Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This shrimp and pepper stir-fry recipe is packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s an easy recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and a great example of homemade cooking at its finest. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite among your quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (optional, for extra color and flavor)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare all your vegetables by washing and slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. This will make the cooking process much smoother.
Stir-Fry the Goodness:
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Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn!
Shrimp Time:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
Sauce it Up:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), cornstarch, and ginger.
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Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats everything evenly.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional). Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The brighter the peppers, the better the flavor will be.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount.
- For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch.
- Add other vegetables! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas to this recipe.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Garlic Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Lemon Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: Add the juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This shrimp and pepper stir-fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy!