“Sweet and Sour Shrimp with Pineapple & Peppers” is a colorful, vibrant, and utterly mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

Tender shrimp are tossed in a glossy, perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar. The bright bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks add both texture and freshness, making every bite a burst of flavor and color.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Sweet and Sour Shrimp with Pineapple & Peppers recipe because it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and brightness. The tangy-sweet sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp, while the pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunch of bell peppers. It’s light yet deeply satisfying, and the aroma while cooking is enough to make everyone rush to the kitchen!

Another reason I adore this dish is its versatility — it’s just as good for a casual weeknight dinner as it is for serving guests. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a fun, colorful, and family-friendly way.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

If you’ve ever loved classic Chinese takeout flavors, this dish is a must-try. It’s faster, fresher, and healthier than ordering in — and you can adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking. The shrimp cook up tender and juicy in minutes, and the combination of pineapple and peppers gives the dish an irresistible tropical flair.

It’s also a one-pan meal that’s visually stunning — golden shrimp, glossy red and green peppers, and chunks of pineapple swimming in a shiny orange sauce. Whether served over fluffy rice or noodles, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-American

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice, not syrup)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 1/3 cup pineapple juice (from can or fresh)
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth, then stir in cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Toss in garlic, onions (if using), and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften but remain crisp.
4. Add Pineapple:
   Add the pineapple chunks and cook for another minute, stirring to combine.
5. Pour in the Sauce:
   Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy — about 1–2 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
   Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve

Serve your Sweet and Sour Shrimp immediately over steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or noodles. The sticky, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with the neutral backdrop of rice. For a fancier touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped scallions before serving.

It also pairs well with side dishes like:

• Vegetable spring rolls
• Fried rice
• Steamed broccoli or snow peas

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook fast and can become rubbery if left too long.
• Balance the sauce: Taste before adding — if it’s too tangy, add a little more sugar; if too sweet, a splash more vinegar.
• Use fresh pineapple: It gives the dish a vibrant tropical flavor, though canned works fine too.
• High heat = crisp veggies: Stir-fry quickly over high heat for that perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Double the sauce: If you love saucy stir-fries, double the sauce ingredients — it’s perfect for soaking up with rice!

Variations

1. Sweet and Sour Chicken or Tofu:
   Substitute shrimp with chicken breast pieces or crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
2. Add Crunch:
   Toss in cashews or roasted peanuts for texture and extra protein.
3. Spicy Kick:
   Add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
4. Coconut Twist:
   Add 1/4 cup coconut milk for a creamy tropical variation.
5. Mango or Peach Option:
   Replace or mix pineapple with mango or peach for a fruity twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long — it may overcook the shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Tongs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid watery sauce.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and vegetables in advance, but cook the shrimp fresh for best texture.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple?
Absolutely — just use pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) and include the juice in the sauce.

Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Q5: Can I bake or air fry the shrimp first?
Yes! Toss shrimp in cornstarch and air fry or bake until crisp before mixing into the sauce for a crunchy version.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Sour Shrimp with Pineapple & Peppers is a feast for both the eyes and the palate — bursting with color, freshness, and bold, balanced flavors. Every bite brings you the sweetness of pineapple, the crunch of peppers, and the savory tang of shrimp coated in a glossy, irresistible sauce.

It’s a perfect dish for busy nights, special occasions, or whenever you crave something bright and full of life. Quick, wholesome, and absolutely delicious — once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.