Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful stir fry featuring shrimp and bell peppers tossed in a smoky Cajun spice blend for a fast, flavorful Whole30 meal. This southern american-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer shrimp to a plate.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the sliced strips of 1 large red bell pepper and 1 large yellow bell pepper with 1/2 tsp salt. Stir fry for 5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss with the vegetables, and cook together for 1 minute. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 sliced green onions.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir Fry whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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