Stir-Fried Shrimp with Red Bell Peppers and Garlic

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

Quick shrimp stir-fry with vibrant red peppers and garlic in a savory-sweet sauce that comes together in under 15 minutes. This asian ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, red bell pepper, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 ounces peeled shrimp and 2 minced garlic cloves, then stir-fry for 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 3 minutes until peppers are crisp-tender and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour sauce over shrimp and peppers, stirring to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 1 minute more until sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Red 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Red 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Red 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Red Bell Peppers and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp with Red Bell Peppers and Garlic?

Asian asian 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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