Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

A close-up of teriyaki shrimp stir fry with plump shrimp and broccoli coated in glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions in a dark skillet.

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Servings: servings

Calories: 199kcal

Author: Sandra

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 soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the 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 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 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 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. 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 coated evenly in the 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