Stir-Fried Shrimp with Lemongrass and Holy Basil

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

Succulent shrimp stir-fried with fragrant lemongrass and aromatic holy basil, served with steamed rice. This vietnamese ready in about 30 minutes pairs Shrimp, Lemongrass, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 stalks minced lemongrass, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1-inch minced ginger to the wok, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to wok, add 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp sugar, and stir-fry for 1 minute to combine.
  5. Step 5: Add 1/2 cup holy basil leaves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked rice with 4 lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Lemongrass and Holy Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lemongrass and Holy 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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Lemongrass and Holy 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Lemongrass and Holy Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemongrass and Holy Basil?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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