Craving a quick, flavorful, and authentic Thai dish? Look no further than this easy stir-fried shrimp with basil recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with the fragrant aroma of fresh basil and the sweet, savory taste of perfectly cooked shrimp. It's a fantastic weeknight meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Using readily available ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes, impressing yourself and your guests with minimal effort. The perfectly balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will leave you wanting more.
This recipe delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes, from the tender shrimp to the crisp-tender vegetables and fragrant basil. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe focuses on simplicity and speed without compromising on flavor. Ready to dive in and create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Knife
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Shrimp and Spices
- Cut deep along the back to remove the black vein. Wash and set aside.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound white peppercorns, red chili peppers (optional), garlic, and shrimp paste until finely crushed.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Shrimp
- Add oil to a heated pan.
- Add the pounded spice mixture to the pan and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry over high heat until cooked.
- Add the water used to rinse the mortar to the pan.
- Add white soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar; stir-fry until well combined.
Step 3. Add Basil and Finish
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry over high heat until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Dish out the stir-fried shrimp with basil and serve immediately.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- For easier cooking, cut deep into the shrimp's back.
- Use low heat when stir-frying the spices to prevent burning.
- Use high heat when stir-frying the shrimp to cook it quickly and prevent overcooking.
- Add the basil at the end to keep it from getting too dark.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they brown properly.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Feel free to substitute! For example, you can replace fish sauce with soy sauce (though the flavor will be slightly different) or use different vegetables based on your preference and availability.
This simple Stir-Fried Shrimp with Basil recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and authentic Thai food doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this quick and easy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Now go ahead and impress your friends and family with your newfound Thai cooking skills!