Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil over Rice

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

Quick-cooked shrimp sizzling in garlic and basil, served over fluffy rice for a vibrant, aromatic dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. This vietnamese-inspired stir fry ready in about 18 minutes pairs Shrimp, Garlic, Fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a wok over high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Cook for 1 minute until basil wilts and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil over Rice 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil over Rice?

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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil over Rice?

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 over Rice 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Basil over Rice?

Vietnamese 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.

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