Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers

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

Quick stir-fried shrimp with colorful bell peppers and a bright cilantro-lime sauce that bursts with fresh flavors. This mexican-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper, stalks, sliced green onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced yellow bell pepper with 1/2 tsp sea salt, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Return shrimp to skillet along with 3 sliced green onions, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Stir everything together for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry 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 stalks, sliced green onions from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry 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 Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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.

Is Zesty Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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