Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp stir-fried with garlic and fresh basil leaves, coated in a savory and spicy soy-based sauce for an addictive Asian-inspired dish. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, thinly sliced 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 280 calories and feeds 3, 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: 8 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar, tossing continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, fold in 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, stirring until basil wilts and is fragrant. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 16 minutes (8 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil in Spicy Soy Sauce?

Asian 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.

Related recipes