Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shrimp with colorful bell peppers, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests. The combination of crisp vegetables, succulent shrimp, and a savory stir-fry sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that is light yet full of bold flavors. This dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it as nutritious as it is tasty.

The stir-fry method ensures that the ingredients retain their natural texture and flavor, with the shrimp absorbing the seasonings while the bell peppers stay slightly crisp. The garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients work together to create a sauce that coats the shrimp and peppers perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your taste. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the stir-fry comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you crave something healthy and satisfying.

In this guide, we will walk you through each step of making Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry, share useful tips for perfecting the dish, and explore different variations to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or serve it with rice or noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to prepare and cooks in under 30 minutes. The stir-fry method ensures a speedy cooking process, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Aromatic: The shrimp is cooked in a savory stir-fry sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The peppers add a burst of sweetness and crunch, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Healthy and Light: Shrimp is a lean protein source, and the peppers are packed with vitamins, making this stir-fry a nutritious, low-calorie meal. It’s full of nutrients without being heavy, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy dinner.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or switch up the protein (such as using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp).
• Versatile: Whether you want to enjoy it with steamed rice, noodles, or even on its own, Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all of your ingredients before you begin cooking. This is important in stir-frying, as the cooking process happens quickly and having everything ready will make the process go smoothly.

• Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, if not already done. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly in the pan.
• Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. This ensures that they cook evenly and quickly in the stir-fry.
• Aromatics: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. These ingredients will be added early in the cooking process to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.

Having everything prepared ahead of time will allow you to cook the dish efficiently and prevent any ingredients from burning while you’re stir-frying.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The sauce should have a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors, with a slight umami depth from the oyster sauce.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer it saltier, add more soy sauce; if you like it sweeter, add a bit more hoisin sauce. The sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic element to the sauce, while the rice vinegar gives it a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, until they turn pink and slightly crispy. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, just until they are opaque and cooked through.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely.

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside. This will allow you to cook the vegetables without overcrowding the pan.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.

The vegetables should retain some of their crispness, as they will continue to cook once the shrimp and sauce are added back in. The garlic and ginger should become fragrant as they sauté, creating a beautiful aroma in your kitchen.

5. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shrimp back into the pan along with the prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables with the sauce. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

As the sauce heats up, it will form a glossy coating over the shrimp and vegetables, making the dish flavorful and shiny. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to thin it out to your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well-coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.

Serve the Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or on its own as a light meal. The combination of shrimp, peppers, and the savory stir-fry sauce makes for a dish that is both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. This can lead to steaming rather than searing, which results in less flavorful shrimp and vegetables. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms to the stir-fry. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender yet still crisp.
• Adjust the Sauce: The stir-fry sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, hoisin for sweetness, or a little more rice vinegar for tang.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best served fresh, as the vegetables can lose their crispness and the shrimp may become overcooked if left sitting for too long.

Variations of Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

• Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add broccoli florets to the stir-fry for a heartier dish. The broccoli pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and adds extra crunch and nutrients.
• Spicy Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: For a spicy twist, add sliced red chili peppers or a spoonful of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce. This will add a fiery kick to the dish.
• Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry: Substitute bell peppers for asparagus for a more spring

time-inspired dish. Asparagus adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Coconut Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add a little coconut milk to the stir-fry sauce for a rich, creamy element. This variation is perfect if you’re looking for a tropical twist.

Storage and Shelf Life

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later if needed. To store:

1. Allow the stir-fry to cool completely.
2. Transfer it to an airtight container.
3. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture. Note that the shrimp may lose some of its texture after reheating, so it’s best to consume the dish within a day or two.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate the meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing with stir-fries, the fragrant, soft rice soaks up the sauce and complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.
• Noodles: Try pairing the stir-fry with soba, rice noodles, or even egg noodles tossed in a little extra soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad with a light vinegar-based dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the savory stir-fry.
• Asian-Style Soup: Serve the stir-fry alongside a light miso or hot and sour soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

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Conclusion

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to make. With tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with rice, or paired with noodles, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal. The tips and variations in this guide ensure that you can make the dish your own, whether you like it spicy, creamy, or with extra veggies. Enjoy this shrimp stir-fry for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or any time you crave a flavorful and nutritious meal!