Keto Creamy Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the lemon juice, dried basil, and oregano.
Combine and finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce.
Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the shrimp are well coated.
Optional cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and cook for an additional minute until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 4 servings):
Calories: ~350
Fat: ~26g
Protein: ~25g
Net Carbs: ~7g
Fiber: ~2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific products and quantities used.
Tips:
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a bit more heavy cream.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to add more variety and nutrients.
Spice It Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Benefits:
Low in Carbs: This dish is keto-friendly with only about 7g of net carbs per serving.
High in Protein: Shrimp provides a high amount of protein, which is great for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Rich in Healthy Fats: The heavy cream and olive oil provide healthy fats, which are essential for a ketogenic diet.
Flavorful and Filling: The creamy sauce and savory shrimp make this a satisfying and flavorful meal that fits well into a low-carb lifestyle.
Enjoy this Keto Creamy Shrimp and Pepper Stir-Fry as a quick and delicious meal that’s both low in carbs and high in flavor!