There’s nothing quite like a good stir-fry when you need a fast, delicious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This shrimp and pepper stir-fry is the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy. It’s a dish that brings together tender shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite beautifully.

Stir-fries are a staple in many kitchens because they’re incredibly versatile and easy to throw together in a pinch. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or just looking for a fresh, vibrant meal, this shrimp and pepper stir-fry is a fantastic choice. The best part? It all comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a great go-to for those days when time is short but you still crave something homemade and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: From start to finish, this meal takes just 20 minutes—perfect for a busy schedule.
• Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and fiber-rich bell peppers, this dish is both light and satisfying.
• Bursting with flavor: A simple yet delicious sauce brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
• Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences—use different veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Great for meal prep: Make extra and store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or noodles
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

How to Make Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry

This recipe is all about quick cooking at high heat, which means you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start. Once you begin cooking, things move fast!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, slice all your bell peppers, onions, and mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything chopped and ready will make the stir-frying process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry—this will help thicken the sauce later. Set both aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of oil and toss in the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the stir-fry from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Helpful Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

• Use high heat: Stir-frying works best at high temperatures, so make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too many ingredients at once, they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Prep everything in advance: Stir-frying moves fast, so have all your ingredients sliced, measured, and ready to go.
• Adjust spice levels: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
• Swap out the veggies: You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—snap peas, carrots, or broccoli would all be great additions.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)

Notes

• Shrimp Size Matters: Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe since they stay juicy and don’t overcook too quickly. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap the bell peppers for other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for a different flavor and texture.
• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slurry slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish completely gluten-free.
• Make It a Meal Prep Favorite: This stir-fry stores well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. Just be sure to store the shrimp and sauce separately from the rice or noodles to prevent sogginess.
• Protein Alternatives: You can substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu if you prefer a different protein. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your choice.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply leave out the spice.
• Cooking Tip: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high heat, so avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture from making your stir-fry watery.

What Can I Serve This With?

This shrimp stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to make cooking even faster. Leftovers store well and taste great the next day.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, store the cooked shrimp and vegetables separately from the sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan.

Reheating:

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Related Recipes

If you loved this shrimp and pepper stir-fry, try these other quick and delicious recipes:

• Spicy Garlic Chili Noodles – A Quick & Flavorful Stir-Fry
• Honey Garlic Shrimp, Sausage, and Broccoli
• Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions – Bold, Savory & Irresistible!
• Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Weeknight Wonder

Conclusion

This shrimp and pepper stir-fry is the perfect meal for when you want something flavorful, quick, and packed with fresh ingredients. It’s a dish that delivers on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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