Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir fry of succulent shrimp with crisp snap peas, toasted cashews, and fragrant basil in a garlicky soy sauce glaze. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce with 1 tbsp honey until combined and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook for 1 more minute until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups trimmed snap peas and 1/3 cup roasted cashews to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until snap peas are bright green and still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour the soy-honey sauce over the shrimp mixture, stirring to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Basil-Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with Snap Peas and Cashews?

Asian stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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