Cajun Shrimp and Bell Pepper With Quinoa

35 min | easy | lactose-free, low-fat, Mediterranean diet, pescatarian

Glass meal-prep container on a marble surface filled with Cajun-seasoned sautéed shrimp and red and yellow bell pepper strips beside a mound of fluffy quinoa, sprinkled with chopped herbs.

Recipe by Eunice Published Dec 4, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	20 min	35 min

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Introduction

This Cajun shrimp with sweet bell peppers and fluffy herb quinoa is bold, colorful, and full of smoky heat.

It comes together quickly, so it is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something fresh and homemade.

The tender shrimp, caramelized peppers, and light, herby quinoa make a balanced, one-plate meal with tons of flavor.

Overhead view of two rectangular glass meal-prep containers, each divided between fluffy quinoa and Cajun-spiced shrimp with sautéed red and yellow bell pepper strips, garnished with a few green herb leaves on a white marble surface.

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Bell Pepper With Quinoa

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Cook the quinoa

Rinse the quinoa under cool water in a fine-mesh strainer for at least 30 seconds.
Combine the rinsed quinoa, water, vegetable bouillon, and sea salt in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Steam and fluff the quinoa

Turn off the heat and let the covered quinoa sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Uncover and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork until the grains look light and separate.
Taste and adjust the salt, or stir in a spoonful of chopped herbs if you like.

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Season the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and the shrimp sear instead of steam.
Add the shrimp to a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Toss until every shrimp is well coated, then squeeze in the lime juice and toss again.
Let the shrimp sit while you cook the peppers, so the flavors have a moment to soak in.
Sauté the bell peppers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, then season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are crisp-tender and slightly charred in spots, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Transfer the peppers to a plate and keep them warm.
Sear the shrimp

In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque on the first side, about 2 minutes, without moving them much.
Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until they curl into loose C-shapes.
Pull the pan off the heat as soon as the shrimp are cooked to avoid a rubbery texture.

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Assemble the bowls

Spoon a bed of quinoa into each bowl or plate.
Top with a pile of sautéed bell peppers and a generous portion of Cajun shrimp.
Finish with an extra squeeze of lime over the top, if you enjoy a brighter, tangier flavor.

Substitutions

Shrimp -> boneless, skinless chicken breast strips: Swap the shrimp for thin strips of boneless, skinless chicken breast and sauté them until cooked through. The spices still taste bold and smoky, and the chicken gives a slightly meatier, more filling bite. This is great if you are cooking for someone who does not love seafood.
Quinoa -> cooked brown rice: Use cooked brown rice instead of quinoa if that is what you have on hand. You keep the hearty whole grains, but the texture feels softer and a little more comforting. Cut the salt slightly, because rice seasoned with bouillon can taste salty faster than quinoa.
Red and yellow bell peppers -> mixed mini sweet peppers: Try sliced mini sweet peppers in the same colors for a fun, bite-size twist. They cook a little faster and bring even more natural sweetness against the smoky Cajun spices. This swap looks especially pretty if you are serving the dish for guests.

Tips

Rinse the quinoa well: Rinsing removes quinoa's natural coating, which can taste bitter and soapy if it stays on the grains.
Use a hot pan for the shrimp: Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding shrimp, so they sear quickly and stay juicy inside.
Cook peppers and shrimp in batches if needed: If your skillet feels crowded, cook peppers or shrimp in two rounds to prevent steaming and dull, pale color.
Do not overcook the shrimp: Stop cooking when the shrimp form loose C-shapes; tight O-shapes usually mean they are overcooked and rubbery.
Prep ahead for faster weeknights: Slice the peppers and mix the Cajun seasoning in the morning, so dinner comes together very quickly later.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	398	kcal
Protein	33	g
Total Fat	10	g
Carbohydrates	38	g
Dietary Fiber	4	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

How do I keep my quinoa from tasting bitter?: Always rinse the quinoa under cool water before cooking to remove the bitter outer coating. You can also toast the rinsed quinoa in a dry pan for a minute for a nutty flavor. Season the cooking water with bouillon and salt, so the grains taste savory instead of flat.
What if my shrimp turn out rubbery or tough?: Rubbery shrimp almost always mean they were cooked too long or over very low heat. Next time, use a hot pan, cook them just a few minutes per side, and pull them off the heat quickly. They should look pink and opaque, with juicy centers and gentle C-shapes.
Can I use frozen shrimp or frozen bell peppers?: Yes, frozen shrimp work well, just thaw them completely and pat very dry before seasoning. Frozen peppers are fine, but they release more water and will not char as nicely as fresh slices. Cook off the extra liquid over higher heat if you use frozen vegetables.
How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat?: The dish has a medium kick from the cayenne, but it should not feel overwhelmingly spicy. For less heat, use half the cayenne, or skip it and rely on smoked paprika for flavor. For more heat, add extra cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun shrimp and bell pepper quinoa makes a colorful main dish with big flavor and very little fuss.

Pair it with a simple green salad or sliced avocado to add cool contrast to the warm, smoky spices.

For a special touch, garnish the bowls with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley.

More pairings:

Reviews

Sandra Garcia, Baton Rouge: Whipped this up for dinner and the flavors were so bold and fresh, that lime at the end really makes it pop 😋 Only thing that tripped me up was the “let the shrimp sit while you cook the peppers” part, do you mean leave them in the seasoning with the lime the whole time, or add the lime right before searing? I added it right before cooking and it turned out great, just wanted to be sure for next time! — 4 ★

Eunice: Happy it turned out bold and fresh, Sandra! Let the shrimp rest in the dry Cajun seasoning while the peppers cook, then add the lime right before searing or as a squeeze at the end so the acid doesn’t start “cooking” the shrimp.