Name: Shrimp Pepper Stir Fry: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced; 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish; Cooked rice, for serving; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Shrimp pepper stir fry: just the name conjures up images of vibrant colors, sizzling sounds, and an aroma that makes your stomach rumble, doesn't it? I know it does for me! This isn't just another quick weeknight meal; it's a flavor explosion in a pan, ready to transport your taste buds to a happy place in under 30 minutes.

Stir-fries, with their roots deeply embedded in Asian culinary traditions, have been a staple for centuries. They represent resourcefulness and efficiency, transforming simple ingredients into satisfying and nutritious meals. While the exact origins of combining shrimp and peppers in a stir-fry are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of quickly cooking seafood and vegetables together is a time-honored practice across many Asian cultures.

What's not to love about a good stir-fry? The beauty of a shrimp pepper stir fry lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The succulent sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complements the crisp, slightly sweet peppers, creating a delightful textural contrast. People adore this dish because it's quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. So, let's get cooking and create a shrimp pepper stir fry that will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
1 large onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Preparing the Shrimp:

Okay, let's get started! First, we need to prep our shrimp. This is a crucial step because properly prepared shrimp will cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors we're about to throw at it.

Rinse the Shrimp: Give your shrimp a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove any lingering bits of shell or anything else that might be hanging around. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is important! Excess moisture will prevent them from browning properly in the stir-fry.
Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a light coating that will crisp up nicely when stir-fried, and the soy sauce and sesame oil add a base layer of flavor. The Shaoxing wine adds a depth of flavor, but it's perfectly fine to omit if you don't have it on hand.
Let it Rest: Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp and the cornstarch to work its magic. While the shrimp is marinating, you can prep the rest of your ingredients.

Preparing the Vegetables:

Now, let's move on to the veggies. The key to a good stir-fry is having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling to chop vegetables while your shrimp is burning in the wok!

Prep the Bell Peppers: Core, seed, and slice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers into strips that are about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Slice the Onion: Slice the onion into similar-sized strips as the bell peppers. You can slice them pole to pole (from root to stem) for longer strips, or across the middle for shorter ones – it's up to you!
Mince the Garlic and Ginger: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for that authentic stir-fry flavor. Don't skimp on these! You can use a microplane for the ginger if you want a really fine grate.
Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth (or water). Set this aside – we'll need it later. Taste the sauce and adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar.

The Stir-Fry Process:

Alright, the moment we've been waiting for! This is where the magic happens. Make sure you have everything within easy reach – your prepped shrimp, vegetables, sauce, and cooking oil. A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will work just fine.

Heat the Wok/Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. You want the wok to be screaming hot – almost smoking. This is what gives the stir-fry that characteristic "wok hei" or smoky flavor.
Sear the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the hot wok in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the wok, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside. They don't need to be fully cooked at this point, as they'll continue to cook later.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. Then, add the bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp. Keep the vegetables moving constantly to prevent them from burning.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture into the wok with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute, until the sauce thickens slightly. The cornstarch in the marinade will help thicken the sauce.
Return the Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the wok. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp is heated through and the sauce is glossy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the stir-fry from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry:

High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. This helps to sear the ingredients and create that signature smoky flavor.
Don't Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
Prep Everything in Advance: As mentioned before, having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is crucial for a successful stir-fry.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, more sugar for sweetness, or more soy sauce for saltiness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, garlic, and ginger will make a huge difference in the flavor of your stir-fry.

Variations:

Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stir-fry, such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
Use Different Proteins: You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted peanuts or cashews over the stir-fry for added crunch.

Enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp pepper stir-fry! I hope you found this recipe helpful and easy to follow. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try it out!

Conclusion:

This Shrimp Pepper Stir Fry isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, the succulent shrimp, and the savory sauce combine to create a dish that's both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends, then look no further. This recipe is a guaranteed winner. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Zucchini, broccoli, or even snap peas would be fantastic additions. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. For a richer flavor, a splash of sesame oil at the end is always a good idea. Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Shrimp Pepper Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. The grains soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a delight. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works perfectly. You could also serve it with noodles – udon, soba, or even spaghetti would be delicious. And if you're looking for a lighter meal, simply enjoy it on its own or with a side salad. Don't be afraid to get creative with the sauce too! If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. For a more savory taste, a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce will do the trick. And if you're a fan of garlic, don't hesitate to add an extra clove or two. The possibilities are truly endless! I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this Shrimp Pepper Stir Fry is sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed. This recipe is so simple and straightforward that even beginner cooks can master it with ease. And the best part is, it's ready in under 30 minutes! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you've made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. I can't wait to see your culinary creations and hear all about your Shrimp Pepper Stir Fry adventures. Happy cooking!