Purple Sprouting Broccoli Prawn Recipe

This recipe is an absolute winner because it combines the fresh crunch of purple sprouting broccoli with the succulent juiciness of prawns, all elevated by the zing of chili and garlic. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for impressing friends on a weeknight without sacrificing any of your precious Netflix time.

Combining fresh tastes with bright colors is my passion, and this dish featuring purple sprouting broccoli and prawns is the perfect example. The meal uses 200 grams of the aforementioned nutrient-rich broccoli (it sprouts in late winter) and 300 grams of protein-laden prawns.

In addition, the dish calls for 3 cloves of garlic and 1 red chili sautéed in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh lemon juice give this dish its irresistible flavor profile.

A quick sauté of these ingredients yields a perfect vehicle for either a main or side dish.

Ingredients

Broccoli that is purple and sprouting: This superfood is abundant in vitamins A, C, and K; gives fiber; and supplies antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Shrimp: Rich in protein; low in calories; an excellent source of selenium and vitamin B12.

Garlic: Has allicin; serves as a savory component; enhances immune function and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Chili Pepper: Provides spice; a good source of vitamin C and capsaicin for metabolism boost.

Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy fats, packed with antioxidants, and is an enhancer of flavor and absoper of nutrients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200 grams of purple sprouting broccoli, trimmed
• 300 grams of prawns, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. A pot of salted water should be brought to a boil. The purple sprouting broccoli and salted water should be combined. After that, the pot should be drained, and the ingredients should be set aside.

2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. To the oil, add minced garlic and sliced red chili, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and place the prawns in the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. They should be cooked for 3-4 minutes, with occasional stirring, until they are completely pink and opaque.

4. Take the prawns from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the leftover tablespoon of olive oil.

5. The blanched broccoli goes into the skillet, and for 2 minutes, I toss it around like it just won an Olympic gold medal, ensuring that it heats through and that some of it gets slightly charred.

6. Return the shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to combine all the flavors.

7. Continue cooking for a minute to two minutes to heat everything fully through and permit the flavors to combine.

8. Take it off the heat and move it to a serving platter.

9. Accompany with lemon wedges at the side to squeeze over the dish.

10. Savor your dish of Purple Sprouting Broccoli and Prawns right away. If you need to tweak the taste, feel free to add more salt and pepper.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot
2. Large skillet
3. Tongs or slotted spoon
4. Colander
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Serving platter

FAQ

• What can I use as a substitute for purple sprouting broccoli?If purple sprouting broccoli is hard to find, you can use standard broccoli or broccolini instead.
• Can I use frozen prawns instead of fresh ones?You can use frozen prawns. Just make sure they are completely thawed and drained before cooking.
• How spicy is this dish?The spice level in the dish is mostly mild and occasionally moderate, as the red chili heats things up. You can adjust the spice level by tinkering with how much chili you add—more for more heat, less for less heat.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?Substituting firm tofu or tempeh for the prawns will make it a vegetarian dish.
• Can I use another type of oil instead of olive oil?Certainly, you can utilize different oils, such as vegetable or canola, however, the flavor profile may be altered slightly.
• How do I ensure the prawns don’t get overcooked?Prawns are very quick to cook; sauté them until they are pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
• What can I serve with this dish?This meal matches nicely with either jasmine rice or a light quinoa salad, making for a well-balanced meal.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute regular broccoli or broccolini for purple sprouting broccoli.
If prawns are not available, use shrimp that is comparable in size.
Vegetable oil or avocado oil can take the place of olive oil.
If you prefer a milder heat, you can exchange the red chili for a small amount of red pepper flakes or leave it out completely.
Tamari and coconut aminos are gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Timing for Broccoli When blanching the purple sprouting broccoli, make sure to boil it only until it’s just tender and bright green (about 2-3 minutes). Immediately transfer it to an ice bath to preserve its vibrant color and prevent overcooking.

2. Garlic and Chili Infusion To enhance the flavors, allow the minced garlic and sliced red chili to infuse into the olive oil for slightly more than a minute on low heat before turning it up to medium-high. This will create a more aromatic base for the prawns.

3. High Heat Sear for Prawns For the best texture, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the prawns. Cook them quickly on high heat, as overcooking can make them tough. Watch for color change and opaqueness to determine when they’re done.

4. Soy and Sesame Oil Balance When adding the soy sauce and sesame oil, remove the pan from the heat before mixing them in. This prevents the delicate sesame oil from losing its fragrant aroma due to high heat exposure.

5. Citrus Zest Twist For an extra flavor boost, grate a bit of lemon zest over the dish just before serving along with the lemon wedges. This adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the prawns beautifully.