1-First Step: Mix the sauce In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil, a small amount of red pepper flakes, and 1 clove minced garlic. Stir everything together and set the bowl aside. This quick sauce is what gives the shrimp stir fry its savory, lightly spicy finish.

2-Second Step: Start the onion Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the 1 white onion sliced in half moons, then season with a little salt and pepper. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and fragrant, stirring often so it does not brown too quickly.

3-Third Step: Cook the shrimp Add the 1 pound frozen shrimp with tails on and defrosted to the pan. Cook them on both sides just until they start turning pink. Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them rubbery, and this recipe works best when they stay tender.

4-Fourth Step: Add the broccoli Once the shrimp is almost cooked through, add the 2 cups broccoli florets. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for about 5 minutes, or until it turns bright green and is fork tender. The cover helps trap steam, which softens the broccoli without needing extra liquid.

5-Fifth Step: Finish with the sauce Pour the sauce mixture over the shrimp and broccoli. Cook for 1 minute, just long enough for everything to coat evenly and for the garlic to bloom in the heat. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra kick.

6-Final Step: Serve right away Transfer the stir fry to plates or a serving dish and enjoy it immediately while the shrimp is tender and the broccoli is bright. This shrimp and broccoli stir fry recipe is best fresh from the pan, but it also works well as part of a simple meal prep plan.