Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Bell Peppers
Zesty shrimp stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a vibrant citrus kick, ready in 15 minutes. This asian-inspired seafood (whole30) ready in about 20 minutes pairs pound shrimp, tablespoons avocado oil, minced garlic 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. 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 pound shrimp
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, juiced and zested lime
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened and edges are charred, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Citrus Shrimp 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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp 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 pound shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Citrus Shrimp 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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp 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 Spicy Citrus Shrimp with Bell Peppers whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for weeknight dinners—quick and packed with flavor.
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of spice and citrus! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★★
My kids even asked for seconds on the bell peppers!
