Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli is a winner! This dish combines sweet honey, tender shrimp, and fresh broccoli for a delightful meal. In this post, I’ll share easy steps, tips, and variations to suit your taste. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, you’ll find it simple to whip up this flavorful dish. Get ready to impress at your dinner table!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 3 tablespoons honey
Aromatics and Seasoning
– 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Thickening Agents and Garnish
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Gathering these ingredients sets the stage for a fantastic dish. Start with large shrimp, as they hold up well during cooking. Broccoli florets add crispiness and color. Honey gives the dish a sweet touch. The soy sauce brings saltiness that balances the sweet. Garlic and ginger add layers of flavor. Sesame oil introduces a rich, nutty taste. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce perfectly. Finally, sesame seeds and green onions add a lovely finish.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
To make the marinade, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Ensure the garlic and ginger are finely minced. This step is key for flavor. Next, add the shrimp. Coat them well in the marinade for the best taste. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. I recommend marinating for 15-20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up the flavors.
Preparing the Broccoli
While the shrimp marinates, it’s time to prepare the broccoli. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Place broccoli florets in a steamer basket. Steam them for 3-4 minutes. This gives the broccoli a bright green color and keeps it tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook. Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy and lose its vibrant look.
Cooking the Shrimp and Making the Sauce
Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Take the marinated shrimp from the bowl, but save the marinade. Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally. They should turn pink and opaque. Once the shrimp are ready, push them to one side of the pan. Pour the reserved marinade into the other side. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Let it bubble for about 1 minute to get a nice texture.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the steamed broccoli to the pan with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything gently to mix. Make sure the shrimp and broccoli are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an extra minute to heat everything through. This step ensures that all the flavors blend beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Shrimp
To get great shrimp, look for a few signs. Cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. They should curl slightly but not into tight balls. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and rubbery. To avoid this, cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes. Remove them from heat as soon as they change color.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more depth to your dish by using different sauces. Try teriyaki or sweet chili sauce for a twist. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. These additions make it feel special and unique.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with different side dishes. Steamed rice or quinoa makes a great base. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for crunch. For presentation, arrange the shrimp and broccoli on a large platter. Drizzle extra sauce over the top. Finish with sesame seeds and green onions for color. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes!
Variations
Alternative Vegetables
You can change the veggies in this dish easily. Try bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. These add great color and flavor.
– Bell peppers take about 4-5 minutes to cook.
– Snap peas need just 2-3 minutes to stay crunchy.
– Carrots should be sliced thin and take around 3-4 minutes.
Experiment with your favorite vegetables to keep it fresh and fun.
Different Proteins
If shrimp isn’t your favorite, swap it out for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well and adds a nice texture. Use tender chicken breast for the best results.
– Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
– Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Use firm tofu for better handling and flavor.
Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Dietary Modifications
Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Just use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor but removes gluten.
For a low-sugar option, use less honey or a sugar substitute. You can still enjoy the sweet taste without the extra sugar.
These variations can help you customize Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli to fit your needs. Try them out for a new twist on this classic meal!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp and broccoli fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any off smells before eating.
Reheating Tips
When you reheat, use a pan on low heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender. Stir gently to warm everything evenly. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the shrimp.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, the shrimp may lose some texture. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan to bring back its flavor.
For the full recipe, check out the section earlier in the article.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
I recommend marinating the shrimp for 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up the flavors from the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. You want the shrimp to taste sweet and savory. If you marinate too long, the shrimp may become mushy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. Thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in cold water for quick defrosting. This way, your shrimp will cook evenly and taste great.
What’s the best way to serve Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli?
I love serving Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli over steamed rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base to soak up the sauce. You can also garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. This makes the dish look even more inviting.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp and steam the broccoli in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just cook the shrimp and combine everything. This saves time and still gives you a fresh meal.
This blog post shared how to make Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli. We covered key ingredients like shrimp, broccoli, and honey. You learned to marinate shrimp and achieve tender broccoli. I explained stir-frying techniques and creating a smooth sauce.
You now have tips for perfect shrimp and flavor boosts. Don’t forget about variations for dietary needs. Lastly, I provided storage and reheating advice. Enjoy making this tasty dish!
