Rainbow Shrimp Medley with Garden Vegetables Recipe

Colorful Rainbow Shrimp Medley Recipe: A Garden Fresh Delight

Crafting a vibrant rainbow shrimp medley sparks culinary creativity in every kitchen.

Summer’s bounty of fresh garden vegetables adds delightful color and crunch to this delectable dish.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore the playful combination of succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables.

Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes dance together in a light, zesty sauce.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that sing with freshness.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe an ideal weeknight solution for hungry families.

Come savor a meal that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

What Makes Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables Special

  • Craft Vibrant Color Palette: Bursting with rainbow-hued vegetables and succulent shrimp, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a visual feast that delights both eyes and taste buds.
  • Quick Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and an array of fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers maximum nutritional benefits without compromising on flavor or cooking speed.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Utilizing a single skillet, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup while maximizing culinary creativity, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet practical meal solutions.
  • Customize with Confidence: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, you can swap vegetables or adjust seasoning, ensuring the recipe remains flexible for different dietary needs and taste preferences.

What’s In Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

Proteins:
  • Shrimp: A succulent seafood that brings a delicate and sweet flavor to the rainbow medley.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots: Julienned carrots add a bright orange color and sweet, crisp texture.
  • Zucchini: Provides a mild, fresh green element with a tender bite.
  • Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, Green): Colorful peppers that contribute vibrant hues and a sweet, slightly tangy taste.
  • Purple Onion: Offers a sharp, pungent flavor and beautiful purple color to the dish.
  • Purple Cabbage: Introduces a deep purple tone and a fresh, crunchy texture.
Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
  • Garlic: Brings an aromatic and pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of shrimp and vegetables.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy finish that cuts through the richness.
  • Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a light, green garnish and herbal note.

Steps To Make Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil develops a gentle, shimmering surface.

Step 2: Release Aromatic Garlic

Add minced garlic and sauté quickly, about 30 seconds, allowing its fragrant essence to bloom without burning.

Step 3: Introduce Crisp Vegetable Ribbons

Add julienned vegetables to the pan:
  • Carrots
  • Zucchini

Stir-fry for 2 minutes, maintaining their vibrant colors and crisp texture.

Step 4: Add Colorful Pepper Medley

Incorporate chopped bell peppers and onions:
  • Red bell pepper
  • Yellow bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Purple onion

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Enhance With Purple Cabbage

Toss in shredded purple cabbage, cooking briefly to preserve its raw crunch and deep color.

Step 6: Create Cooking Space

Push vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating an open area for shrimp.

Step 7: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer to the cleared space, ensuring even cooking.

Step 8: Season And Develop Flavor

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over shrimp, cooking 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Step 9: Blend Seafood And Vegetables

Gently mix shrimp with vegetable medley, ensuring uniform heat distribution.

Step 10: Brighten With Citrus

Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the entire dish, creating a tangy and refreshing finish.

Step 11: Garnish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped parsley across the rainbow shrimp stir-fry for added freshness.

Step 12: Serve Immediately

Transfer to a serving platter while hot, showcasing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas.

Helpful Hints For Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

  • Elevate this rainbow shrimp medley with these expert tips
  • – Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for optimal flavor and texture, ensuring they're deveined and patted dry before cooking.
  • – Use high heat and minimal oil to achieve perfect shrimp searing without making them rubbery or overcooked.
  • – Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.
  • – Consider adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra flavor kick that complements the seafood's natural sweetness.
  • – For a low-carb version, swap out vegetables with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

Fun Ideas For Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace traditional seasoning with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired coastal flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Shrimp: Add cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create a bold, zesty southwestern-style preparation with jalapeños.
  • Asian Ginger Splash: Incorporate fresh ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to transform the dish into a quick Asian-inspired stir-fry with vibrant umami notes.
  • Caribbean Coconut Escape: Introduce coconut milk, fresh ginger, and a hint of rum for a tropical version with rich, creamy undertones that transport taste buds to island shores.

Best Sides For Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

  • Elevate Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc with bright citrus notes that complements the dish's lemony seafood profile and cuts through the richness of the shrimp.
  • Spark Mediterranean-Style Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread brushed with olive oil to soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
  • Refresh with Herbal Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to echo the dish's fresh herbs and add a peppery, nutty dimension to the meal.

Storing And Reheating Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator's main compartment.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled shrimp and vegetable mixture to freezer-safe containers, preserving quality for up to 2 months; avoid freezing as the vegetables might lose texture.
  • Reheat Skillet: Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain vegetable crispness, typically 3-4 minutes.
  • Microwave Caution: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery shrimp texture, stopping once the dish reaches steaming temperature.

All About Rainbow Shrimp Medley With Garden Vegetables

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl slightly, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during cooking.

  • Can I substitute any vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap vegetables based on availability or preference. Just ensure you choose colorful options and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Try yellow squash instead of zucchini or swap purple onion with white onion.

  • What makes this dish colorful and nutritious?

The combination of multicolored bell peppers, purple cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and shrimp creates a vibrant rainbow effect. Each vegetable brings unique nutrients, making this dish both visually appealing and healthy.

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Rainbow Shrimp Medley with Garden Vegetables Recipe

Rainbow Shrimp Medley with Garden Vegetables Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling rainbow shrimp medley brings colorful Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table, dancing with fresh garden vegetables. Crisp herbs and zesty lemon elevate this quick seafood delight, inviting you to savor each vibrant, perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Seafood:

  • 1 pound (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 0.5 pound (227 g) mixed colorful shrimp varieties

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup (150 g) red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup (150 g) green bell pepper, chopped
  • 0.5 cup (75 g) purple cabbage, shredded
  • 0.5 cup (75 g) carrots, julienned
  • 0.5 cup (75 g) zucchini, sliced
  • 0.25 cup (40 g) purple onion, diced

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers with a gentle ripple, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and quickly sauté for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without allowing it to brown.
  3. Introduce julienned carrots and zucchini, stir-frying for 2 minutes to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  4. Incorporate chopped bell peppers and purple onion, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Toss in shredded purple cabbage, cooking briefly to preserve its raw crunch and deep color, about 1 minute.
  6. Create an open space in the skillet by moving vegetables to the sides, creating a clear area for shrimp.
  7. Carefully place shrimp in a single layer in the cleared skillet area, ensuring maximum contact with the hot surface.
  8. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they transform to a soft pink and slightly curl.
  9. Gently combine shrimp with the vegetable medley, stirring to distribute heat and flavors evenly.
  10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish, adding a bright and tangy dimension to the colorful mixture.
  11. Sprinkle chopped parsley across the rainbow shrimp medley for a fresh, herbal finish.
  12. Immediately transfer the hot, aromatic dish to a serving platter, presenting the vibrant colors and textures.

Notes

  • Choose a heavy-bottomed skillet or wok for even heat distribution and optimal vegetable searing.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by maintaining high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan during stir-frying.
  • Use medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
  • Adjust cooking time for shrimp based on size to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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