– **Title**: Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and red bell pepper. Stir fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well here. I often choose deveined, tail-off shrimp for convenience. If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute shrimp with tofu or chicken for a different protein source.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the best for this dish, but you can also use frozen florets. If broccoli isn’t your favorite, snap peas or bell peppers can make a colorful and crunchy alternative.
Sausage: I like andouille sausage for its spice. However, chicken sausage is a great milder choice. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or omitting it entirely while adding more vegetables.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor. If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, use a low-sodium soy sauce. Oyster sauce adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian, switch it with hoisin sauce for a sweet twist.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry Texture?
The key to a good stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. This helps to keep vegetables crisp and vibrant. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot skillet or wok. Preheat it on medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Cook ingredients in batches. This prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking.
- Stir quickly! Keep everything moving in the pan to avoid burning and for even cooking.
- Work your way from harder to softer ingredients. Start with sausage, then garlic, broccoli, and shrimp.
Don’t forget, the shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
How to Make Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stir Fry:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/4 pound sausage (such as andouille or chicken sausage), sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon corn starch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and tasty dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking, to get the best sear on your ingredients!
2. Cook the Sausage:
Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll want it to be browned and a little crispy. Once done, take the sausage out of the skillet and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they fill the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let them burn!
4. Add Broccoli:
Now it’s time for the broccoli! Toss the florets into the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just slightly tender. This adds a lovely crunch to your dish!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they’re ready—this is a good sign!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the shrimp and broccoli. Give it all a good stir so that the sausage gets warm again.
7. Add Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce and, if you like, the oyster sauce. Toss everything together to make sure it’s all well coated in savory goodness.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
If you’re using the corn starch slurry, drizzle it into the pan now. Stir it quickly to combine, which will help thicken the sauce just a bit. It should stick nicely to everything!
9. Season and Final Cook:
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then let everything cook for an additional minute. This will enhance all those great flavors.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve your delicious stir fry! Dish it out over cooked rice or noodles, and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if you’d like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by putting them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can simply omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile. You might want to adjust the salt since oyster sauce adds some natural saltiness to the dish.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Modify the Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the vegetables you choose; harder vegetables may need a few extra minutes while softer ones will cook faster.
