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Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Beginner-Friendly Recipe

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This Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is the perfect weeknight meal! Juicy shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and a savory, garlicky sauce come together in just minutes for a vibrant, beginner-friendly dish that’s as delicious as it is easy!

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Before you start cooking, mix the sauce ingredients to save time later. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. This mixture will create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Shrimp cook quickly and should turn pink and opaque when done. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion turns slightly translucent. This step releases the flavors of the aromatics, creating a flavorful base for the stir-fry.

Step 4: Cook the Bell Peppers

Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp. The key to a great stir-fry is maintaining the vegetables’ texture, so avoid overcooking them. You want the peppers to have a slight crunch to contrast with the tender shrimp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Your Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry is now ready to serve.

Notes

Common Cooking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  1. Shrimp is tough and rubbery
    • Overcooked shrimp become chewy. To avoid this, remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  2. Vegetables are too soft
    • Stir-frying should be done quickly over high heat to keep the vegetables crisp. Avoid cooking them for too long.
  3. Sauce is too thick or lumpy
    • If your sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it. Always mix the cornstarch with liquid before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping.

Kitchen Tips for Efficiency

  • Pre-chop everything: Since stir-frying is a fast process, have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
  • Use a hot pan: Stir-frying works best when your pan is hot enough to quickly cook the ingredients while keeping them crisp.
  • Cook in batches: If making a larger portion, cook the shrimp and vegetables separately to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Find it online: https://www.valerierecipes.com/shrimp-and-pepper-stir-fry-a-quick-and-flavorful-beginner-friendly-recipe/