Skip to main content
Epicurious

Shrimp and Basil Stir-Fry

4.9

(29)

A serving dish filled with glazed shrimp and crispy basil leaves set on a composite surface.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li

There’s so much more you can do with your farmers’ market basil than making pesto! Just toss a bunch in a hot pan as the finishing touch for charred shrimp that’s been flavored with a spicy, garlicky marinade, resulting in a fuss-free summertime dinner.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

3 Fresno chiles, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. fish sauce
1 tsp. kosher salt
4 Tbsp. vegetable or grapeseed oil, divided
1 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined
2 cups basil leaves (about 1 bunch)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Blend chiles, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, salt, and 3 Tbsp. oil in a blender until smooth. Transfer marinade to a medium bowl; add shrimp and toss to coat. Let sit 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan, transfer shrimp to skillet, leaving marinade behind, and cook until deeply browned around the edges and flesh is opaque, about 1 minute per side. Remove pan from heat and add basil; toss vigorously until basil is wilted.

    Step 3

    Transfer shrimp mixture to plates. Serve with rice and lime wedges alongside.

TagsStir-FryShrimpShellfishSeafoodBasilHerbs & SpicesFresno ChileChileVegetableMainStarterDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeQuickEasyWeeknight MealsFryBlenderSummerBon Appétit

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Microwaved Tofu With Butter and Soy Sauce
This custardy and comforting tofu comes together in minutes, all thanks to your microwave. Serve with rice or bread for an easy meal.
Gambas al Ajillo
This speedy Spanish dish of shrimp cooked in olive oil and garlic can be a main or appetizer. It all depends on how you dress it up.
Spicy Honey Orange Shrimp (Xiang La Fengmi Xia)
A satisfying weeknight dinner from Tiffy Chen. Serve with rice or noodles.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Hugo Spritz
With elderflower liqueur, mint, and prosecco, the effervescent Hugo spritz cocktail is a hit year round, but particularly on warm nights.
Extra-Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
Do you need heavy cream to make fettuccine Alfredo? Debatable. Will it be delicious? Undeniable.
Melted Anchovy Toast
Among the easiest appetizers ever.
Cà Ri Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Curry)
Serve with crusty bread to dip in the golden sauce.