Shrimp and Broccoli in Peanut Sauce
Serves 2 with leftovers
Here is what you will need:
14 to 20 large frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 small bunch of cilantro, plus some for garnish
3 TBS creamy peanut butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 TBS lime juice
1/2 tsp lime zest
1 TBS soy sauce
2 tsp Sambal Oelek or any spicy garlic sauce you like
1 tsp agave (or honey or maple syrup)
1/4 to 1/2 cup water (start with 1/4 then add more if needed)
1 package frozen vegetable pasta (or use pasta or soba noodles)
salt and pepper
olive oil
For Garnish:
lime wedges
2 TBS chopped roasted peanuts
cilantro
Red pepper flakes - optional
Prep the broccoli by cutting off the florets. You will likely use half of them for this dish.
Make the sauce. Place the cilantro, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, lime juice and zest, soy sauce, sambal oelek and agave in f food processor. Pulse until it is all mixed and the cilantro is finely chopped. Thin out with water. Taste it. Add what you think it needs. More lime? More sambal? More soy sauce? When you are happy with the taste, set it aside.
Drop the broccoli in a pot of boiling salted water. Cook until it is crisp tender. You don't want to over boil it because it's going to go into a pan when you put the dish together.
To stop the cooking process after the broccoli gets crisp tender put it in an ice bath. It also keeps the color nice and bright. When the broccoli is cooled, remove from ice water and let drain and come to room temperature.
Make sure the shrimp is thawed and the tails are removed. If you are using a packet of "pasta" like I am go ahead and get it in the microwave if you are using something else just make sure it is ready to go before you start cooking your shrimp.
Chop up your reserved cilantro and peanuts.
Heat up some olive oil in a large pan. Place the shrimp in the pan and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on one side, flip and cook a minute on the second side. You don't want to completely cook the shrimp because it's going to remain in the pan while you put the dish together.
Turn down the heat a bit and add the broccoli to the pan.
Add in the pasta and the sauce and combine.
Serve it up and garnish with cilantro, peanuts, red pepper and lime wedge. Lets Eat!