Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Basil
Stir-fried thin rice noodles tossed with succulent shrimp, fresh basil, and a spicy, savory sauce that delivers a perfect balance of heat and umami. This thai-inspired stir fry ready in about 35 minutes pairs thin rice noodles, large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 8 oz thin rice noodles
- 12 pieces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chili bird’s eye chili, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz thin rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until softened but not mushy; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced bird’s eye chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and just cooked through.
- Step 4: Toss in the drained noodles, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Stir-fry constantly for 2 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and begin to caramelize.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, stirring until wilted and aromatic.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and 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 thin rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp 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 Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Basil?
Thai stir fry 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.
