Thai Seafood and Basil Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A quick and spicy Thai stir-fry with shrimp, basil, rice noodles, and a garlic-chili sauce for a bold flavor. This thai-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, rice noodles, basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1/2 cup basil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp chili paste
• 1 lime
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente (firm but not crunchy). Drain well in a colander and set aside. Tip: Use a timer to avoid overcooking, which makes noodles mushy.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Add 2 tbsp chili paste and stir for 1 minute, until the paste darkens and releases its aroma. Tip: Keep heat moderate to prevent burning the chili paste, which makes it bitter.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Add 1/2 cup torn basil leaves and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the leaves wilt and emit a fresh scent. Tip: Add basil near the end to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
4. Step 4: Transfer the shrimp and basil mixture to a large bowl. Add the drained rice noodles and toss thoroughly to combine. Squeeze juice from 1 lime over the top, then drizzle 1 tbsp oil (optional) for extra richness. Toss again until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. Tip: For a lighter version, skip the extra oil and use only the lime juice.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, dividing the stir-fry into 4 portions. Garnish with additional basil leaves if desired, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish. Tip: The dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the noodles can become sticky if left to sit.