Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

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

Quick sautéed shrimp with colorful bell peppers and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing that’s perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 7 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp, add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are tender-crisp and shrimp are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers?

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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Bell Peppers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy 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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