This aromatic Thai-inspired dish combines succulent shrimp with fragrant Thai basil in a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 cloves garlic, minced 2-3 Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to taste) 1 red bell pepper, sliced 2 cups Thai basil leaves, loosely packed 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce: 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Start by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and Thai chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Add the shrimp to the pan, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until they start turning pink.
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another minute until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir until they just begin to wilt, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat immediately to preserve the basil's fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute.
Chef's Tips:
- If Thai basil is unavailable, regular Italian basil can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure better browning.
- Don't overcook the shrimp – they should be just opaque when done.
- For extra color and crunch, consider adding sliced onions or snap peas.
The key to this dish's success lies in its timing. The quick cooking preserves the shrimp's tenderness while allowing the Thai basil to release its distinctive flavor without becoming bitter. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 245 Protein: 28g Carbohydrates: 8g Fat: 12g Sodium: 890mg
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though this dish is best enjoyed fresh when the basil is at its peak flavor and the shrimp maintain their perfect texture.
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