Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced (optional for extra crunch)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or dark, depending on preference)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds a rich umami flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for fragrance)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a glossy sauce)
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (for sauce consistency)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances flavors)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp & Vegetables

   • Rinse and pat dry the shrimp.
   • Cut broccoli into small florets and slice the carrot.

2. Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended for Best Texture)

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 30-45 seconds.
   • Drain and rinse with cold water to keep it bright green and slightly crisp.

3. Make the Sauce

   • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, sugar, cornstarch, and water/chicken broth. Stir well and set aside.

4. Cook the Shrimp

   • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
   • Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
   • Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Add carrots and broccoli, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes.

6. Combine Everything

   • Return the shrimp to the pan.
   • Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
   • Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the shrimp and vegetables.

7. Final Touch

   • Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds (optional).

8. Serve & Enjoy!

   • Best served hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli

• Blanching broccoli helps it retain a vibrant color and perfect texture.
• Use fresh shrimp for the best taste, but frozen shrimp (thawed) works well too.
• Adjust the sauce: Add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for depth, or a dash of honey for sweetness.
• For extra heat, add sliced chili peppers or increase red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Stir-Fried Shrimp and Broccoli! 🍤🥦