Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is the kind of quick-fix dinner that feels like a little celebration, bursting with color and zingy flavors from just a handful of fresh ingredients. This recipe brings together sweet, tender shrimp and a medley of crisp bell peppers, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite in irresistible flavor. If you need something speedy, satisfying, and a touch spectacular for a weeknight—or want to impress friends without breaking a sweat—this is your new favorite stir-fry discovery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry lies in its simplicity: every ingredient pulls its weight, adding a burst of flavor, a splash of color, or a texture that makes every forkful exciting. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant dish, plus a few extra tips for tasty success!
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Tender and juicy, shrimp provide the star protein and cook up lightning fast.
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds sweet crunch and that signature bold color.
- Yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced): Brings sunshine hues and a subtle sweetness.
- Small onion (thinly sliced): Delivers mild bite and rounds out the flavor base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the oil with aromatic depth for that classic stir-fry punch.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Bright, peppery kick that livens the entire dish.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds all the savory umami flavor; sub with tamari if gluten-free.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Boosts richness and gives the stir-fry a glossy finish.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Delivers nutty aroma and authentic stir-fry flavor in just a few drops.
- Vegetable or canola oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral base oil for high-heat cooking, so everything sears instead of stews.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Fires things up for those who like a little heat.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): Perfect bed for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish): Just a sprinkle wakes up the dish with crunch and color.
How to Make Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, have everything sliced, minced, and ready to go. This stir-fry moves fast, so peeling and deveining the shrimp, slicing the bell peppers and onion, and mincing that aromatic garlic and ginger beforehand will set you up for stir-fry success.
Step 2: Heat Up Your Pan
Grab your favorite large skillet or trusty wok and set it over medium-high heat. Swirl in the vegetable or canola oil, making sure it’s shimmering-hot before you add anything else. This will give you that authentic sizzle and flavor you’d expect from a restaurant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer and give them a quick stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they blush pink and turn opaque. As soon as they’re cooked, use a slotted spoon to scoop them out onto a plate. This keeps them perfectly tender and prevents overcooking.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out—the flavor is gold), toss in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen smells amazing, then add in your bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp, still vibrant and a bit crunchy.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Add Seasoning
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, then drizzle in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Stir everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp and veggies are coated in that glossy, savory sauce and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and shower the top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions. Dish it up immediately over a steaming bowl of rice or noodles, so everyone gets it hot and fresh.
How to Serve Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Garnishes
A finishing touch is what brings this dish from tasty to showstopping. Try sprinkling sesame seeds for a delicate crunch, and a pile of fresh green onions for a hit of color and mild onion flavor. A little squeeze of lime over the top brightens everything, if you love citrusy zing!
Side Dishes
While Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is filling on its own, it pairs dreamily with jasmine rice, brown rice for a wholesome twist, or slurpable noodles to soak up the sauce. If you’re craving extra veggies, serve with a quick cucumber salad or a plate of roasted Asian greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve your Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held meal. Or spoon it into hollowed-out bell pepper halves for an edible bowl that looks impressive enough for entertaining. Even a family-style platter lets everyone help themselves and keeps things communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry keeps beautifully! Simply cool any extras quickly, then transfer them into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and you’ll have a perfectly flavorful lunch or easy dinner ready for up to two days.
Freezing
While shrimp can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can store this stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to one month if needed. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and keep in mind the bell peppers will soften a bit after freezing.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and zap at 50 percent power, stirring once or twice to make sure it heats through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely—preferably overnight in the fridge or under cool running water—then pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve that lovely sear and prevents extra water from diluting the stir-fry sauce.
What’s the best way to slice the bell peppers?
For even cooking and great presentation, slice the peppers into thin, uniform strips. This lets them cook quickly while keeping their vibrant color and perfect texture in the final dish.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you need to skip oyster sauce due to allergies or preference, just leave it out or swap in a splash more soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar for sweetness. Hoisin sauce is another nice alternative for a touch of richness.
How can I make Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry spicier?
Feel free to dial up the heat by adding extra crushed red pepper flakes, a few slices of fresh chili, or even a swirl of sriracha to the finished dish. You can easily tailor the spice level for any crowd!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This stir-fry welcomes creativity—try snapping in some snow peas, broccoli florets, or thinly sliced carrots for extra crunch and color. Just add firmer vegetables a minute or two before the bell peppers so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the fresh flavors and colors of Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry, and once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too! Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute weeknight dinner or sharing with friends, this vibrant stir-fry is pure joy in every bite. Give it a go and let the shrimp-and-veggie goodness win you over!