Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry

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

A quick, colorful meal combining tender shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy quinoa in a fiery coconut-lime sauce. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, quinoa, bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp red curry paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup broccoli florets and 1/2 cup diced bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Push vegetables to the side of the pan.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Fold in cooked quinoa and mix well. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry?

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 Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry 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 Shrimp and Quinoa Stir-Fry vegetarian?

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

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