Sweet Heat Shrimp Tempura Bowls with Sesame-Roasted Broccoli & Quick Pickles

Step 1

• Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry produce. • Trim, peel, and halve cucumber lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise into half-moons. In a small bowl, combine cucumber, vinegar, ½ tsp sugar (1 tsp for 4 servings), and a pinch of salt. Set aside. • Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens.

Step 2

• In a second small bowl, combine mayonnaise, jam, Sriracha, half the garlic powder, 1 tsp water (2 tsp for 4 servings), and a pinch of salt. • Melt 1 TBSP butter in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add scallion whites; cook, stirring, until softened, 1 minute. • Add rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. • Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

Step 3

• While rice cooks, cut broccoli florets into 1-inch pieces if necessary. Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, half the sesame seeds (save the rest for serving), salt, and pepper. • Roast on top rack until golden brown and crispy, 15-20 minutes. • Carefully toss with half the scallion greens.

Step 4

• Meanwhile, rinse shrimp* under cold water; pat very dry with paper towels. Season with salt. • In a large bowl, combine tempura mix, remaining garlic powder, 1⁄3 cup cold water (2⁄3 cup for 4 servings), and salt (we used ½ tsp; 1 tsp for 4). TIP: If needed, add more water 1 TBSP at a time until it reaches a pancake-batter-like consistency. • Stir shrimp into batter until fully coated.

Step 5

• Heat a ¼-inch layer of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over mediumhigh heat. • Once oil is hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles when added to the pan, working in batches, add coated shrimp in a single layer. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the second side. • Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Immediately season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

• Fluff rice with a fork; stir in 1 TBSP butter and season with salt and pepper. • Divide rice between bowls. Top with shrimp, quick pickles (draining first), and broccoli. Drizzle shrimp with sauce; top with remaining scallion greens, remaining sesame seeds, and a pinch of chili flakes to taste. Serve.