Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring succulent shrimp tossed in Cajun spices with crisp bell peppers, served over fluffy white rice. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 small sliced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Push vegetables to the side, add seasoned shrimp to the center of the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Combine shrimp and vegetables, stir to mix well. Serve over 3 cups cooked white rice, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 4 lemon wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice?

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 Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice 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 Stir-Fried Cajun-Spiced Shrimp with Bell Peppers and Rice?

Latin American 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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