Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

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

A bold and spicy shrimp stir-fry with colorful bell peppers, perfect for a Whole30-compliant dinner packed with flavor. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp (peeled and deveined), coconut oil, garlic cloves (minced) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium thinly sliced onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large each of red, yellow, and green bell peppers sliced into thin strips, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper over the veggies, stirring to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with 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 with Bell Pepper Stir-Fry?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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

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