Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and vibrant stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a bold garlic-chili sauce that brings heat and flavor to your dinner table. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, minced garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp red chili flakes, and the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water), set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp sesame oil to the same wok, then sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add sliced 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

Asian 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.

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