Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil
Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with a spicy chili garlic sauce and fresh basil for a vibrant seafood dish. This asian fusion-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on one side until pink and edges start to curl, then flip.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp honey, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and toss in 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp lime juice, stirring to combine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil?
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 Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Chili Garlic Sauce and Basil?
Asian Fusion 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.