Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bell Peppers
Quick stir-fried shrimp tossed with crunchy bell peppers and a savory garlic sauce, perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
- 1 tsp, toasted for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same wok, add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the wok and pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Toss and cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp and peppers.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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 Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and 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.
What goes well with Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic and Bell Peppers?
Chinese seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
