If you are looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with colorful bell peppers and succulent shrimp, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of tender textures and vibrant flavors. It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it a versatile favorite that turns simple ingredients into a celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that bursts with both flavor and color. Each component plays an important role: the shrimp lends sweetness and protein, while the bell peppers add crunch and a spectrum of hues that brighten the plate beautifully.
- 1 lb shrimp: peeled and deveined for quick cooking and bite-sized tenderness.
- 1 red bell pepper: sliced to add sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 green bell pepper: sliced for fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
- 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced to introduce a cheerful yellow hue and mild flavor.
- 1 small onion: sliced to provide aromatic sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic: minced for a fragrant, savory punch.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: adds umami richness essential to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: boosts the flavor with a silky, slightly sweet undertone.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: used to thicken the sauce into a luscious glaze.
- 1/4 cup water: to mix with the cornstarch and sauces for perfect consistency.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: for stir-frying and achieving a perfect sear on the shrimp and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: to taste, for balancing and enhancing every bite.
How to Make Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This mixture will create a shiny, flavorful glaze that brings the entire dish together with a velvety finish. Setting it aside allows you to focus on cooking the shrimp and vegetables without rushing.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Removing them promptly stops them from overcooking and becoming rubbery, preserving their tender texture. Set the shrimp aside while you cook the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then add all the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to achieve tender-crisp vegetables that still maintain their vivid color and a satisfying snap.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat all the ingredients. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. This step melds the flavors together beautifully while ensuring the sauce clings to the shrimp and peppers perfectly.
Step 5: Season
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your preference. Taste testing here is key because the soy and oyster sauces already bring saltiness, so adjust carefully to keep the flavor balanced. Now your Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe is ready to delight!
Step 6: Serve
Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite noodles to soak up every bit of that glorious sauce. This simple serving suggestion maximizes the dish’s flavors and makes it a hearty, satisfying meal for any occasion.
How to Serve Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh burst and a little crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over your stir-fry just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the flavors and enhance the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or tossed with a simple Asian-inspired salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry inside crispy wonton cups or atop a bed of stir-fried noodles drizzled with a little extra soy sauce. You can also turn it into lettuce wraps for a refreshing handheld bite that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The stir-fry will keep well for 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made.
Freezing
While freezing stir-fry dishes can sometimes affect the texture of vegetables, you can freeze this Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve its flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispness of the vegetables and warm the shrimp without overcooking. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can interfere with proper searing.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a bit of mushroom soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly alternative, but expect a slight shift in flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made spicy?
Definitely! Adding sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes during the sautéing step will bring the heat without overpowering the dish’s delicate flavors.
Is cornstarch necessary in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener to give the sauce a nice glaze and prevents it from being watery. If you want a thinner sauce, you can omit it, but the texture will be less luscious.
What other vegetables work well in this stir-fry?
Snow peas, snap peas, baby corn, or thinly sliced carrots are fantastic additions that complement the shrimp and bell peppers while adding variety and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together so quickly and easily. Its perfect harmony of flavors, colors, and textures makes it a shining star on any table. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and savor every delightful bite with friends and family!
Print
Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dish perfect for a family meal. It features succulent shrimp cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions, tossed in a savory soy-oyster sauce blend. Ready in just 25 minutes, this stir-fry offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that come together beautifully with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Other
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set this mixture aside to be used later in the stir-fry.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then add all the sliced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Cook: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat all the components evenly. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Season: Taste the stir-fry and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and pepper stir-fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp thawed properly will also work.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce for a spicy kick.
- This dish can be customized with other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
