1-First Step: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 shake red pepper flakes, and 1 clove minced garlic. Stir it well and set it aside. This small step matters because the sauce will be ready to pour in right when the stir fry needs it.

2-Second Step: Heat the pan and cook the onion

Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the 1 white onion sliced in half moons. Season the onion with salt and pepper, then cook it for a few minutes until it softens and smells fragrant. You want the onion tender, not browned too hard, because it should add sweetness and a little texture to the finished dish.

3-Third Step: Add the shrimp

Now add the 1 pound frozen shrimp with tails on and defrosted to the pan. Spread them out in a single layer so they cook evenly. Let them cook on both sides until they are just turning pink. This usually happens fast, which is why shrimp is such a great weeknight protein. If you cook it too long, it can turn tough, so keep a close eye on the color.

If you want the shrimp to cook up a little fuller, score them lightly down the back before cooking. That simple trick helps them plump up nicely in the pan. Also, make sure the shrimp are thawed and patted dry before they hit the skillet so they sear better instead of steaming.

4-Fourth Step: Add the broccoli

Once the shrimp is starting to turn pink, add the 2 cups broccoli florets to the pan. Cover the pan and let everything cook for about 5 minutes. The broccoli should become fork tender and bright green, which tells you it is cooked but still has life left in it. That bright color is one of the easiest ways to know you did not overdo it.

This part of the recipe is where the whole dish starts to come together. The steam from the covered pan helps the broccoli soften quickly, while the shrimp finishes cooking without drying out. If your broccoli florets are on the larger side, you may want to cut them a bit smaller so they cook at the same pace.

5-Final Step: Add the sauce and serve

Pour the sauce you mixed earlier over the stir fry and cook everything for 1 minute. Stir gently so the shrimp and broccoli get coated in the savory garlic-sesame sauce. Taste and adjust with a little more salt or pepper if needed, then serve immediately.

This dish is best eaten hot, right after cooking, while the broccoli is crisp and the shrimp is tender. It pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even a simple side salad if you want to keep dinner light.