1-First step: Mix the sauce Start by grabbing a small bowl and mixing together the soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. This quick sauce step makes the cooking process smoother because everything is ready to go before the pan gets hot. If you want a little more sauce, go ahead and double the mixture now so you do not have to stop later. Set the bowl aside while you handle the vegetables and shrimp. This is also a good moment to check that your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry. Dry shrimp sear better, and that gives you better texture in the final stir fry.

2-Second step: Cook the onions Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced white onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook the onions until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes just a few minutes. The onions are important because they add sweetness and a nice base flavor to the easy shrimp and broccoli stir fry. If you like extra vegetables, this is the right time to toss in sliced mushrooms or carrots. They will cook well alongside the onions and make the meal even more filling.

3-Third step: Add the shrimp Next, add the defrosted shrimp with tails on to the pan. Cook them on both sides until they are just turning pink. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them and do not walk away. The goal is to get them barely cooked at this stage because they will finish in the sauce later. If you want the shrimp to look plumper, score them lightly down the back before cooking. That little trick helps them curl nicely and cook more evenly. It is a small step, but it really helps the final dish look better and feel more restaurant-style.

4-Fourth step: Add the broccoli and steam Now add the broccoli florets straight into the pan with the shrimp and onions. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender and bright green. Keeping the lid on helps trap steam, which softens the broccoli without making it mushy. Try not to overcook the broccoli. You want it crisp, colorful, and still a little snappy. That fresh texture is one of the best parts of this easy shrimp and broccoli recipe, especially if you are serving it over rice or noodles.

5-Final step: Add the sauce and serve Pour the prepared sauce over the stir fry and cook for 1 minute, just long enough to warm everything through and coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly. After that, take the pan off the heat and serve immediately. This dish tastes best hot, while the shrimp are tender and the broccoli still has a little bite. You can serve this easy shrimp and broccoli on its own, over steamed rice, or with cauliflower rice if you want a lighter meal. It also works nicely with noodles when you need something a little heartier. If you like quick skillet meals, you may also enjoy this garlic grilled shrimp recipe for another fast seafood option.