Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Pepper and Zucchini Stir Fry

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

Spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp quickly stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and zucchini for a vibrant Whole30-compliant meal. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, cajun seasoning blend, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 245 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 American cuisine 245 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend until evenly coated and set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and firm. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 large sliced zucchini. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return the shrimp to the skillet, stir to combine with vegetables, and cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lime juice over the stir fry. Toss gently and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Pepper and Zucchini 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 with Bell Pepper and Zucchini 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Pepper and Zucchini 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 with Bell Pepper and Zucchini 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 with Bell Pepper and Zucchini Stir Fry whole30?

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

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