Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic, Chilies, and Basil

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

A vibrant and spicy Thai stir-fry featuring tender squid, fragrant garlic, fiery chilies, and fresh basil leaves. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, finely chopped, dried red chilies, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add 5 finely chopped garlic cloves and 3 chopped dried red chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced shallot and stir-fry for 1 minute until softened. Add 10 oz sliced squid rings and stir-fry briskly for 2-3 minutes until squid turns opaque and begins to curl.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and 1 tsp palm sugar, tossing continuously so the squid is evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately toss in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic, Chilies, and Basil 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 Squid with Garlic, Chilies, 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic, Chilies, 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 Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic, Chilies, 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 Stir-Fried Squid with Garlic, Chilies, and Basil?

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.

Related recipes