This Easy Thai Spicy Basil Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy shrimp are cooked with fresh basil, garlic, and a bit of heat from chili, all in a delicious sauce that packs a punch!
Cooking this dish makes me feel like a chef! It’s so simple that I often whip it up on busy nights. Just serve it over rice, and you’re ready for a flavorful meal! 🍚🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp are perfect for this recipe, as they cook quickly and have a nice texture. If you can’t find medium shrimp, feel free to use large ones, just cook them a bit longer. For a twist, you can also use firm tofu for a vegetarian option!
Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies: These small chilies pack a lot of heat! Depending on your spice tolerance, you can use fewer chilies or substitute with jalapeños for a milder flavor. If you want heat but can’t find fresh chilies, red pepper flakes work well, too.
Fresh Thai Basil: Thai basil gives this dish its distinct flavor. If you can’t find it, sweet basil is a fine substitute. You can even mix in some mint leaves for a refreshing taste!
Sauces: The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce provides a rich umami flavor. If you need a vegetarian substitute, use soy sauce and mushroom sauce instead of fish and oyster sauces. Coconut aminos can also be a good alternative!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but it’s all about timing. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Heat your pan before adding oil. A hot pan ensures a good sear and keeps the shrimp tender.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes; overcooking can make them rubbery.
- If you’re unsure, check if they curl into a nice ‘C’ shape. If they form an ‘O’, they might be overcooked.
- Remove the pan from the heat as soon as they are cooked to prevent carryover cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time! Enjoy making your Easy Thai Spicy Basil Shrimp!
Easy Thai Spicy Basil Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil as a substitute)
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Time Needed:
This Easy Thai Spicy Basil Shrimp recipe will take approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic and slice the chilies, bell pepper, and onion if you’re using them. Have everything ready to go; this will make cooking much easier!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that your ingredients will sizzle when they hit the pan.
3. Add Garlic and Chilies:
Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink. This means they’re cooking nicely!
5. Add Vegetables:
If you’re including the bell pepper and onion, add them now. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
6. Add the Sauces:
Now it’s time to stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything in the pan to make sure the shrimp and veggies are well-coated in the delicious sauce!
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue to cook for another minute so the sauce can thicken slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked. Check that the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
8. Add Basil and Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves until they just wilt. Spoon the spicy basil shrimp over cooked jasmine rice and enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful and spicy Thai basil shrimp! It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week! 🌶️🍤
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.
What if I Can’t Find Thai Basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil makes a great substitute. While it has a slightly different flavor, it will still pair nicely with the other ingredients. You can also mix in fresh mint for a flavorful twist!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! To control the heat, simply reduce the number of Thai bird’s eye chilies you use. If you prefer a milder dish, start with just one or two chilies and taste the dish as you go. You can always add more if you want extra spice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the shrimp gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
These FAQs should help you out as you prepare and enjoy your Easy Thai Spicy Basil Shrimp!
