Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender shrimp and crisp bell peppers tossed in a garlic soy sauce, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 22 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 ounces shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced yellow bell pepper, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour in the soy sauce mixture, and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and peppers.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes and 2 chopped green onions over the stir-fry, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers?
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, peeled and deveined from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers?
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 Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Garlic Shrimp with Bell Peppers?
Asian stir fry 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.
