Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
Quick sautéed shrimp with vibrant bell peppers and zesty cilantro-lime dressing, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This latin american-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp to a plate and keep warm. In the same skillet, add sliced 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet and pour in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss everything together with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and cook for another 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined 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 gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, paleo, 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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