Stir-Fried Udon with Spicy Thai Basil and Shrimp

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

Thick udon noodles tossed with plump shrimp, fiery Thai bird’s eye chilies, and fragrant holy basil for a quick and satisfying stir-fry. This thai-inspired noodles ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh or frozen udon noodles, peeled and deveined shrimp, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 12 oz udon noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together for 2 minutes until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup fresh holy basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, tossing just until the basil wilts. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Udon with Spicy Thai Basil and Shrimp?

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 fresh or frozen udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Udon with Spicy Thai Basil and Shrimp?

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 Udon with Spicy Thai Basil and Shrimp 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 Udon with Spicy Thai Basil and Shrimp?

Thai noodles 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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