- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2 minutes or until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the blanched broccoli florets and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are heated through and slightly browned.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the garlic sauce over the top and stir to combine. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry once more and then pour it into the skillet. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and is coating the shrimp and broccoli nicely, remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve the shrimp and broccoli stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Shrimp Preparation: Make sure the shrimp are dry before cooking to get a good sear.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less of the cornstarch slurry based on your preference.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry for more color and nutrition.
Enjoy your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce, a delightful dish that brings together the best of simple ingredients and complex flavors!