Improvised Shrimp Stir-Fry with Mediterranean Flavors

Stock your freezer and pantry with a few good staples, and you’ll always have the makings of a quick dinner on hand. Shrimp is an excellent candidate for freezer space because it can be defrosted in minutes; simply put the desired amount in cool water while you prep the rest of the ingredients. The recipe below calls for bell pepper and onion, but almost any quick-cooking vegetables will work. Try diced eggplant, sliced zucchini or squash, green beans, peas…whatever is in the fridge or garden.

Great staples for the pantry include pitted Kalamata olives, capers, and sundried tomatoes in oil. When you’ve used all the sundried tomatoes, keep the oil for sauteing as we do in this recipe.

Consider this recipe a general guide, adjusting it to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand.

1. 1. In a small bowl, combine the shrimp, 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
   2. Place a large saute pan over medium heat, and add the sundried tomato oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the bell pepper, onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
   3. Raise heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp and their marinade, and stir until the shrimp are pink and just opaque, 1-2 minutes; be careful not to overcook. Add the olives, capers, and wine, and stir until the mixture is steaming. Add lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.