Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful dish called Sautéed Shrimp and Peppers over Rice. This mouthwatering recipe combines the succulent flavors of sautéed shrimp and vibrant peppers with the comforting goodness of fluffy rice. With carefully measured ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to create this scrumptious meal effortlessly. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary adventure that will leave you coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To make sautéed shrimp and peppers over rice, you will need the following ingredients:
Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of this dish. You will need fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. About 1 pound of shrimp should be enough for a delicious meal.
Peppers
For some vibrant colors and a hint of spiciness, you will need a variety of peppers. I recommend using both red and green bell peppers, as well as some thinly sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.
Rice
To serve your sautéed shrimp and peppers, you will need some fluffy rice. Long-grain white rice works best for this dish, but feel free to use your favorite type of rice.
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion add depth and flavor to the dish. You will need a few cloves of garlic, minced, and a medium-sized onion, finely chopped.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the key ingredient in the savory sauce that ties everything together. Make sure you have a good quality soy sauce on hand.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to use too much.
Salt and Pepper
Every great dish needs some salt and pepper for seasoning. Add them to taste, and adjust accordingly.
Vegetable Oil
To sauté the shrimp and peppers, you will need some vegetable oil. This will help prevent sticking and give your ingredients a beautiful caramelized coating.
Green Onions
Green onions are the perfect garnish for this dish. Finely slice some green onions to sprinkle on top before serving.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Let’s go through each step together.
Preparing the Shrimp
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, peel off the shells and remove the tails. If using fresh shrimp, simply peel and devein them. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Prepping the Peppers
Wash the bell peppers and chili peppers under cold water. Slice open the bell peppers and remove the stems, seeds, and white membranes. Thinly slice the bell peppers and chili peppers, keeping the slices similar in size for even cooking. Set aside.
Cooking the Rice
Measure the desired amount of rice and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch and help prevent clumping. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and the appropriate amount of water according to the package instructions. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the rice simmer for the specified cooking time, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Chopping the Garlic and Onion
Peel and mince the cloves of garlic. Finely chop the onion into small pieces. Keep the garlic and onion separate, as they will be added at different stages of the cooking process. Set aside.
Slicing the Green Onions
Take a few stalks of green onions and trim off the root ends. Finely slice the green parts of the onions, creating thin, round slices. Set aside for garnishing later.
Sautéing the Shrimp and Peppers
The next step is to sauté the shrimp and peppers to bring out their flavors and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
Heating the Pan
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it heat up for a minute or two until shimmering.
Sautéing the Shrimp
Once the pan is hot, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing the Peppers
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and chili peppers. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a slight crunch. Remove the peppers from the pan and set aside.
Combining Shrimp and Peppers
Return the cooked shrimp and peppers to the pan. Give them a quick toss to combine and let them heat through for a minute or two. This will ensure all the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Sauce
A flavorful sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. Let’s make it!
Mixing the Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well to blend the flavors together. This sauce will add a rich and savory taste to the dish.
Seasoning with Salt and Pepper
To taste, add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Combining the Sautéed Shrimp, Peppers, and Rice
Now that all the individual components are ready, it’s time to combine them into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Stir-frying the Garlic and Onion
Heat the same pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it heat up for a minute. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Stir-fry them for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant and start to soften.
Adding the Cooked Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan with the garlic and onion. Gently stir-fry the rice with a spatula to coat it evenly with the flavors of the garlic and onion. Continue stir-frying for about 2-3 minutes to heat the rice through.
Incorporating the Shrimp and Peppers
Next, add the sautéed shrimp and peppers to the pan with the rice. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and stir everything together. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or two to ensure the flavors blend well and the shrimp and peppers are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Serving
Finally, it’s time to plate your sautéed shrimp and peppers over rice and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Garnishing with Green Onions
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the dish for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. The green onions add a satisfying crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Enjoying the Dish
Serve the sautéed shrimp and peppers over rice while still warm. Each bite will be a delightful mix of juicy shrimp, tender peppers, and flavorful rice infused with the aromatic garlic and onion. The sweet and savory sauce ties everything together beautifully, and the green onions provide the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this dish as a main course for lunch or dinner, and savor the deliciousness!
Bon appétit!