Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry with tender vegetables and aromatic Thai basil, perfect for a budget-conscious meal. This thai-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Thai basil leaves, chopped Broccolini, medium, diced Red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 cups, chopped Broccolini
- 1 medium, diced Red bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Shoyu sauce
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Coconut milk
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups chopped broccolini and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until tender, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup Thai basil leaves and 2 tbsp shoyu sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until the basil wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp coconut milk and 1 tsp sriracha. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld. Finish with a drizzle of 1 tsp brown sugar for sweetness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry?
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 thai basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry?
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 Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Budget-Friendly Thai Basil Stir-Fry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
