1-First Step: Mix the sauce Start by making the teriyaki sauce so it is ready to go when the stir fry begins. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 3/4 cup water. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves and the sauce looks smooth. Set it near the stove, because once the shrimp hits the pan, things move fast.

2-Second Step: Prep the vegetables and shrimp Cut 1 whole head of broccoli into florets if that has not already been done. Slice or rinse your 1 cup of mixed vegetables, such as mushrooms and bell peppers, so everything is ready to cook evenly. Pat the 500 grams of deveined and cleaned shrimp dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt to taste. Dry shrimp sear better, which means better flavor and less watery sauce later.

3-Third Step: Heat the pan and cook the aromatics Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the 3 finely chopped garlic cloves. Stir for about 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant, but do not let the garlic brown. If it gets too dark, it can taste bitter, and nobody wants that kind of surprise at dinner.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the broccoli and mixed vegetables Add the broccoli florets to the hot pan first, since they take a little longer than the shrimp. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, then add the mixed vegetables. Keep everything moving in the pan so the vegetables stay bright and crisp-tender. If your pan looks dry, a small splash of water can help steam the broccoli without making it mushy.

5-Fifth Step: Add the shrimp Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, and that is a texture nobody is excited to chew.

6-Sixth Step: Pour in the sauce Give the teriyaki sauce one more stir, then pour it into the pan. Let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring. The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken and coat the shrimp and vegetables with that glossy finish people expect from a good shrimp and broccoli teriyaki bowl. If the sauce gets too thick, add a small splash of water.

7-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Once the sauce has thickened and everything is coated, take the pan off the heat. Spoon the stir fry over steamed rice, brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. Taste and add more salt only if needed. Serve hot so the broccoli stays crisp and the shrimp stay juicy.