A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s vibrant, speedy, and absolutely mouthwatering, look no further than A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry. This colorful dish brings together juicy shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and a tangy, savory sauce that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry is a wonderful way to gather family around the table and create lasting memories with a meal everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is in its simplicity—every component shines and contributes something essential, whether it’s crunch, color, or a punch of umami. It’s these fresh, everyday ingredients that transform a skillet of shrimp and peppers into something truly special.
- Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and juicy, shrimp soak up the flavors and star in every bite.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the shrimp, ensuring a delicious, crisp edge and a silky sauce.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds classic salty richness and depth to both shrimp and sauce.
- Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers that signature savory-sweet umami flavor to the overall dish.
- Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives your stir-fry a subtle sweetness and glossy finish.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances all the flavors with gentle acidity and brightness.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds irresistible toasty, nutty notes—just a little goes a long way!
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Sweet crunch and deep red hue—the first step to colorful plates.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Lends mild sweetness and sunny color to the medley.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Brings a slight tang, balance, and garden-fresh green appeal.
- Red Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds a hint of sharpness and a lovely purple pop.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fragrant, aromatic, and an absolute must for a warming punch.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, freshly grated): Brightens up the entire dish with zesty heat.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle for an extra kick—but tailor to your heat preference.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Perfect for that finishing fresh bite and a pop of green.
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Adjust as you go to find just the right balance for your family’s taste buds.
How to Make A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by giving your shrimp a quick marinade with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Let this sit for 10 minutes—just enough time for the shrimp to absorb some savory goodness. The cornstarch is your secret weapon for that velvety texture you get in your favorite takeout stir-fries.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While your shrimp are marinating, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce is what will bring the whole A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry experience together, infusing everything with sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high and swirl in the vegetable oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them right away to keep them tender and juicy—overcooked shrimp are not invited to this flavor party!
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Back in the same skillet, toss in your red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the red onion. Stir-fry these for 3–4 minutes; you want them tender but still brightly crisp. Right at the end, add the minced garlic, ginger, and (if you’re feeling adventurous) red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is fragrant—just 30 seconds or so.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, pour in your homemade sauce, and toss everything together. Let it cook for 1–2 more minutes on high, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat every piece. The aroma at this stage is unbeatable! Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and get ready to serve this A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry hot and fresh.
How to Serve A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Garnishes
The right garnish adds both style and a fresh burst of flavor. I love scattering sliced green onions on top for vibrancy and crunch, but you can also toss on toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped cilantro for a herby finish. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice if you want an acidic pop!
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, or get adventurous with soba noodles or rice noodles for a slurp-worthy twist. For a lighter meal, cauliflower rice or even crisp lettuce wraps work beautifully—the Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is as versatile as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry with a rainbow of bell peppers atop rice for a beautiful color contrast, or serve it family-style right in the skillet for that cozy, just-cooked vibe. For a party, make mini stir-fry lettuce cups or tuck the filling into bao buns for a fun, hand-held appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your stir-fry tasting its best, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp remains juicy, and the veggies hold their crunch surprisingly well. Just let it cool to room temperature before sealing the container.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry for up to one month. Place cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can get rubbery. A couple of minutes is all it takes to bring everything back to life!
FAQs
Can I substitute a different protein for the shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable—try cubed chicken for a kid-friendly spin, or tofu if you’re going meatless. Just adjust the cooking time; chicken needs a bit longer, while tofu can be added directly after a quick sauté.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is flavorful but not inherently spicy. The red pepper flakes are completely optional—use a little for mild heat or leave them out if you prefer a sweeter, family-friendly stir-fry. You control the spice level every step of the way.
What vegetables go well in this stir-fry?
Bell peppers are the classic choice for color and sweetness, but you can toss in snap peas, snow peas, carrots, or even broccoli to bulk it up and personalize your A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry. Use whatever’s in season or in your fridge!
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can slice all your vegetables, peel and devein your shrimp, and even whisk up the sauce a day ahead—just store everything separately in the fridge. That way, you’ll have dinner on the table in a flash when you’re ready to stir-fry.
What’s the best way to keep shrimp tender in stir-fries?
Quick cooking is key! Don’t overcook the shrimp—it only takes 2 to 3 minutes. The cornstarch marinade also helps keep them juicy. Once they’re pink and opaque, remove them until you’re ready to toss them back in with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If your family loves a meal that’s bold, beautiful, and ready in a flash, you’ll want to add A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry to your weeknight rotation right away. This recipe is the perfect blend of easy prep, dazzling flavor, and warm memories around the dinner table. You’ll be surprised just how quickly it disappears—give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite, too!
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A Flavorful Family Favorite: Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is a delightful Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful family dinner. The combination of tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce makes this stir-fry a favorite among both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 pinch of black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook shrimp until pink, then set aside. Stir-fry bell peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp back, pour in the sauce, toss, and cook briefly.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp.
- Use any combination of colorful bell peppers for visual appeal and flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
