Spicy Thai Basil Shrimp

$- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1-2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to heat preference) - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 2 teaspoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving The shrimp is the star of this dish. It offers a sweet and tender bite. Use large shrimp for the best results. Fresh shrimp enhances the flavor. Vegetables add color and crunch. The bell pepper gives a nice sweetness. Green beans bring a fresh taste to each bite. Together, they provide a great balance. The sauces are crucial. Soy sauce gives saltiness. Fish sauce adds depth. Brown sugar balances the flavors. Sesame oil brings a nutty note that ties everything together. - Variations on heat levels - Additional toppings Adjust the heat by using more or fewer chilies. You can also use different types of chilies. For a milder dish, consider removing the seeds. Toppings can elevate the meal. Try crushed peanuts for crunch. Fresh lime juice adds brightness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a lovely finish. - Skillet or wok - Mixing bowl A large skillet or wok is best for this recipe. It allows for even cooking and easy tossing. A mixing bowl is handy for blending the sauce. It keeps things organized and efficient. With these ingredients and tools, you set yourself up for success. The mix of shrimp, vegetables, and sauces creates a dish full of flavor. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Cleaning and preparing the shrimp Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. This helps remove any dirt. Next, peel and devein them if not done already. You want them clean for the best taste. Slicing vegetables Use a sharp knife to slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Trim the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Slice the red chilies, adjusting the heat to your liking. Keep everything ready for cooking. Heating the oil and sautéing aromatics Take a large skillet or wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 4 minced garlic cloves and the sliced red chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds. The smell will be amazing! Adding shrimp and vegetables Now, add the prepared shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and curls. Next, toss in the sliced bell pepper and green beans. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the veggies to stay tender-crisp. Mixing the sauce In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the shrimp and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Incorporating Thai basil Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. They will wilt quickly and add great flavor. Serving suggestions Serve the spicy Thai basil shrimp over hot jasmine rice. This dish is colorful and packed with flavor. Enjoy every bite of this quick and easy dinner! - Achieving the perfect shrimp texture: To get tender shrimp, do not overcook them. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. They should curl slightly, but not get rubbery. - Controlling the heat level: Adjust the heat by changing the number of red chilies. Use one chili for mild. Use two for a spicy kick. You can remove seeds to lower heat, too. - Adding more spices: If you love spice, add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne. This gives your dish an extra punch. - Tips for a balanced sauce: Mix soy sauce and fish sauce in equal parts. The brown sugar adds sweetness, which balances the salty flavors. Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan. - Pairing with side dishes: Serve spicy Thai basil shrimp over jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. You can also add a side of stir-fried veggies for color and crunch. - Presentation ideas: Use a large plate for serving. Place shrimp in the center. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of red chilies or remove the seeds before adding them. Freshness Counts: Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same aromatic quality. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which takes only a few minutes. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for added color and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want to try chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it until golden. For a vegan take, replace shrimp with tempeh or seitan. Both options soak up flavors well and keep the meal hearty. Feel free to add more vegetables to your stir fry. Carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms can enhance the dish. They add nice colors and textures. You can also try different herbs. If you can't find Thai basil, use regular basil or cilantro. Each herb gives a unique twist to the flavor. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you like mild dishes, use fewer red chilies. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies to cut down on heat. For those who love spice, add more chilies or try Thai bird's eye chilies. These little guys pack a punch! You can also use chili paste or sauce for a different kick. To keep your spicy Thai basil shrimp fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps to keep the shrimp from drying out. You can safely store it for up to three days. If you’re making a big batch, make sure to divide it into smaller portions. This will make it easier to heat later. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently. The best way is on the stove. Place the shrimp in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. You can freeze your cooked spicy Thai basil shrimp for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will last for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove as mentioned above. This way, you maintain its flavor and texture. You can serve this dish with cooked jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce well. It balances the spice and adds a nice texture. For sides, consider stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad. These add freshness and crunch. You can also try spring rolls for a fun appetizer. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This quick thaw keeps them firm and tasty. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly. If you skip this step, they may get watery and lose flavor. To adjust the heat, simply reduce the number of chilies. Start with just one chili and taste. You can add more if needed. If you want to avoid fresh chilies, use red pepper flakes or mild chili paste. These options give flavor without a lot of heat. This blog covers making Spicy Thai Basil Shrimp with fresh shrimp and vibrant veggies. We explored essential tips for cooking perfectly tender shrimp and balancing flavors. You learned about customizing the recipe to fit your taste, whether you prefer it mild or spicy. In conclusion, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt. You'll impress everyone with your cooking skills and a burst of flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor your delicious creation!$

A flavorful and spicy shrimp dish with fresh Thai basil and vegetables, served over jasmine rice.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 red chilies, sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
for serving cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and red chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and start to curl.
Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and green beans. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is coated.
Remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt.
Serve the spicy Thai basil shrimp over hot jasmine rice.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference.

Keyword quick meal, seafood, shrimp, spicy, Thai basil