Sizzling Thai Basil Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry with shrimp, Thai basil, and a tangy tamarind glaze. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs shrimp, Thai basil leaves, bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes until tender-crisp. Push to the sides of the wok.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and curled. Stir in 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Step 4: Toss in 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves and cook for 1 minute until wilted. Serve immediately with lime wedges for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sizzling Thai Basil Stir-Fry take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sizzling 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sizzling 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 Sizzling Thai Basil Stir-Fry 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 Sizzling 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better asian dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
