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Spicy Thai Basil Shrimp Stir Fry

spicy Thai basil shrimp stir fry - featured image

This quick and easy Thai basil shrimp stir fry is packed with bold, spicy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to impress with its vibrant aroma and punchy taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup packed Thai basil leaves (about 20g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 red Thai chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small shallot or red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (vegetarian oyster sauce optional)
  • 2 tsp sugar (palm or white sugar)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
  • Optional: 1 cup sliced red bell pepper, green beans, or snap peas
  • Jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with a kitchen towel and set aside. Mince the garlic, slice the chilies and shallot, pick the basil leaves, and prep any optional veggies. Measure sauces.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1 minute per side, until just pink. Remove to a plate.
  4. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add garlic, chilies, and shallot. Stir constantly until fragrant and slightly softened, about 1 minute.
  5. If using, add optional veggies and stir fry for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together over high heat for about 1 minute, until shrimp are coated and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and immediately add Thai basil leaves. Stir just until wilted.
  8. Serve hot over jasmine rice. Garnish with extra basil and chili slices if desired.

Notes

Prep all ingredients before cooking for best results. For less spice, use fewer chilies or remove seeds. Substitute tofu or chicken for shrimp if desired. Add a splash of water or chicken stock for more sauce. Always add basil off the heat for maximum aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil shrimp, stir fry, spicy shrimp, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Thai recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, seafood stir fry