Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame
Quick stir-fried shrimp with crisp bell peppers, tossed in a spicy sesame sauce for a vibrant weeknight meal. This korean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced, stalks green onions, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes until pink and just cooked through, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 chopped green onions; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the pan and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp gochujang. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame 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 Sesame?
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 stalks green onions, chopped from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame?
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 Sesame 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 Sesame?
Korean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The sesame seeds really added a nice crunch. Highly recommend!
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband and he said it's his new favorite.
- ★★★★★
Shrimp was tender and the flavors were spot on.
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