Stir-Fried Shrimp with Thai Basil and Chili

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

Quick stir-fried shrimp tossed with fragrant Thai basil, fresh chili, and a savory sauce for a bold, spicy seafood dish. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 6 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 sliced fresh red Thai chili, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until wilted and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with lime wedges to squeeze over for a bright finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Thai Basil and Chili?

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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Thai Basil and Chili?

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 Thai Basil and Chili 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 Thai Basil and Chili?

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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