauce while cooking.
Cooking Tips:
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat (about 1-2 minutes per side) until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Add the sauce to the pan after cooking the shrimp, and let it simmer briefly to thicken before tossing everything together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or quinoa.
Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
This Honey Shrimp and Broccoli is an easy, nutritious, and delicious meal that delivers takeout-style flavor with the simplicity of homemade cooking
Enjoy this quick and delicious dish!