Sizzling Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Win

Whipping up a quick and delectable shrimp and pepper stir-fry saves dinner when time feels short.

Vibrant colors dance across your skillet, promising a meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Crisp bell peppers mingle with succulent seafood, creating a harmony of textures that sparks excitement.

Pantry staples become your culinary allies in crafting this easy weeknight wonder.

Fresh ingredients combine with lightning-fast cooking techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Spices add depth and character, turning simple components into something extraordinary.

What Makes Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry So Delicious

• Craft Quick Protein Powerhouse: Packed with succulent shrimp and vibrant bell peppers, this stir-fry delivers a protein-rich meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a nutritious dinner.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: The one-pan method ensures minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want to create restaurant-quality dishes without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, adjust pepper varieties, or add extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs without compromising the dish's core deliciousness.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining Experience: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-inspired feast with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Shrimp: A sweet and tender seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.

• Bell Peppers, Garlic: Colorful peppers add crunch and sweetness while garlic provides a robust, aromatic base for the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Classic Asian condiments that bring depth and umami to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, rich aroma that enhances the overall taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds texture, color, and a fresh finishing touch to the stir-fry.

• Rice: A classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.

How to Prepare Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Like a Pro

Step 1: Craft the Flavor Bomb Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Set this magical flavor mixture aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook them quickly, about 2-3 minutes, until they turn a beautiful pink color and are just perfectly cooked. Scoop out the shrimp and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Peppers

• Red bell peppers
• Yellow bell peppers
• Green bell peppers

Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 3-4 minutes, creating a tender-crisp texture that locks in their fresh flavor and bright colors.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly, allowing the sauce to heat through and create a glossy, mouth-watering coating. Cook for an additional minute to blend all the flavors.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve this delectable stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Opt for fresh, large shrimp to ensure the best texture and flavor in your stir-fry.
• Quickly cook shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Use high heat and a wide skillet or wok to achieve that classic stir-fry sear and prevent steaming.
• Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying moves fast and requires quick action.
• Experiment with different colored bell peppers for a vibrant and nutritious meal that's visually appealing.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for a fiery flavor boost. Adjust heat level to personal preference.
• Coconut Fusion Variation: Replace sesame oil with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical profile.
• Mediterranean Style Variation: Swap bell peppers for zucchini and add oregano, replace soy sauce with lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Switch Variation: Substitute shrimp with diced chicken or tofu for a different protein option while keeping the same cooking technique and sauce.

Best Pairings with Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the richness of the stir-fry sauce.
• Match with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fragrant jasmine rice as a perfect base that absorbs the savory sauce and provides a soft, aromatic backdrop to the shrimp and peppers.
• Balance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light cucumber and mixed greens salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful stir-fry.
• Enhance with Asian-Inspired Beverage: Serve chilled green tea or a light Asian lager to cleanse the palate and harmonize with the dish's subtle Asian flavor profile.

Storing Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality and safety.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, separating shrimp and rice to prevent soggy texture.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat with small amount of oil. Add stir-fry and gently stir, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated evenly, restoring original texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Why use cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a glossy, smooth coating that clings perfectly to the shrimp and peppers, preventing a watery stir-fry.

• Can I substitute bell peppers with other vegetables?

Yes, you can use zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli. Choose vegetables that cook quickly and maintain a crisp texture during stir-frying.

• How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp briefly over medium-high heat just until they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough and chewy, so remove them from the pan as soon as they’re done.

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry delivers a bold Asian-inspired culinary adventure straight to dinner tables. Sizzling garlic, zesty peppers, and succulent shrimp create a quick, mouthwatering meal that satisfies your craving for robust flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Serving and Garnish:

• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a zesty marinade by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest momentarily.
2. Ignite a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, introducing vegetable oil to create a sizzling surface.
3. Introduce shrimp to the hot pan, searing for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and achieve perfect doneness. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Within the same skillet, add minced garlic and colorful bell peppers, stirring dynamically for 3-4 minutes until vegetables reach a crisp-tender consistency.
5. Reintroduce the seared shrimp into the vegetable medley, cascading the prepared sauce over the ingredients.
6. Thoroughly coat all components, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional minute, ensuring complete heat integration and flavor infusion.
7. Plate the aromatic stir-fry atop fluffy steamed rice, embellishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and delicately sliced green onions for a visually striking and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting garlic and pepper quantities to suit personal spice preferences.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for optimal flavor and texture, ensuring they’re deveined and patted dry before cooking.
• Select bell peppers in different colors for vibrant visual appeal and varied nutritional benefits.
• Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium version for healthier dietary options and reduced salt intake.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg