Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Basil

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

Quick stir-fried shrimp tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh chili, and sweet Thai basil leaves for a vibrant and spicy dish. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced fresh red chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and start to curl.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped green onions until basil wilts and becomes fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with 4 lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the shrimp for a bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Basil take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Basil?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili 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 Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili 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 Spicy Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Chili Basil?

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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