Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime

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

Quick sautéed shrimp with vibrant bell peppers and a bright lime-garlic sauce, perfect for a Whole30 compliant, flavorful seafood meal. This whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, finely 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 3, 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: 10 min Serves 3 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté everything together for 4-5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute until the flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves on top, if using, before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime?

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 Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Bell Pepper Stir with Garlic and Lime whole30?

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

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