Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles

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

A quick and spicy Thai stir-fry with shrimp, basil, rice noodles, and a garlic-chili sauce for a bold flavor. This thai-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, rice noodles, basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente (firm but not crunchy). Drain well in a colander and set aside. Tip: Use a timer to avoid overcooking, which makes noodles mushy.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Add 2 tbsp chili paste and stir for 1 minute, until the paste darkens and releases its aroma. Tip: Keep heat moderate to prevent burning the chili paste, which makes it bitter.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Add 1/2 cup torn basil leaves and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the leaves wilt and emit a fresh scent. Tip: Add basil near the end to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the shrimp and basil mixture to a large bowl. Add the drained rice noodles and toss thoroughly to combine. Squeeze juice from 1 lime over the top, then drizzle 1 tbsp oil (optional) for extra richness. Toss again until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. Tip: For a lighter version, skip the extra oil and use only the lime juice.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, dividing the stir-fry into 4 portions. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. Tip: The dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles can become sticky if left to sit.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles?

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 Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles?

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 Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles 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.

Is Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes