Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp tossed with crisp bell peppers and a bold garlic-chili sauce that wakes up your taste buds. This asian-inspired comfort food ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, red bell pepper, green bell pepper 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start turning pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Pour 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil over the shrimp and peppers, tossing to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

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 Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic 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 Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

Asian comfort food 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.

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