Experience the delightful flavors of Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts, a dish that combines savory shrimp, crisp broccoli, and crunchy water chestnuts in a sweet and tangy honey sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat. Here’s how to whip up this mouthwatering dish step-by-step:
Ingredients :
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp honey
Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Directions :
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Stir-Fry the Ingredients:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet. Drizzle honey evenly over the shrimp.
- Stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink and develop a light crust.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Add drained water chestnuts and broccoli florets to the skillet.
- Continue stir-frying until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender.
5. Combine with Sauce:
- Stir the sauce mixture again to ensure the cornstarch is well dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables.
7. Serve:
- Immediately serve the Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts over steamed rice or noodles.
Optional Enhancements:
- Substitute 1/2 tsp of powdered ginger for fresh ginger if needed.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.
Nutritional Information and Serving Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips :
After preparing your delicious Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts, ensure it stays fresh and enjoyable with these helpful serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish hot and fresh right after cooking to savor the flavors and textures at their best.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Family Style: Present the dish family-style in a large serving bowl or platter, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes or fresh cilantro for extra spice and freshness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it should keep well for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if needed to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: While seafood dishes like this one are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, take care not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
Additional Tips:
- Freshness of Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp and crisp broccoli. Avoid overcooking the broccoli to retain its vibrant green color and crunch.
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dish by varying the amount of honey used in the recipe. Add more or less according to your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the sauce and cut vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking. This can make weeknight dinners even quicker to assemble.
- Variation Ideas: Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts remains delicious and satisfying, whether freshly prepared or enjoyed as leftovers. Bon appétit!
Variations :
Explore these creative variations to customize your Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts dish and add new flavors and textures:
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp:
- Add minced chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry:
- Substitute soy sauce in the sauce with teriyaki sauce. Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks along with broccoli and water chestnuts for a sweet and savory twist.
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp:
- Season shrimp with lemon pepper seasoning before stir-frying. Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
- Coconut Curry Shrimp:
- Replace chicken stock with coconut milk in the sauce mixture. Stir in curry powder or paste and a spoonful of brown sugar for a fragrant and creamy coconut curry sauce.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers:
- Thread marinated shrimp, broccoli florets, and water chestnuts onto skewers. Grill or broil until shrimp are cooked through and serve with a side of rice or quinoa.
- Sesame Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry:
- Add toasted sesame seeds and grated ginger to the sauce for a nutty and aromatic flavor profile. Toss in snow peas or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli:
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning before stir-frying. Serve over creamy grits or polenta for a Southern-inspired twist.
- Mango Salsa Shrimp Stir-Fry:
- Top the finished dish with a fresh mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve with jasmine rice.
- Hoisin Shrimp Stir-Fry:
- Replace honey with hoisin sauce in the sauce mixture. Add sliced bell peppers and snap peas for a colorful and flavorful stir-fry.
- Mediterranean Shrimp and Broccoli:
- Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese crumbles to the stir-fry for a Mediterranean twist. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze before serving.
These variations offer a range of international flavors and ingredient combinations to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or tangy dishes, these ideas will inspire you to create a unique and delicious version of Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts every time. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and discovering your favorite twist on this classic stir-fry!
FAQs :
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess moisture into the dish.
- What can I substitute for water chestnuts if I don’t have them?
- If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced bamboo shoots, baby corn, or even sliced bell peppers for a different crunch and flavor.
- How do I prevent the broccoli from overcooking?
- To prevent overcooking the broccoli, add it towards the end of cooking after the shrimp have turned pink and the sauce has thickened. Stir-fry just until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cut vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking. Cook the dish just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially the chicken stock and any seasonings.
- How do I know when the shrimp are cooked through?
- Shrimp cook very quickly and turn opaque and pink when fully cooked. They should curl into a C-shape. Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
- Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey used in the sauce. Start with the recommended amount and taste-test before adding more, as honey can quickly dominate the flavors.
- What should I serve with Honey Shrimp With Broccoli & Water Chestnuts?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. It’s also delicious with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, this Honey Shrimp with Broccoli & Water Chestnuts recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please. With its easy preparation and vibrant presentation, it’s a dish that will impress family and friends alike. Treat yourself to this delicious stir-fry and savor every bite!