Effortless Elegance: Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli – A Weeknight Wonder

## Effortless Elegance: Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli – A Weeknight Wonder

Tired of long, complicated dinners? Craving a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in minutes? Look no further! This Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect weeknight solution.

Imagine tender, perfectly cooked shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli, all infused with a savory sauce. The Instant Pot streamlines the entire process, making it faster and simpler than traditional methods. Say goodbye to boiling multiple pots and hello to a streamlined, one-pot wonder.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize the sauce to your liking, adding more spice, sweetness, or umami. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**

* **Lightning Fast:** Dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal dishes to wash.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Packed with protein and vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the sauce to your personal preference.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** A stress-free meal solution.

**Let’s dive into the delicious details!**

### Ingredients You’ll Need:

* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
* 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
* 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
* 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Shrimp:** Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. I prefer large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) for this recipe, but you can use smaller shrimp if you prefer. Adjust cooking time slightly if using very small shrimp, as they will cook faster.
* **Broccoli:** Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, but they may become slightly softer during cooking. If using frozen broccoli, you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two to prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth or vegetable broth adds flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use water in a pinch, but the flavor will be less pronounced.
* **Soy Sauce:** Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt content of the dish. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
* **Sesame Oil:** Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
* **Cornstarch:** Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
* **Honey/Maple Syrup:** Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce. This is optional, but it balances out the savory flavors nicely. You can also use other sweeteners like brown sugar or agave nectar.
* **Ginger and Garlic:** Fresh ginger and garlic add a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Use freshly minced ginger and garlic for the best flavor. You can also use ginger and garlic powder as a substitute, but the flavor will be less intense.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. This is optional, so feel free to omit it if you don’t like spicy food. You can also add more red pepper flakes if you want a spicier dish.

### Equipment You’ll Need:

* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot will work for this recipe.
* **Steamer Basket:** A steamer basket or trivet is essential for steaming the broccoli and shrimp in the Instant Pot. Make sure your steamer basket fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Mixing Bowl:** To whisk together the sauce ingredients.
* **Tongs:** To transfer the shrimp and broccoli from the Instant Pot.

### Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Peel and devein the shrimp, if necessary. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown slightly and prevents them from becoming watery.
* Cut the broccoli into florets.
* Mince the ginger and garlic.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
* In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, honey (if using), ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch.
3. **Add Broth to the Instant Pot:**
* Pour the 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
4. **Add Steamer Basket:**
* Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot.
5. **Add Broccoli:**
* Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket. Make sure they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
6. **Add Shrimp:**
* Arrange the shrimp on top of the broccoli. Try to spread them out in a single layer for even cooking.
7. **Pour Sauce Over Shrimp and Broccoli:**
* Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the shrimp and broccoli.
8. **Pressure Cook:**
* Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot to manual (high pressure) for 0 minutes. Yes, you read that right – *zero* minutes! The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, and that’s all the cooking time you need. This ensures the shrimp are cooked perfectly and the broccoli remains crisp-tender.
9. **Quick Release:**
* Once the Instant Pot comes to pressure and the timer goes off (or immediately after setting the timer to 0 minutes), quickly release the pressure by carefully flipping the valve to the venting position. Be careful of the steam! Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
10. **Check for Doneness:**
* Carefully open the Instant Pot. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, and the broccoli should be bright green and crisp-tender. If the shrimp are not fully cooked, you can close the lid and let them sit in the residual heat for a minute or two.
11. **Serve and Garnish:**
* Carefully remove the shrimp and broccoli from the Instant Pot using tongs. Transfer them to a serving dish.
* Spoon any remaining sauce from the Instant Pot over the shrimp and broccoli.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
* Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also enjoy it as a light and healthy meal on its own.

### Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli:

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cooks very quickly in the Instant Pot. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Zero minutes is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked shrimp.
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Similar to the shrimp, broccoli can become mushy if overcooked. The quick pressure release helps to stop the cooking process and ensure the broccoli remains crisp-tender.
* **Use a Steamer Basket:** A steamer basket or trivet is essential for preventing the shrimp and broccoli from sitting directly in the broth. This helps them to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your personal preference. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce, or more ginger and garlic for a more pungent sauce.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor. Use fresh shrimp, broccoli, ginger, and garlic whenever possible.
* **Thaw Shrimp Completely:** If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help them to cook evenly.
* **Pat Shrimp Dry:** Patting the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking helps them to brown slightly and prevents them from becoming watery.
* **Don’t Crowd the Instant Pot:** Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot, as this can prevent the food from cooking evenly. If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to cook it in two batches.

### Variations and Additions:

* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Add them to the steamer basket along with the broccoli.
* **Add Noodles:** Cook noodles separately and toss them with the shrimp and broccoli after cooking.
* **Add Rice:** Serve the shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice. Brown rice, white rice, or jasmine rice all work well.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Add Pineapple:** Add chunks of pineapple to the steamer basket along with the broccoli for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Use Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
* **Add Chicken or Beef:** For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or beef to the shrimp and broccoli.

### Serving Suggestions:

* Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles.
* Serve as a light and healthy meal on its own.
* Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
* Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha.

### Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions:

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cut the broccoli into florets ahead of time.
* **Storage:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the broccoli and shrimp may become mushy when thawed.

### Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.)

### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

* **Can I use frozen shrimp?**
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
* **Can I use frozen broccoli?**
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, it may become slightly softer during cooking, so you may want to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
* **Do I need to use a steamer basket?**
Yes, a steamer basket or trivet is essential for preventing the shrimp and broccoli from sitting directly in the broth. This helps them to cook evenly and prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
* **Can I add other vegetables?**
Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Add them to the steamer basket along with the broccoli.
* **Can I make this ahead of time?**
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cut the broccoli into florets ahead of time.
* **How do I store leftovers?**
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
* **Can I freeze this?**
Freezing is not recommended, as the broccoli and shrimp may become mushy when thawed.

### Conclusion:

This Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and delicious – everything you could want in a meal. With its customizable sauce and endless variations, you’ll never get bored of this dish. So, ditch the takeout and embrace the simplicity of the Instant Pot. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

**Ready to give it a try? Scroll down for the full recipe card!**