If you’re craving a vibrant, quick, and utterly delicious meal, this Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe might just become your new go-to. Bursting with colorful bell peppers and succulent shrimp, this dish packs a punch of flavor with every bite. The perfect balance of tender-crisp vegetables and juicy seafood, all coated in a savory, slightly glossy sauce, makes it a standout family favorite that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stir-fry lies in its simplicity — just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients that each bring something special to the dish, whether it’s crunch, sweetness, or a savory depth.
- Shrimp: 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, the star protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
- Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers: One of each, sliced, adding a sweet crunch and a beautiful burst of color.
- Small Onion: Sliced to add gentle sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, essential for that aromatic foundation.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, providing a salty, umami-rich base to the sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon, adding a touch of savory sweetness and complexity.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, used to thicken the sauce for that perfect, clingy coating.
- Water: 1/4 cup, mixed with cornstarch to create the silky sauce texture.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for stir-frying and ensuring everything cooks evenly with a nice sear.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing the flavors at the end.
How to Make Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This simple mixture will thicken as it cooks and beautifully coat your shrimp and vegetables, locking in rich flavor with every stir.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy. Once done, set the shrimp aside to keep them from overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining oil, followed by minced garlic and sliced onions. Sauté these aromatics for a minute or two until fragrant and slightly softened. Then, add the tri-color bell peppers and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, aiming for tender-crisp perfection that retains fresh bite and vibrant color.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the shrimp to the pan with the vegetables, then pour in your prepared sauce. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken and cling to each ingredient, warming until everything is heated through evenly.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Finish with salt and pepper according to your preference. This final seasoning step elevates the dish, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your shrimp and pepper stir-fry piping hot, ideally over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce.
How to Serve Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds can add extra texture and a burst of color. For those who enjoy a little heat, thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil elevate this dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, garlic fried rice or stir-fried noodles complement the flavors wonderfully, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stir-fry inside crispy lettuce cups for a fresh and interactive presentation. Or, for a modern twist, pile it high atop quinoa or cauliflower rice to add a healthy spin without sacrificing flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover shrimp and pepper stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While fresh is best with this dish, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps the stir-fry stay moist and delicious, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish, which can affect the sauce’s texture.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer a vegetarian option, soy sauce mixed with a touch of hoisin sauce works well as a substitute, keeping the flavor rich and balanced.
How do I make the bell peppers tender but still crisp?
Cook the bell peppers over medium-high heat for just a few minutes until they are tender-crisp; this preserves their texture and vibrant colors, which is essential for the perfect stir-fry.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe as written is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating fresh chilies, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or sliced carrots make excellent additions, adding more texture and flavor while keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe is a shining example of how quick, simple ingredients can come together for an absolutely delightful meal. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and just packed with the kind of warmth you want to share at the dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen, ready to impress on any night of the week.
Print
Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick and vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring succulent shrimp and colorful bell peppers sautéed in a savory soy-oyster sauce, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Condiments
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Mix thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sliced onion and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften. Then add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers are tender-crisp but still have a slight crunch.
- Combine and Cook: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring continuously to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Season: Taste the stir-fry and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and pepper stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes during the vegetable sauté.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days for best quality.
- Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation.
