Finding a quick weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying can feel like an impossible task. Between wrapping up work, helping kids with homework, and trying to squeeze in some exercise, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a complicated meal.
That’s where this shrimp vegetable stir fry comes to the rescue. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, packed with protein and fresh vegetables, and can be customized based on whatever produce you have in your fridge. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that makes cleanup a breeze.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For shrimp, tofu or tempeh can be used as vegetarian alternatives, providing similar protein content and absorbing flavors well. Cut into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly. Chicken or sliced beef can also work for those who prefer other meats.
Bell peppers can be substituted with zucchini, summer squash, or eggplant for a different vegetable mix. These options maintain the dish’s colorful appearance and add variety to the texture. Adjust cooking times as needed, as these vegetables may cook faster or slower than bell peppers.
Butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These oils will still provide a rich flavor and help with sautéing. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe, but be mindful that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-800
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 g
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- Black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1-2 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined for convenience)
- Salt (to taste)
- Seafood seasoning (I like Old Bay for this)
For the vegetables:
- 1 pimento pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 package green beans (trimmed)
- 1 head broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
- 1 carrot (julienned into thin matchsticks)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
For cooking:
- 1-2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by cleaning and deveining 1-2 pounds of shrimp.
Once cleaned, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seafood seasoning (or any all-purpose seasoning of your choice).
Mix well to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Set the seasoned shrimp aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Chop and Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the carrots into pieces, and if desired, create carrot flowers for a decorative presentation.
Next, chop the yellow, red, and green bell peppers.
Also, prepare the other vegetables by chopping garlic, onion, and pimento peppers, and having broccoli and green beans ready for cooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a wok, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned shrimp to the wok in a single layer, cooking them for about 1 minute on each side, for a total of 2 minutes.
This quick cooking will ensure that the shrimp remain juicy and flavorful.
Remove the shrimp from the wok and set them aside temporarily.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
After removing the shrimp, add the chopped garlic, onion, and pimento peppers to the wok.
Stir-fry these aromatics for a few seconds until fragrant.
Quickly add the chopped bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and broccoli to the wok.
Season the vegetables with a bit more salt, Old Bay seafood seasoning, and a pinch of parsley for added flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Continue to stir-fry the vegetable mixture over medium to high heat for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables become tender but remain slightly crunchy.
The total cooking time should be around 5 minutes.
You may add more butter at this stage to enhance the flavor, if desired.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the wok, mixing them into the vegetable stir-fry.
Ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve the shrimp and vegetable stir-fry as is, or for a heartier meal, spoon it over a bed of rice.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful stir-fry!
