Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime

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

Quick stir-fried shrimp infused with fiery chili, fragrant garlic, fresh Thai basil, and zesty lime for a vibrant seafood dish. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced fresh red chilies, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly toasted.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring to get a slight sear, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss well to coat the shrimp and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately for a bright and spicy seafood dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime?

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 Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Chili-Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Thai Basil and Lime?

Thai seafood 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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