If you’re craving a fast and vibrant dinner that’s bursting with flavor and color, you absolutely have to try this A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry. Imagine juicy shrimp, sweet bell peppers, and a glossy umami-packed sauce coming together in less than 30 minutes—truly a weeknight hero! This dish is a beloved staple in my kitchen because it balances savory, sweet, and a subtle hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adventurous eaters and picky palettes. Every bite manages to be satisfying and fresh, which is exactly why it’s earned a permanent place at our family table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The true magic of A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something essential: from the crisp bell peppers and aromatic ginger to the lush shrimp and signature sauces, each one plays a distinct role in creating layers of taste and texture that simply pop in every bite.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star protein—tender, juicy, and soaks up all the savory sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Gives the shrimp that lovely silkiness and helps thicken the stir-fry sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep, salty umami; opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings rich, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Sweet and tangy, it rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a splash infuses wonderful depth and that classic toasted aroma.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral frying oil to ensure high-heat, even cooking—no flavor interference.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Sweet, juicy, and so vibrant, it transforms the dish visually and texturally.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers mellow sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Slightly grassy and more assertive—balances the sweeter peppers.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that unmistakable stir-fry aroma and flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Invigorates every bite with a little zing and warmth.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Lively, fresh finish and a finishing crunch.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Builds just the right amount of heat.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): The perfect fluffy bed to soak up all those delicious juices.
How to Make A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Step 1: Coat the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry and tossing them in a bowl with the cornstarch and a pinch of black pepper. This little coating acts like a light armor, ensuring irresistibly soft, velvety shrimp that will practically melt in your mouth. Let them sit while you prepare the sauce—this resting time lets the coating really adhere to the shrimp.
Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. The result? A deeply savory, slightly sweet, and beautifully glossy sauce that will tie every element together. Having this ready beforehand is the secret to a seamless, stress-free stir-fry experience!
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high. Once it shimmers, add the coated shrimp. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and are nearly cooked through. Remove them from the pan right away, so they stay tender and avoid overcooking. The idea is to finish cooking them briefly with the sauce later.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds, or just until fragrant. This quick blast of heat unlocks their flavors, releasing a heady, irresistible aroma that’s classic for any stir-fry.
Step 5: Stir-Fry Peppers
Next, toss in all your sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Stir-fry them for 3–4 minutes, so they soften slightly but stay crisp and burst with color. You want them to retain some crunch for that perfect texture contrast against the shrimp.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the shrimp to the pan, and pour over your prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the shrimp and peppers are glistening and coated in that luscious sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through—don’t let it linger too long, or the shrimp will toughen. Finally, sprinkle with green onions and adjust the black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your hot, vibrant A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry over a bed of steamed white rice, making sure every serving gets plenty of shrimp, veggies, and luscious sauce. Dive in right away while it’s piping hot and at its crispy, saucy best!
How to Serve A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Finish each serving of A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry with an extra sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or a light dusting of sesame seeds. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili on top add a stunning visual and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
You can make this stir-fry shine even brighter by pairing it with classic steamed white rice, fluffy jasmine rice, or light brown rice for a nuttier twist. If you want to go the extra mile, serve it with steamed bok choy, quick-blanched snap peas, or even garlicky sautéed spinach—each adds a lovely contrast and rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to level up family dinner, try spooning A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry over coconut rice or even into crisp lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. Pile it onto a platter with scattered lime wedges and herbs for a dramatic, shareable centerpiece that gets everyone talking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the stir-fry cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry will stay flavorful and fresh for up to 2 days. The peppers soften a bit overnight, but the taste remains delectable.
Freezing
While shrimp and delicate vegetables can lose some of their signature texture after freezing, you can still freeze leftovers if needed. Spoon cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 1 month. For the best texture, try to enjoy it fresh if you can—but in a pinch, this dish thaws and reheats with its core flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and help everything reheat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! If you only have frozen shrimp on hand, just thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before proceeding. Excess moisture will prevent good browning, so take an extra moment to blot them well.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you can’t find or don’t use oyster sauce, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of hoisin sauce, a splash of soy sauce, or even a little fish sauce. The end result is still delicious, though the sauce will be slightly sweeter or more savory depending which you use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry can easily be made gluten-free! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check the oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten content (many brands offer gluten-free options now).
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try adding quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or thin-sliced carrots for even more color and crunch. Keep total veggie volume in mind so the pan doesn’t get crowded.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For more heat, add a sliced fresh chili or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic and ginger—or finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, and enjoy that extra kick!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I am to bring A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry to your table! With speedy prep, gorgeous colors, and flavor that sings, this recipe makes even an ordinary weeknight meal feel like a special occasion. Gather your loved ones, fire up the wok, and get ready to add a new favorite to your family’s dinner rotation!
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A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious Asian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with colorful bell peppers in a flavorful stir-fry sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Toss the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to create the stir-fry sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through and evenly coated. Sprinkle with green onions and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper if needed. Serve hot over steamed white rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili with the garlic and ginger.
- You can swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
