Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, flavorful dinner. Combining fresh shrimp with a medley of colorful bell peppers and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish offers a balance of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also versatile and pairs well with rice or noodles.

In this recipe guide, we’ll explore every detail, from its origins to health benefits, variations, and step-by-step instructions for preparing this dish.

Overview of the Recipe

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a stir-fried dish that blends the succulence of shrimp with the crunch of bell peppers and onions. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and a hint of vinegar, adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish. Served over rice or noodles, this dish can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Key Features:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

History and Origin

The stir-fry cooking technique originated in China, where high-heat cooking and quick preparation were crucial for preserving nutrients and achieving bold flavors. Shrimp stir-fries have become a global favorite due to their simplicity and adaptability. Incorporating a variety of vegetables and sauces, this dish is a nod to Asian culinary traditions while remaining customizable for modern tastes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil: For sautéing.
• 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced.
• 1 yellow bell pepper: Thinly sliced.
• 1 green bell pepper: Thinly sliced.
• 1 small onion: Thinly sliced.
• 1 lb large shrimp: Peeled and deveined.
• 3 garlic cloves: Minced.
• 1-inch piece of ginger: Grated or 1 tsp ground ginger.

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Base of the sauce.
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds acidity (apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute).
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water: Optional, for thickening the sauce.

Garnish and Serving:

• 2 green onions: Chopped for garnish.
• Cooked rice or noodles: To serve the stir-fry over.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

2. Cook the Shrimp

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

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
• Toss in the red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with the sliced onion.
• Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften but retain some crunch.

4. Add Garlic and Ginger

• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.
• Stir for 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.

5. Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and add it to the sauce.

6. Combine Ingredients

• Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat them evenly.
• Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce.
• Allow the mixture to heat through for 1–2 minutes.

7. Serve and Garnish

• Serve the shrimp and pepper stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
• Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

• Base Options: White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or egg noodles are great options to pair with the stir-fry.
• Side Dishes: Steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad can complement the meal.
• Drinks: Serve with iced green tea, sparkling water with citrus, or a light herbal tea for a refreshing accompaniment.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
2. Spicy Kick: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
3. Additional Vegetables: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for more variety.
4. Different Protein: Swap shrimp with chicken or beef slices for a different flavor profile.

Health Benefits Notes

• Shrimp: A low-calorie protein source rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
• Garlic and Ginger: Boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Reduces sodium intake while delivering bold umami flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance. Store cooked shrimp separately and combine them when reheating.

3. How can I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce as desired.

4. What can I substitute for soy sauce?

Coconut aminos or tamari can be used as gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings together the best of vibrant vegetables and succulent shrimp in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is versatile and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether served with rice or noodles, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Take a moment to enjoy the balance of flavors and textures this dish offers, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to make it your own!

Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick, vibrant, and delicious Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry made with fresh shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. Perfect for weeknights and ready in just 20 minutes!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet; cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet; sauté bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes.
• Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
• Prepare Sauce: Mix soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Add cornstarch slurry if desired for thickening.
• Combine Ingredients: Pour sauce over vegetables. Add shrimp back to skillet and toss. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
• Serve: Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions.

Notes

• Use sesame oil for a more authentic flavor.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for spice.
• Substitute shrimp with tofu, chicken, or beef for variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

• Calories: ~250
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Fat: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~25g

Keywords: Shrimp stir-fry, stir-fried shrimp and peppers, easy shrimp stir-fry recipe