Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce

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

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed and tossed in a vibrant, spicy Thai basil sauce bursting with garlic, chili, and fish sauce. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, finely chopped 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 210 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 210 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 finely chopped garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced red Thai bird chilies; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook 1-2 more minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and fold in 1 cup packed fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, tossing gently until the basil wilts from the residual heat.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Spicy Thai Basil Sauce 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 Spicy Thai Basil Sauce?

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 Spicy Thai Basil Sauce?

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 Spicy Thai Basil Sauce 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 Spicy Thai Basil Sauce?

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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