
Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Kid-Friendly Delight
Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Kid-Friendly Delight
☆Recommended Side Dish☆ Super Simple Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe (Perfect for Kids & Appetizers!)
I often serve blanched broccoli on our dining table, and it’s great because even kids tend to enjoy it when it’s freshly blanched. However, sometimes I end up with leftover blanched broccoli. Once it goes into the refrigerator, for some reason, the kids are less inclined to eat it. So, I’ll share a delicious side dish recipe perfect for those times! Today’s recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish: Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry. It’s incredibly easy to make and offers a wonderful savory and nutty taste that’s perfect for children’s meals or as a light snack with drinks.
Main Ingredients- 1 head of broccoli (adjust size as needed)
- 20 shrimp (frozen or fresh)
- 10 cloves garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the broccoli. If you have leftover blanched broccoli from the previous day, you can use it as is. If you’re using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly, cut it into bite-sized florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 Tbsp of salt, and blanch the broccoli for about 20 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, drain well, and pat dry. Thoroughly removing excess water is key.
Step 2
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by soaking in cold water. Once thawed, rinse them clean and remove the tails.
Step 3
Peel and thinly slice about 10 cloves of garlic. This will infuse a wonderful aroma into the dish.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 1 Tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent, creating garlic-infused butter. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook it slowly over low heat.
Step 5
When the garlic becomes translucent and aromatic, add the prepared shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry them together. At this stage, add 1 Tbsp of cooking wine (or mirin) to eliminate any potential fishy odor from the shrimp. The shrimp will start turning red as they cook.
Step 6
Once the shrimp are almost cooked and have turned pinkish-red, add the blanched broccoli. Stir-fry lightly to combine everything. Try to stir-fry quickly so the broccoli doesn’t get too soft.
Step 7
Finally, add 1.5 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil to season the dish. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. The goal is to season it lightly to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step 8
This dish is meant to be enjoyed for its mild and savory flavor, rather than being heavily seasoned. Let the natural taste of the ingredients shine through.
Step 9
As the stir-fry nears completion, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish. This Broccoli and Shrimp Stir-Fry is a fantastic side dish for children and also makes a wonderful, simple appetizer or snack.
Step 10
Frozen shrimp are always a staple in my freezer! When I have leftover blanched broccoli, I can quickly whip up this delicious side dish or appetizer. It’s not spicy and has a wonderful savory taste, making it a hit with kids. The base of garlic sautéed in butter with plump shrimp adds an incredible depth of flavor. It’s so good, you’ll keep reaching for more!
Step 11
The combination of broccoli and shrimp is truly wonderful. My children prefer broccoli when it’s freshly blanched, so I usually prepare it that way, and this recipe is a great way to use up any leftovers. If you have children who are picky eaters when it comes to broccoli, perhaps try intentionally buying broccoli to make this dish – they might enjoy it more this way! Eating a piece of shrimp with broccoli is especially delicious. The cooking process is very simple, so even those with little cooking experience can easily succeed. I highly recommend giving it a try!

