1-First Step: Mix the sauce In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 shake red pepper flakes, and 1 clove garlic, minced. Stir it together well and set it aside. This quick sauce gives the shrimp broccoli stir fry its bold flavor, and you can make it a little sweeter by swapping in hoisin sauce if you want a different twist.

2-Second Step: Start the onions Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the 1 white onion, sliced into half moons, then season with salt and pepper. Cook the onions until they soften and start turning translucent. If you like more veggies, this is a great moment to add sliced mushrooms or carrots too.

3-Third Step: Cook the shrimp Add the 1 pound frozen shrimp, tails on, defrosted to the pan. Cook them just until they begin turning pink. That is the sweet spot for this shrimp recipe, because shrimp cook fast and can turn rubbery if left on the heat too long. If you thawed them ahead of time, pat them dry first so they sear better and do not release extra water into the pan.

4-Fourth Step: Add the broccoli Stir in the 2 cups broccoli florets, then cover the pan. Let the broccoli cook for about 5 minutes, or until it is tender but still bright green. For the best broccoli stir fry texture, try not to overcook it. You want a little crispness so the dish stays fresh and lively.

5-Final Step: Finish with the sauce and serve Pour the sauce mixture over everything and stir well so the shrimp and broccoli are coated. Cook for 1 more minute, just enough for the flavors to blend together. Then serve immediately while the shrimp is hot and juicy.