Garlicky Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry
High-Protein, Aromatic Garlic Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe
Here’s a simple yet delicious shrimp and vegetable stir-fry recipe, packed with fragrant garlic, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables and plump shrimp is delightful, and you can easily customize it with different ingredients.
Ingredients- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1.5 bell peppers (yellow/red)
- Generous amount of olive oil
- Garlic, to your liking (minced or sliced)
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
- Scallions (white parts), a good bunch
- 1 chili pepper (such as Korean red chili)
- Ground cayenne pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients. You’ll need 12 shrimp (peeled and deveined), garlic to your preference (minced or thinly sliced), the white parts of scallions cut into appropriate lengths, and one chili pepper (like a Korean red chili) seeded and finely chopped. Slice the bell peppers (1.5, any color works fine) into bite-sized pieces after removing the seeds.
Step 2
Chop all the vegetables except the shrimp (bell peppers, scallions, chili pepper) into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm. Cutting them too small might reduce the texture, so aim for a size that allows for a satisfying chew.
Step 3
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced or sliced garlic and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. The goal is to infuse the oil with the aromatic essence of garlic and scallions.
Step 4
Once the garlic and scallions are nicely fragrant, add the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry over high heat. Cook the shrimp quickly until they just begin to turn pink and opaque; overcooking can make them tough. Adding the shrimp later ensures they maintain a firm, ‘snap’ texture. The reason for cooking garlic and scallions first is to build flavor and aroma, as they can withstand slightly longer cooking than shrimp which can easily overcook.
Step 5
As the shrimp start to curl and turn pink, and their tails begin to look slightly crispy, sprinkle in your desired amount of ground cayenne pepper. Cayenne adds a pleasant warmth and a hint of heat. Feel free to add more if you enjoy a spicier kick!
Step 6
After adding the cayenne pepper, give everything a quick toss to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. (The amount of cayenne pepper shown in the photo is just a suggestion based on personal preference; the final appearance may vary.)
Step 7
Transfer the beautifully stir-fried shrimp and vegetables to a serving plate. The slightly crispy shrimp tails are particularly delicious! This dish pairs wonderfully with a bowl of hot steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
