Half-Spiced Thai Basil Stir-Fry
A fragrant stir-fry with half the usual spice level, perfect for those who prefer milder flavors. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined shrimp, Thai basil, sliced bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 1/2 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup Thai basil
- 1/2 cup, sliced bell pepper
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1 tbsp, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp garlic and 1 tbsp ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup bell pepper and 1/2 lb shrimp, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup coconut milk and 1 tbsp soy sauce, stirring to coat the ingredients. Cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Toss in 1/2 cup Thai basil, cooking for 1 minute until leaves are wilted.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar, adjusting to taste. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Spiced Thai Basil Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Half-Spiced 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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Spiced 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 Half-Spiced 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.
What goes well with Half-Spiced Thai Basil Stir-Fry?
Thai asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
