This teriyaki shrimp stir fry combines shrimp, broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce in a quick, easy-to-make dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout.
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A quick homemade dinner that tastes better than takeout is always a win. This teriyaki shrimp stir fry has quickly become a go-to in our house because it’s just too easy and flavorful not to make on repeat. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky, savory homemade teriyaki sauce, while the broccoli stays perfectly crisp-tender for the ideal balance of texture and flavor.
With minimal ingredients and plenty of flavor, this easy stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with my garlic fried rice, or pair it with honey sesame chicken or air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This teriyaki shrimp stir fry has the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Here’s why it works so well:
What Makes This Teriyaki Sauce So Good
What really makes this teriyaki shrimp stir fry stand out is the homemade sauce. It’s savory, slightly sweet, garlicky, and just sticky enough to coat every bite of shrimp and broccoli beautifully. Fresh garlic and ginger add plenty of flavor, while the sauce thickens into a glossy finish that gives this dish that classic takeout-style feel right at home.
Best of all, the sauce comes together with simple pantry ingredients and takes just a few minutes to make.
Ingredient Overview
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Here’s a look at the key ingredients with a few substitution suggestions; although the recipe works best as written.
- Shrimp. Choose large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen. Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp beforehand. Large shrimp are best, but you can swap them with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken needs a few more minutes, while tofu can be lightly pan-fried.
- Broccoli. Feel free to replace broccoli with snap peas, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini if you prefer or need to use what’s on hand. These alternatives also hold up well in a stir fry.
- Garlic. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about ½ teaspoon.
- Soy Sauce. Soy sauce forms the base of the teriyaki sauce. Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce, depending on your preference. Tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes if you need a gluten-free or soy-free option.
- Honey (or Brown Sugar). This adds a touch of sweetness that balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Rice Vinegar. Rice vinegar brings a hint of acidity to round out the sauce’s flavor. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch, though rice vinegar offers the most authentic flavor.
- Sesame Oil. A little goes a long way. This adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish. If unavailable, you can use a neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado oil), though it will miss the nutty aroma sesame oil provides.
- Cornstarch (Optional). Use a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used in place of cornstarch for thickening.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles. Serve the stir fry over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of leafy greens if you prefer a low carb option.
Tips for Success
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so have your shrimp, broccoli, garlic, and sauce ready to go before you heat the pan.
- Cook broccoli to your liking. If you like it more tender, cook it a little longer. If you prefer a slight crunch, keep the cooking time on the shorter side.
- Thaw shrimp fully if using frozen. Be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture in the pan.
- Adjust sauce thickness. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the optional cornstarch slurry when simmering the sauce.
- Garnish for extra flavor. Adding sesame seeds and green onions at the end gives the dish a fresh, nutty touch. Feel free to sprinkle chili flakes if you want some heat!
What to Serve With It
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the sticky homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Garlic fried rice for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Noodles like ramen or udon for a takeout-style meal at home.
- Egg rolls or dumplings for an easy appetizer pairing.
- A crisp Asian-inspired salad or simple steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, you might not!), here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results:
- Storage. Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the shrimp and broccoli separately from the rice or noodles, if possible.
- Reheating. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little extra sauce to prevent the dish from drying out as it heats. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough if reheated too long.
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Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
This teriyaki shrimp stir fry combines shrimp, broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce in a quick, easy-to-make dish. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce regular or low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar [Note 1]
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch Mixed with 1 tablespoon water. optional, for thickening [Note 2]
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets [Note 3]
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined [Note 4]
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving [Note 5]
- Sesame seeds and green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar , 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until smooth.If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the 1 teaspoon cornstarch with water until dissolved, and stir it into the sauce now. Set the sauce aside.¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar , 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 2 cups broccoli florets . Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp (soft enough to eat but with a bit of bite).Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside on a plate.2 cups broccoli florets , 1 tablespoon olive oil
- In the same skillet, spread the 1 lb shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque all the way through [Note 6].Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the broccoli.1 lb shrimp
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning [Note 7].4 garlic cloves
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir gently and simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes glossy and lightly thickened. If the sauce thickens too quickly, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to thin it. If you didn’t add the cornstarch earlier, you can stir it in now to thicken the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp and broccoli are evenly coated in the sticky teriyaki sauce.
- Spoon the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles. For extra flavor and presentation, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired [Note 8].Cooked rice or noodles, Sesame seeds and green onions
Notes
- Honey gives a light sweetness, while brown sugar adds a deeper flavor. Choose the one that matches what you like or what you have on hand. Both should work well.
- Adding cornstarch creates a thicker sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip this step. Stirring the cornstarch into the sauce earlier helps prevent lumps.
- To promote even cooking, cut broccoli florets into uniform pieces. If the florets are large, slice them in half lengthwise. You can also blanch the broccoli briefly (1-2 minutes in boiling water) before stir-frying to soften them.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent excess moisture, which can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
- This dish pairs equally well with steamed rice or noodles. Use jasmine rice, brown rice, or even ramen or udon noodles for variety. Ensure the rice or noodles are ready before starting the stir-fry to serve everything hot.
- Shrimp cook quickly. Keep an eye on them! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. If in doubt, cut one open. It should be opaque and slightly curled, not translucent.
- Garlic burns easily, especially at higher temperatures. Reducing the heat before adding garlic helps avoid this. Burnt garlic will taste bitter, so it’s best to sauté it briefly and stir constantly.
- Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions aren’t just decorative. They add texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 961mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 199kcal
This teriyaki shrimp recipe is really really good! The flavor is over the top.
I’m glad you enjoyed the teriyaki shrimp, Roger!
This teriyaki shrimp recipe is delicious!!! True gourmet style cuisine.
Outstanding flavor that is better than any restaurant around here.
I am Amazed by how delicious the sauce tastes. Thank you